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1.1 Critically analyse the strategic direction of the organisation

Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership

Assignment brief – Unit 724 Development as a Strategic Manager

Qualification

Development as a Strategic Manager

Unit Reference

J/506/9064

Qualification Reference (RQF)

601/5335/0

No of Credits

15 Credits

INTRODUCTION

Prior to attempting this coursework assignment, Learners must familiarise themselves with the following policies:

The unit aims to supports organisational and self-awareness in Learners. It provides foundations for a self-critical and reflective approach to personal development to support the Learner when operating at a strategic level. Wider context organisation and environmental factors are also considered as contributors to overall strategic success of the individual and the organisation.

ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES

All work must be submitted in a single electronic document (.doc/.docx file). The assignment must be the Learner’s own work and not copies of theories or models. Direct quotes should be kept to a minimum and shown in inverted commas. Models described and other quotes used must be properly attributed and referenced as appropriate. Learners must acknowledge or reference any sources that have been used to complete the assignment, listing reference material and web sites used.

PLAGIARISM AND COLLUSION

In submitting the assignment Learner’s must complete a statement of authenticity confirming that the work submitted for all tasks is their own. The statement should also include the word count. Plagiarism and collusion are treated very seriously. Plagiarism involves presenting work, excerpts, ideas or passages of another author without appropriate referencing and attribution. Collusion occurs when two or more learners submit work which is so alike in ideas, content, wording and/or structure that the similarity goes beyond what might have been mere coincidence.

APPENDICES

Separate Appendices should not be used. Any use of tables, graphs, diagrams, Gantt chart and flowcharts etc. that support the main report should be incorporated into the back of the assignment report that is submitted. Any published secondary information such as annual reports and company literature, should be referenced in the main text of the assignment but not included.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Where a Learner is using organisational information that deals with sensitive material or issues, they must seek the advice and permission from that organisation about its inclusion. Where confidentiality is an issue, Learners are advised to anonymise their assignment report so that it cannot be attributed to that particular organisation.

WORD COUNT POLICY

Learners must comply with the required word count, within a margin of +10%.These rules exclude the index (if used), headings and information contained within references and bibliographies. When an assessment task requires learners to produce presentation slides with supporting notes, the word count applies to the supporting notes only.

REFERENCING

A professional approach to work is expected from all learners. Learners must therefore identify and acknowledge ALL sources/methodologies/applications used. The learner must use an appropriate referencing system to achieve this. Marks are not awarded for the use of English; however the learner must express ideas clearly and ensure that appropriate terminology is used to convey accuracy in meaning.

SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENTS

All work must be submitted in a single electronic document (.doc/.docx file) in your Learning Portal or to submit to the Assessor/Centre Administrator.

LEARNING OUTCOMES AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Learning Outcomes

When awarded credit for this unit, a learner will:

Assessment Criteria

Assessment of this learning outcome will require a learner to demonstrate that they can:

1. Be able to identify personal skills to achieve strategic ambitions

1.1 Critically analyse the strategic direction of the organisation

1.2 Critically evaluate the strategic skills required of the leader operating in a complex environment to achieve personal and organisational strategic ambitions

1.3 Assess the relationship between existing, required and future skills to achieve strategic ambitions

2. Be able to manage personal leadership development to support achievement of strategic ambitions

2.1 Critically discuss the opportunities to support leadership development

2.2 Design a personal development plan to direct leadership development in a complex environment

2.3 Devise an implementation process to underpin the success of the development plan that can realise substantial changes in leadership style

3. Be able to evaluate the effectiveness of the leadership development plan

3.1 Critically evaluate the achievement of outcomes of the plan against original objectives

3.2 Evaluate the impact of leadership style and the achievement of objectives on strategic ambitions in different organisational settings

3.3 Critically review and update the leadership development plan

ASSIGNMENT TASKS

Learners may use their own employment context, or that of another organisation with which they are very familiar, as the basis for their assignment. However, in the case that they are not able to do so, please use the below scenario:

Scenario

You are a senior manager in a business unit of a medium sized enterprise, with functional management and organisational leadership responsibilities. You are responsible for all aspects of the performance management of your team and its contribution towards the achievement of business goals. 

Task 1: FORMATIVE TASK – Personal Skills and Strategic Ambitions

How far do your current skills enable you to help to achieve the strategic ambitions of your organisation? Your answer must include:

  • An outline of your various skills, and of the expectations of those skills as set out in the organisation’s strategic objectives (LO 1.1)

  • Identify and explain how far your skills meet, exceed or fall below the standards set by the organisation’s strategic objective (LO 1.2)

  • A discussion of how well the organisation promotes effective leadership development (LO 1.3)

Formatting:

  • 450-550 words

  • Justified alignment

  • Single-spaced

  • 12pt Times New Roman font

  • Use an appropriate referencing system for footnotes and citations

Task 2: SUMMATIVE - Leadership Development Plan

Undertake a review of your organisation’s leadership development plan. Your answer must include:

  • An outline of the current provision within the organisation for leadership development (LO 2.1, 3.1)

  • Identify and explain how far this provision meets or exceeds the needs of leaders in achieving the organisation’s strategic ambitions (LO 2.2, 3.2)

  • Make a series of recommendations for the improvement of the organisation’s leadership development in the pursuit of its strategic objectives (LO 2.3, 3.3) 

Formatting:

  • 950-1100 words

  • Justified alignment

  • Single-spaced

  • 12pt Times New Roman font

  • Use an appropriate referencing system for footnotes and citations

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Unit 724 Development as a Strategic Manager: Why Many Learners Underestimate This Assignment

Unlike traditional management assignments that focus on organisational performance, Unit 724 turns the spotlight onto the learner. The purpose of this unit is to examine how a strategic manager develops the leadership capabilities, self-awareness, and professional skills required to influence long-term organisational success. Learners are expected to evaluate their own competencies, compare current abilities with future leadership requirements, create a meaningful development plan, and critically review the effectiveness of leadership growth initiatives. The assignment combines strategic management theory with personal reflection, making it one of the more demanding units within the Qualifi Level 7 Diploma.

The difficulty lies in the fact that students must assess themselves with the same level of critical analysis they would apply to a business strategy. Many professionals are comfortable analysing organisations but find it much harder to evaluate their own leadership strengths, weaknesses, and development needs objectively. The assignment also requires learners to connect personal leadership growth to wider organisational ambitions, which demands a strong understanding of strategic management, reflective practice, and organisational development.

Key Challenges Students Commonly Face

Self-Evaluation at Master`s Level

  • Moving beyond simple reflection and demonstrating critical self-analysis.
  • Identifying genuine leadership gaps supported by evidence.

Linking Personal Development to Business Strategy

  • Explaining how leadership skills influence organisational objectives.
  • Connecting individual growth with strategic ambitions.

Creating a Meaningful Development Plan

  • Developing realistic objectives rather than generic career goals.
  • Justifying development activities using leadership theory.

Evaluating Leadership Effectiveness

  • Measuring leadership improvement objectively.
  • Demonstrating how development outcomes contribute to strategic success.

Why This Unit Often Takes Longer Than Expected

Many learners begin this assignment assuming it will be easier because it focuses on personal development. In reality, the opposite is often true. Strong answers require a balance between strategic analysis, leadership theory, organisational context, and reflective practice. Students frequently struggle to provide sufficient academic depth while maintaining a personal perspective. As a result, assignments can become either too descriptive or overly theoretical, failing to satisfy the assessment criteria.

Academic Support for Unit 724 Assignments

At Assignment Experts, we regularly assist learners undertaking advanced leadership and strategic management qualifications. Our academic specialists understand the challenges involved in leadership development planning, strategic self-assessment, and reflective management practice. Whether you are struggling to evaluate leadership competencies, design a robust development plan, or critically review organisational leadership initiatives, our team can help you produce a well-structured assignment aligned with Qualifi Level 7 expectations.