GSZ560 Advanced Strategy for Global Business
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | GSZ560 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | GSZ405 or GSN405 |
| Equivalent(s): | GSN560 |
| Credit points: | 6 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $3,516 |
| International unit fee | $3,420 |
Unit Outline: Flexible Period - A 2024, Gardens Point, Internal (Start Date: 01 Jun 2024)
| Unit code: | GSZ560 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 6 |
| Pre-requisite: | GSZ405 or GSN405 |
| Equivalent: | GSN560 |
| Coordinator: | Kevin Desouza | kevin.desouza@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Business leaders today need to be multi-disciplinary strategic thinkers, who have foresight and an ability to take a big-picture, long term view of an organisation. Additionally, the ability to make decisions, often with incomplete information, and to determine appropriate strategic responses to a complex, global business problems and opportunities is a key determinant of positive business outcomes.
The aim of this unit is to enable students to develop a sophisticated knowledge and application of strategic analysis techniques and approaches, including the dynamics of stakeholder dependencies, the nature of complex and ambiguous problems, an understanding of the pivotal role of data and information in the strategy process and the limitations of theoretical models.
This unit has been positioned in the latter part of the program building upon the learning in GSZ405 Strategic Management and complements the other units in the Leadership and Strategy elective pathway.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Evaluate theoretical frameworks and models and identify their limitations in the context of complex strategic decision making. HO 2.1, PC 3.1
- Critically analyse a strategic organisational problem from multiple perspectives and in a global business context and provide actionable recommendations. HO 2.1, HO 2.2
- Collaboratively apply advanced integrated discipline and practical knowledge to analyse the global business context to identify the wide range of driving forces impacting strategy development in response to complex and ambiguous problems in dynamic environments. KS 1.1, HO 2.1
- Apply appropriate strategic frameworks and decision making approaches to develop strategic options. KS 1.1, KS 1.2, HO 2.2
Content
Five key topic areas will be undertaken and discussed in light of private, public and not-for-profit contexts.
- Scenario Thinking
- Non-market, socially responsible and sustainable strategies
- Global Strategy
- Internationalisation
- Complex Strategic decision making
The importance of acknowledging diversity and the different perspectives emerging from different cultural, political and geographical perspectives as a key element of determining appropriate strategic responses is embedded throughout each content area and your assessment tasks.
Course Learning Outcomes (Postgraduate - Executive)
The Graduate School of Business has established the Assurance of Learning (AoL) Goals to meet contemporary industry needs and standards. Achieving these learning outcomes will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT - aligned with other internationally renowned business schools. Students will develop the following capabilities relevant to a contemporary global and sustainable business environment:
Knowledge and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced theoretical and practical knowledge (including systems thinking approaches, multidisciplinary frameworks and knowledge of research principles and methods) that incorporate recent development in business disciplines and professional practice.
1.2 Apply advanced technical and technological knowledge and skills to critically reflect on, evaluate and contribute to developments that enhance innovative, sustainable and effective business performance in local, national and global business environments.
Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Provide evidence of effective analysis, interpretation, evaluation and synthesis of complex data, theories, ideas, issues and situations and demonstrate knowledge of how research and inquiry can be used to interpret, contribute to and create theoretical and practical knowledge.
2.2 Provide evidence of higher order thinking including creativity, judgement, cognitive flexibility and critical reflection in designing, planning and implementing strategies and solutions for effective performance in complex business environments.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Demonstrate advanced use of language and argumentation in written communication, including digital communication, to frame strategic and influential responses to engage, persuade, negotiate, collaborate and lead in diverse and complex contexts and for diverse audiences.
3.2 Demonstrate advanced use of language and argumentation in oral communication, including digital communication, to frame strategic and influential responses to engage, persuade, negotiate, collaborate and lead across diverse and complex contexts and for diverse audiences.
Self and Leadership (SL)
4.1 Demonstrate adaptive personal leadership and accountability, including self-awareness, reflective practice and foresight in adapting and applying knowledge and skills to inform and influence effective and innovative practice.
4.2 Lead, manage and foster the development of collaborative teams that value and leverage the diverse knowledge and skills of others to contribute to the development of robust, adaptable and sustainable courses of action.
Social, Ethical and Cultural Understanding (SEC)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business, to contribute to responsible organisational governance and citizenship in local, national and global business environments.
5.2 Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate, interpret and critically reflect on, appropriate culturally and socially inclusive and responsible decisions and actions across diverse social and cultural contexts.
Learning Approaches
This unit adopts a blended learning approach and as such, includes a variety of teaching and learning approaches.
Three hour face-to-face class sessions are supplemented by a range of online materials that are designed to support and extend learning prior to, during and after class sessions. Online materials are available in the unit Canvas site. Given the importance of the unit Canvas site to the teaching and learning strategy used in this unit, a computer or tablet device with internet access is strongly recommended for all students.
The principal purpose of the lectures and readings is to build upon the key concepts that were introduced through the Preparation for Class activities and readings. The purpose of the case study work, experiential learning tasks and all assessment tasks is to help the student develop her/his understanding of the concepts and enable them to be applied within a range of business contexts.
There is an expectation that the student will participate in class sessions, to take advantage of the opportunity to work with and discuss important issues with their peers and to engage the lecturer in an informal environment. These sessions also provide students with an opportunity to hone important generic skills that are in high demand in the business.
It is expected that students have completed all Preparation for Class activities and readings identified in the unit Canvas site prior to coming to class to be able to maximise the learning opportunities of the class sessions.
A variety of learning activities designed to engage students in their learning will be incorporated into the lectures/workshops. Such learning activities may include short lectures, class discussions, debates, role plays, group work, guest speakers, student presentations, simulations, case study analysis, videos, readings, wikis, media/current events reports, web searches, etc.
There is a commitment to critical inquiry and intellectual debate in regard to the material covered. Students are encouraged to relate the theories and research discussed to situations known to them and will be encouraged to share their experiences related to the topics explored in this unit with the class to enrich the overall learning experience of all students.
Expanding the awareness of Australian management policies and practices into intercultural and international perspectives is fostered within this unit. Typically, students enrolling in this unit have extremely varied backgrounds. There is diversity of professional and socio-cultural backgrounds. Students are reminded that this is to their advantage and they have much to learn from one another. To this end, students are strongly encouraged to be sensitive to cultural, gender-related and international issues.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive a variety of formative feedback throughout this unit.
Informally, feedback will be given verbally in class through class discussions and during the debriefing of learning activities.
Direct feedback will be available to those students who request a private or group consultation session with the lecturer.
Formal feedback will be received on both formative and summative assessment tasks through a Criterion Reference Assessment sheet that will also include written feedback on the assessment task. The Criterion Reference Assessment Sheet will be available in the Canvas unit site at the commencement of the unit. Students will receive feedback on their formative assessment task prior to their summative assessment task being submitted.
Assessment
Overview
A further Guide to the Assessment Items is available from the unit Canvas site.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Written Report
Scenario Thinking Case Analysis
Working in small teams, you will be presented with a case study relating to a global business organisation. Your team, drawing on the learning in modules 1 - 3, will need to critically analyse the business environment in which to explore strategic options for the organisation, to assess both market and non-market factors that will impact on decision-making, and prepare a brief report giving an overview of the range of possible and plausible future business environmentsw for your allocated country.
Formative/Summative: Formative and Summative
Postgraduate Executive (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), SL (4.2)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Written Report
Reflection on a Complex Real-World Workplace Strategic Problem
You are required to build on the scenarios identified by your group in Assessment 1 to identify a set of strategic decisions for a nominated organisation. You are required to present a series of strategic options including actionable recommendations in response to the issues raised by your scenario analysis.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Postgraduate Executive (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2), PC (3.1)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Wright, G. and Cairns, G. (2011) Scenario Thinking: Practical approaches to the future, Palgrave Macmillan.
Other
GSZ560 Canvas site
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate Executive)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Written Report, Written Report
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Written Report
KS (1.1): Advanced Discipline and Professional Practice Knowledge
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Written Report, Written Report
KS (1.2): Advanced Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO4, Written Report
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO1, Written Report, Written Report
SL (4.2): Leading and Developing Teams
Relates to: Written Report
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.GS50 Executive Master of Business Administration
- Demonstrate, apply and integrate contemporary, advanced multidisciplinary knowledge, business practices, and research principles underpinned by a systems thinking framework to respond to global, complex real-world challenges.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Written Report, Written Report - Apply current and emerging technologies and technology skills to contribute to innovative, sustainable and effective business performance solutions to address global complex business challenges and opportunities.
Relates to: ULO4, Written Report - Critically analyse, interpret, evaluate and synthesise complex data, research, theoretical knowledge, ideas and situations to lead and support decision-making in global complex business environments.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Written Report, Written Report - Demonstrate holistic thinking, creativity, problem solving and critical reflection to design, plan and implement strategies and solutions for strategic leadership in global complex business environments.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Written Report - Demonstrate advanced professional written communication skills in a variety of genres to clearly communicate strategic and complex thinking, engage, persuade, influence and lead diverse stakeholders in a range of contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, Written Report, Written Report - Apply advanced knowledge and skills to lead and foster innovative teams using approaches that value and leverage diversity to maximise team and organisational performance.
Relates to: Written Report
Unit Outline: Flexible Period - AB 2024, Online (Start Date: 29 May 2024)
| Unit code: | GSZ560 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 6 |
| Pre-requisite: | GSZ405 or GSN405 |
| Equivalent: | GSN560 |
Overview
Business leaders today need to be multi-disciplinary strategic thinkers, who have foresight and an ability to take a big-picture, long term view of an organisation. Additionally, the ability to make decisions, often with incomplete information, and to determine appropriate strategic responses to a complex, global business problems and opportunities is a key determinant of positive business outcomes.
The aim of this unit is to enable students to develop a sophisticated knowledge and application of strategic analysis techniques and approaches, including the dynamics of stakeholder dependencies, the nature of complex and ambiguous problems, an understanding of the pivotal role of data and information in the strategy process and the limitations of theoretical models.
This unit has been positioned in the latter part of the program building upon the learning in GSZ405 Strategic Management and complements the other units in the Leadership and Strategy elective pathway.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Evaluate theoretical frameworks and models and identify their limitations in the context of complex strategic decision making. HO 2.1, PC 3.1
- Critically analyse a strategic organisational problem from multiple perspectives and in a global business context and provide actionable recommendations. HO 2.1, HO 2.2
- Collaboratively apply advanced integrated discipline and practical knowledge to analyse the global business context to identify the wide range of driving forces impacting strategy development in response to complex and ambiguous problems in dynamic environments. KS 1.1, HO 2.1
- Apply appropriate strategic frameworks and decision making approaches to develop strategic options. KS 1.1, KS 1.2, HO 2.2
Content
Five key topic areas will be undertaken and discussed in light of private, public and not-for-profit contexts.
- Scenario Thinking
- Non-market, socially responsible and sustainable strategies
- Global Strategy
- Internationalisation
- Complex Strategic decision making
The importance of acknowledging diversity and the different perspectives emerging from different cultural, political and geographical perspectives as a key element of determining appropriate strategic responses is embedded throughout each content area and your assessment tasks.
Course Learning Outcomes (Postgraduate - Executive)
The Graduate School of Business has established the Assurance of Learning (AoL) Goals to meet contemporary industry needs and standards. Achieving these learning outcomes will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT - aligned with other internationally renowned business schools. Students will develop the following capabilities relevant to a contemporary global and sustainable business environment:
Knowledge and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced theoretical and practical knowledge (including systems thinking approaches, multidisciplinary frameworks and knowledge of research principles and methods) that incorporate recent development in business disciplines and professional practice.
1.2 Apply advanced technical and technological knowledge and skills to critically reflect on, evaluate and contribute to developments that enhance innovative, sustainable and effective business performance in local, national and global business environments.
Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Provide evidence of effective analysis, interpretation, evaluation and synthesis of complex data, theories, ideas, issues and situations and demonstrate knowledge of how research and inquiry can be used to interpret, contribute to and create theoretical and practical knowledge.
2.2 Provide evidence of higher order thinking including creativity, judgement, cognitive flexibility and critical reflection in designing, planning and implementing strategies and solutions for effective performance in complex business environments.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Demonstrate advanced use of language and argumentation in written communication, including digital communication, to frame strategic and influential responses to engage, persuade, negotiate, collaborate and lead in diverse and complex contexts and for diverse audiences.
3.2 Demonstrate advanced use of language and argumentation in oral communication, including digital communication, to frame strategic and influential responses to engage, persuade, negotiate, collaborate and lead across diverse and complex contexts and for diverse audiences.
Self and Leadership (SL)
4.1 Demonstrate adaptive personal leadership and accountability, including self-awareness, reflective practice and foresight in adapting and applying knowledge and skills to inform and influence effective and innovative practice.
4.2 Lead, manage and foster the development of collaborative teams that value and leverage the diverse knowledge and skills of others to contribute to the development of robust, adaptable and sustainable courses of action.
Social, Ethical and Cultural Understanding (SEC)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business, to contribute to responsible organisational governance and citizenship in local, national and global business environments.
5.2 Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate, interpret and critically reflect on, appropriate culturally and socially inclusive and responsible decisions and actions across diverse social and cultural contexts.
Learning Approaches
This unit adopts a blended learning approach and as such, includes a variety of teaching and learning approaches.
Three hour face-to-face class sessions are supplemented by a range of online materials that are designed to support and extend learning prior to, during and after class sessions. Online materials are available in the unit Canvas site. Given the importance of the unit Canvas site to the teaching and learning strategy used in this unit, a computer or tablet device with internet access is strongly recommended for all students.
The principal purpose of the lectures and readings is to build upon the key concepts that were introduced through the Preparation for Class activities and readings. The purpose of the case study work, experiential learning tasks and all assessment tasks is to help the student develop her/his understanding of the concepts and enable them to be applied within a range of business contexts.
There is an expectation that the student will participate in class sessions, to take advantage of the opportunity to work with and discuss important issues with their peers and to engage the lecturer in an informal environment. These sessions also provide students with an opportunity to hone important generic skills that are in high demand in the business.
It is expected that students have completed all Preparation for Class activities and readings identified in the unit Canvas site prior to coming to class to be able to maximise the learning opportunities of the class sessions.
A variety of learning activities designed to engage students in their learning will be incorporated into the lectures/workshops. Such learning activities may include short lectures, class discussions, debates, role plays, group work, guest speakers, student presentations, simulations, case study analysis, videos, readings, wikis, media/current events reports, web searches, etc.
There is a commitment to critical inquiry and intellectual debate in regard to the material covered. Students are encouraged to relate the theories and research discussed to situations known to them and will be encouraged to share their experiences related to the topics explored in this unit with the class to enrich the overall learning experience of all students.
Expanding the awareness of Australian management policies and practices into intercultural and international perspectives is fostered within this unit. Typically, students enrolling in this unit have extremely varied backgrounds. There is diversity of professional and socio-cultural backgrounds. Students are reminded that this is to their advantage and they have much to learn from one another. To this end, students are strongly encouraged to be sensitive to cultural, gender-related and international issues.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive a variety of formative feedback throughout this unit.
Informally, feedback will be given verbally in class through class discussions and during the debriefing of learning activities.
Direct feedback will be available to those students who request a private or group consultation session with the lecturer.
Formal feedback will be received on both formative and summative assessment tasks through a Criterion Reference Assessment sheet that will also include written feedback on the assessment task. The Criterion Reference Assessment Sheet will be available in the Canvas unit site at the commencement of the unit. Students will receive feedback on their formative assessment task prior to their summative assessment task being submitted.
Assessment
Overview
A further Guide to the Assessment Items is available from the unit Canvas site.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Written Report
Scenario Thinking Case Analysis
Working in small teams, you will be presented with a case study relating to a global business organisation. Your team, drawing on the learning in modules 1 - 3, will need to critically analyse the business environment in which to explore strategic options for the organisation, to assess both market and non-market factors that will impact on decision-making, and prepare a brief report giving an overview of the range of possible and plausible future business environmentsw for your allocated country.
Formative/Summative: Formative and Summative
Postgraduate Executive (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), SL (4.2)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Written Report
Reflection on a Complex Real-World Workplace Strategic Problem
You are required to build on the scenarios identified by your group in Assessment 1 to identify a set of strategic decisions for a nominated organisation. You are required to present a series of strategic options including actionable recommendations in response to the issues raised by your scenario analysis.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Postgraduate Executive (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2), PC (3.1)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Wright, G. and Cairns, G. (2011) Scenario Thinking: Practical approaches to the future, Palgrave Macmillan.
Other
GSZ560 Canvas site
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate Executive)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Written Report, Written Report
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Written Report
KS (1.1): Advanced Discipline and Professional Practice Knowledge
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Written Report, Written Report
KS (1.2): Advanced Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO4, Written Report
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO1, Written Report, Written Report
SL (4.2): Leading and Developing Teams
Relates to: Written Report
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.GS50 Executive Master of Business Administration
- Demonstrate, apply and integrate contemporary, advanced multidisciplinary knowledge, business practices, and research principles underpinned by a systems thinking framework to respond to global, complex real-world challenges.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Written Report, Written Report - Apply current and emerging technologies and technology skills to contribute to innovative, sustainable and effective business performance solutions to address global complex business challenges and opportunities.
Relates to: ULO4, Written Report - Critically analyse, interpret, evaluate and synthesise complex data, research, theoretical knowledge, ideas and situations to lead and support decision-making in global complex business environments.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Written Report, Written Report - Demonstrate holistic thinking, creativity, problem solving and critical reflection to design, plan and implement strategies and solutions for strategic leadership in global complex business environments.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Written Report - Demonstrate advanced professional written communication skills in a variety of genres to clearly communicate strategic and complex thinking, engage, persuade, influence and lead diverse stakeholders in a range of contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, Written Report, Written Report - Apply advanced knowledge and skills to lead and foster innovative teams using approaches that value and leverage diversity to maximise team and organisational performance.
Relates to: Written Report