BMG734 Assessment One

Weighting: 20%

Due date: As per Moodle

Method of submission:  Moodle Dropbox – MS word file format only.

Length: 1600 to 1900 words

Learning Outcomes

1: Critically evaluate theories that have influenced approaches to strategic management, including governance and responsibility

Assessment Task

The purpose of this assessment is to develop your ability to evaluate strategic management theories and apply them to real organisational settings, with a specific focus on governance and responsibility. This supports your capability to think critically, analyse complex organisational contexts, and understand the role of stakeholders in shaping strategic outcomes.

Ākonga are required to choose a real organisation and complete the following tasks:

• Select two strategic management theories (e.g., RBV, Five Forces, Agency, Stewardship, Stakeholder Theory, Institutional Theory).
• Explain each theory, including their assumptions, purpose, and relevance to strategic management.
• Apply both theories to analyse the organisation’s strategic position, governance, and responsibility practices.
• Conduct a stakeholder impact analysis using Rothaermel’s five-step model, including evaluation of stakeholder power, legitimacy, and urgency.
• Critically compare the theories:
  • Where do they align or conflict?
  • Which offers the strongest explanatory power?
• Conclude with a considered judgement about how strategic theory and stakeholder dynamics shape governance and responsibility in the organisation.

The referencing needs to be in APA (7th edition) style. At this level a wide range of research and reading is expected. Refer to the “Marking rubric” on Moodle before beginning and finalising the assessment and for additional information.

BMG734 Assessment Structure

Cover page: Title, your name and student ID number.

(Word counts are guides for each section; your overall submission must be within 1600–1900 words)

1. Organisation Overview

Provide a 200–250-word overview of the organisation, including industry, governance structure, key stakeholders, and any responsibility or sustainability commitments. Please ensure when choosing an organisation there is enough publicly available information.

2. Strategic Management Theories

Explain two strategic management theories (350–400 words total). Include core assumptions, purpose, and limitations.

Theories suitable for this level:

• Resource-Based View (RBV)
• Porter’s Five Forces
• Dynamic Capabilities
• Agency vs Stewardship Theory
• Stakeholder Theory
• Institutional Theory

3. Stakeholder Impact Analysis

Apply the five-step stakeholder impact analysis using Rothaermel’s five-step model (400–500 words):

• Identify key internal and external stakeholders
• Identify stakeholder interests and claims
• Identify stakeholder originating opportunities and threats
• Consider economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic responsibilities
• Recommend organisational actions to address stakeholder concerns

Students must evaluate stakeholder salience (power, legitimacy, urgency), not simply list stakeholders.

4. Application of Theories

Analyse how each theory explains strategy, governance, and responsibility within the organisation (400–500 words).

• Strategic decisions (e.g., competitive positioning, investment choices)
• Governance (e.g., board oversight, accountability, risk management, incentives)
• Responsibility (e.g., stakeholder engagement, ethics, sustainability)

Students must show how theory illuminates real organisational behaviour, using evidence from reports and reputable sources.

5. Comparative Evaluation of Theories

Compare and critically evaluate the explanatory power of both theories (200–250 words).

Which theory better explains the organisation’s strategic and governance behaviour?

Where do theories complement or contradict one another?

6. Conclusion

Summarise the main insights about how the theory and stakeholder analysis help explain the organisation’s approach to strategy and governance

7. References list and appendices (if required)

In APA 7^th edition.

At least 8–12 sources, including:

• 4+ academic journal articles
• organisational documents (annual report, sustainability report)
• independent media/industry analysis