Module manager: Dr Miljan Mikic
Email: m.mikic@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 May to 30 Jun (2mth)(adv yr), 1 May to 30 June, 1 Nov to 31 Dec, 1 Nov to 31 Dec (2mth)(adv yr) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Students are required to meet the programme entry requirements prior to studying the module.
N/A
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module provides an introduction to strategic thinking and business strategy in Engineering businesses and organisations. Students will learn how Engineering organisations interpret and engage with their stakeholders and environments, develop unique capabilities, implement strategic change and set up and maintain strategic alliances in order to achieve competitive advantage. In the module, key strategic management concerns are also considered through the lenses of sustainability, social responsibility and ethics.
This module introduces students to the key concepts, analytical frameworks and models used for strategic planning in the Engineering sector. It helps them to develop a critical understanding of the strategy formulation and implementation process. It highlights the central importance of developing organisations’ resources and unique capabilities, and provides students with an insight into the issues arising from handling strategic change. It also helps to promote students’ awareness of the ethical and sustainability aspects pertinent to the subject area. Case studies from various fields of engineering are presented and evaluated.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Critically appraise the differing and often conflicting theories, approaches and views reflecting the richness of debate within the field of business strategy;
2. Develop a critical evaluation of the process of developing and implementing strategy in an Engineering business or organisation;
3. Apply key concepts, analytical tools and theories, appreciating the integrative role of strategic management in the Engineering sector;
4. Critically examine the sustainability and ethical considerations relevant to various aspects of business strategy.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes which cover all areas:
1. Commercial Awareness and Decision Making;
2. Active Learning;
3. Ethical and Strategic Practice;
4. Spotting opportunities and planning and mobilising resources;
5. Information searching, Academic Writing and Referencing;
6. Communication and Critical Evaluation.
Indicative content for this module includes:
- Strategy, strategic theory and the strategy process for Engineers;
- Strategic analysis tools and concepts;
- Strategy formulation including corporate and business level strategies;
- Stakeholders and governance through the lenses of sustainability, social responsibility and ethics;
- Resources and capabilities;
- Cooperative strategies in the Engineering sector: mergers, acquisitions, partnerships and alliances;
- Implementation of strategic change in Engineering.
Case studies will be used, where appropriate, to illustrate these principles in a representative range of Engineering sectors.
General comment on case studies:
All examples given through the module will be related or come from several engineering disciplines. The disciplines (civil/construction, mechanical, oil & gas/chemical, electrical/IT etc.) and types of organizations (public, private, client, contractor, service providers) will be rotated to provide variety and easier understanding for students’ coming from different backgrounds.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discussion forum | 6 | 2 | 12 |
| WEBINAR | 1 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| WEBINAR | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Independent online learning hours | 42 | ||
| Private study hours | 89.5 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 18.5 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
The structured online learning approach will guide students through the key learning content and through the stages of an active learning cycle, allowing space for experience, reflection, analysis, and practice.
Online learning materials will provide regular opportunity for students to check their understanding (for example through formative MCQs with automated feedback and moderated Discussion Forums). Feedback from these will assist students with their preparation of the summative Business Strategy Report.
Regular group activity embedded into learning will allow self and peer assessment providing opportunities for formative feedback from peers and tutors. These activities are part of the teaching and learning methods and are not to be considered as formative assessments.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Reflective log | Reflective Statement | 10 |
| Assignment | Business Strategy Report | 90 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team