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Corporate & Global Strategy

Assignment 2

Learning Outcomes This assignment assesses ALL module learning outcomes: 1. Knowledge of Strategic Concepts and how to apply them in an international/global context to demonstrate critical understanding of business and corporate strategy in such an environment. 2. Ability to understand and apply theory to the evaluation of strategic choices in the global arena. 3. Recognition and evaluation of the potential difficulties and opportunities that are involved in implementing strategy in multi-national environments.

Assessment Criteria Assessment will be made on the sound understanding and effective application of theory and techniques. To pass the assignment, key aspects of the business must be identified and key analytical tools and techniques appropriately used. To achieve a distinction, a complete analysis of the situation is expected along with a sound understanding of theoretical tools and their effective and creative application; a coherent structuring and effective presentation of the report will also be expected. NB: It is expected that the overall presentation of the assignment, including document design, style and quality of writing, referencing, use of tables, diagrams and appendices, will be of 'reasonable' standard. As such, assessment of assignments takes presentation into account. Work that does not meet the standard will be penalised. Clarification of quality standards was given during module delivery.

Assignment Tasks You are expected to carry out research into THE GLOBAL AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY (CARS) and into the manufacturer TOYOTA. Note: you can also use (as evidence) some/ much of the material that you gathered for assignment 1.

Questions: 1. Using appropriate theories/tools/models covered on the module: a. Identify the key stages of Toyotas internationalisation strategy. (15 marks) Identification of at least three distinct stages (initiatives).

b. Link internal and external triggers to each identified stage. (15 marks) Identifying at least one trigger for each initiative/stage. Marks will only be awarded for triggers which refer to key events in the industry and company.

Level M

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation

2013/04

Corporate & Global Strategy

Assignment 2

c. Critically analyse and evaluate the strategies and methods selected by Toyota at each stage of development. (30 marks) Use of at least three appropriate models for analysis with accurate mapping of the tools used to real life facts. (15 marks)

Analysis of real life outcomes (success/failure) of the strategic initiatives, justifying success or reasoning failure based on the theoretical analysis above. (15 marks)

Overall: Presentation, including appropriate referencing. (5 marks) Quality of research. (5 marks) Use of facts, particularly quantitative facts. (5 marks) (75 Marks) 2. Assess the extent to which Toyotas national environment contributed to its success as a multinational organisation using Michael Porters National Diamond Framework (1990), or a suitable variant of the original model. Demonstration of accurate understanding/presentation of the theoretical model used. (5 marks) Effective application of the framework to the given context. (10 marks) Quality of Research (i.e. accuracy and depth of statistics, quotes and other data). (5marks) Conclusion. (5 marks) (25 Marks)

General Guidelines The Library page of Staffordshire Universitys website contains links to on-line databases such as EBSCO and BIDS where you will find references to foreign (English Language) newspapers and peer reviewed articles. To get you started the Module Handbook contains a list of full text articles by leading researchers in the fields of Business Strategy and International Strategic Management.

You must contextualise your answers in the contemporary and changing environments of the industries involved. An answer that lacks reference to key events in the industry and its business environment will be too narrow to be entirely satisfactory.

Level M

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation

2013/04

Corporate & Global Strategy

Assignment 2

You are strongly recommended to apply theory to structure and present your answers. The answers and appropriate theory should encompass a wide range of paradigms drawn from this AND other appropriate modules. Remember though that the material covered on this module should take priority.

Use facts (statistics, quotes and other data) to support your analysis and argument and make sure you achieve clarity in your response to the questions. Marks will be awarded, or lost, for the use of numeracy, literacy and properly referenced research findings.

3000 words.

Level M

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation

2013/04

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