International Business Strategy LON301BUS The Strategic Environment Unit: 3 Knowledgecast: 1

Communicate an in-depth understanding of the complexity of the environment and its applications on decision-making process Assess current developments in the organisational environment and alternative responses related to strategy Demonstrate the ability to construct and present quantitative and qualitative data effectively by the application of IT skills and methodological techniques Module Learning Outcomes

The Internal Business Environment Layers of the business environment The organisation Competitors (or market) Industry (or sector) The macro environment

SWOT Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats

SWOT in Action! Image Copyright ink/nylink

Value Chain Analysis Image Copyright files/2825c320f5910a Primary Activities Support Activities

Defining Value

Communicate an in-depth understanding of the complexity of the environment and its applications on decision-making process  If different management functions, such as marketing and finance were to undertake the analysis using the same tool would the ‘output’ differ? What are the implications of this? Assess current developments in the organisational environment and alternative responses related to strategy  How valuable are tools such as SWOT or Value Chain Analysis to businesses? Demonstrate the ability to construct and present quantitative and qualitative data effectively by the application of IT skills and methodological techniques  Tools such as these can be used to analyse and present both quantitative and qualitative data. Knowledgecast Summary

Environmental Audit – Part One Carry out an analysis of the internal business environment of your case study organisation using one of the tools/methods covered in this unit. Bring your preparatory research to the seminar. On the whiteboard your tutor will ‘populate’ the tool/method chosen drawing on your research. Seminar

Environmental Audit – Part Two Assessment Preparation – Research You have an opportunity to use this time to continue to gather information regarding the business environment of your case study organisation, which will be invaluable in preparing you for the first assignment. Assessment Preparation – Presentation Design You will also have an opportunity to use this time to design your presentation regarding the business environment of your case study organisation, which will be invaluable in preparing you for the first assessment. Ensure each member of the group understands and accepts their role and responsibilities. Group Activity