Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Strategic Thinking in the Information Age
Module Code	MT542
School	DCUBS
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Vikas Kumar Semester 2: Vikas Kumar Autumn: Vikas Kumar
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The module introduces students to the key strategic issues facing management in highly dynamic industries. The purpose is to provide students with skills, concepts, frameworks, and experiences that are useful for developing in the student the capacity to think strategically and take part in the management of strategy within major market segments and organisations in the information and communications technology industry. Students are expected to attend lectures, contribute to seminars and workshops, and to engage in applied learning activities on a regular basis.

Learning Outcomes

1. Synthesise theory and practice to assess the efficacy of strategic models and frameworks
2. Integrate specialist knowledge, theory and practice into a strategic and dynamic overview of the organisation in its environmental context.
3. Critically evaluate alternative strategies and apply the strategic process to a range of organisations and industries.
4. Develop and defend coherent and persuasive arguments for the adoption of innovative strategies for a range of business and organisational situations.
5. Provide conclusive evidence of knowledge and competence of emerging Information Age business models.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	22	A formal lecture which typically presents the essential ideas, core concepts, and structures for each topic and which points students towards resources where they can get further information. Students are expected to prepare for each lecture by, for example, reading materials suggested by the lecturer and then take part actively in class discussions.
Independent learning	22	Students are expected to study the recommended textbooks and journal articles, and are expected to read further around the topics in each class. Such private study will include preparation for specific classes and other study related to assignments or to consolidate the material from lectures
Assignment	15	An individual written report on a topic identified by the lecturer
Assignment	12	Individual short-answer questions on cases
Assignment	10	Group preparation and presentation of a case for discussion in the class
Assignment	15	Individual applied tasks assigned by the lecturer to provide conclusive evidence of knowledge and competence in emerging Information Age business models
Assignment	20	Preparation of an individual reflective journal following up on the topics and concepts covered in class with independent reading, research, and reflection.
Assignment	10	Individual Portfolio: Preparation of a portfolio including each assignment and presentation prepared for the module, as well as the student’s own reflection so as to provide conclusive evidence of achievement of the module learning outcomes, and reflecting the student's understanding of the key themes of the module
Total Workload: 126

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Lecturers and seminars will be delivered on.
Introduction to Strategic Thinking in the Information Age.

Corporate strategy frameworks.
Corporate environmental scan.

Corporate internal scrutiny.
Business level strategy.

Innovation strategy.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Portfolio	Each student shall submit a soft and hard copy of a portfolio which provides evidence of the achievement of the modules learning outcomes and reflects the students understanding of the modules key themes.	7%	Sem 2 End
Report (s) (written / oral)	Students will be required to submit a written report on a related topic identified by the lecturer.	30%	Sem 2 End
Reflective journal	Students are required to reflect on their learning activities and record these reflections in an online journal.	7%	Sem 2 End
Performance evaluation	Since much of managerial work involves sharing ideas and group problem solving, your class attendance and participation will be considered an integral part of the course. Reflecting this importance, a proportion of marks will be allocated to attendance and participation.	6%	Sem 2 End
Presentation	Each student will be expected to present at least once to the remainder of the class within a group.	8%	Sem 2 End
Short answer questions	Individual students will submit a one-page individual case analysis answering specific questions on case studies provided. Individuals should be prepared to discuss and answer questions on the assigned case.	12%	Sem 2 End
Oral presentations	This module has a substantial emphasis on learning by doing. Individuals will be expected to complete specified applied tasks during the semester to provide conclusive evidence of knowledge and competence of emerging Information Age business models.	30%	Sem 2 End

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List