Strategy and Transformation

Final Report Students will write a final report of approximately 3,000 words (+/- 10%).
The final report varies tremendously both in terms of the methods used and the intended outcomes. A summative essay on a given topic set out by the course leader. This may be related to a specific sector.
Selecting a final report topic Selecting a report target that will develop the capabilities you feel are important
Choosing one that also meets the subject requirements
Meeting the expectations of any industrial organisations
Being able to manage the final report in terms of time, obtaining access and producing a quality result
Designing the final report An outline of the problem or research question to be investigated
Reasons why this as a valuable undertaking
What data are needed and how they will be collected
Timelines for involvement with the organisation and project completion
Trying to achieve Factual: the factual or informative report is expected to define or establish a current business situation
Instructional: the report is supposed to explore a situation and suggest a range of options for further research plan
Persuasive: the report is supposed to investigate a problem and suggest a specific outcome
It is recommended that researching/reading for a particular topic should begin with relevant sources detailed under the relevant lecture topic.
The final essay topics- you should choose one of them with relevant strategic theory(ies)
1. What is the relationship between diversification and firm performance? Critically discuss with GE in US and Tata in India cases. 2. Is the evolution of industry structure from an emerging industry to a mature industry to a declining industry inevitable? Why or why not? Build your own view with relevant cases. 3. What are some indicators that a firm is engaging in a global strategy to develop new resources and capabilities? Cased on pharmaceutical industry. 4. Firms engage in an activity called forward pricing when they establish, during the early stages of the learning-curve, a price for their products that is lower than their actual costs, in anticipation of lower costs later on, after significant learning has occurred. Under what conditions, if any, does forward pricing make sense? What risks, if any, do firms engaging in forward pricing face?