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1.1 Critically analyse the existing strategic aims and objectives of the organisation.

Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership

Assignment brief – Unit 706 Strategic Direction 

Qualification

Strategic Direction

Unit Reference

D/506/9068

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 aim of this unit is to explore the strategic aims and objectives of an organisation and their significance in setting direction, identifying success and progress for the organisation. The unit will also explore where different strategic options may lead the organisation to change its direction.

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 review and determine the organisation’s strategic aims and objectives. 

1.1 Critically analyse the existing strategic aims and objectives of the organisation.

1.2 Undertake a critical evaluation of the components of current organisational strategy. 

1.3 Critically analyse the factors affecting the strategic aims of organisational strategy over the short and medium term.

2. Be able to evaluate progress towards achieving organisational strategic aims and objectives. 

2.1 Apply a range of diagnostic and analytical tools to audit and assess progress towards existing strategic aims and objectives. 

2.2 Take responsibility for and critically assess the expectations of all stakeholders and their influence upon future organisational strategy. 

2.3 Critically analyse, interpret and produce an evaluation of the existing organisational strategic position and progress towards achieving the existing strategy.

3. Be able to determine and evaluate strategic options to support a new strategic position. 

3.1 Critically evaluate and develop a range of alternative strategic options to meet organisational strategic aims, direction and objectives in the short and medium term.

3.2 Determine and justify the existing strategic option that can meet the revised strategic position.

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 - Strategic Projects

Evaluate a statement of the strategic aims and objectives of your organisation. Your answer must include:

  • An outline of its theoretical position, including it’s the relationship between the short and medium term factors (LO 1.1, 1.3)

  • An explanation of the various components of the organisation’s strategy (LO 1.2)

  • A judgment as to how effectively these components make for the overall effectiveness of the claims made in the aims and objectives (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 - Evaluating a Strategic Investigative Project

Evaluate how effectively your organisation meets the statement of aims and objectives of your organisation. Your answer must include:

  • An outline of a how this progress is to be measured, including by reference to various stakeholders (LO 2.1, 2.2)

  • Identify and explain how far the organisation meets up to these expectations (LO 2.1, 2.3)

  • An evaluation of what needs to be done in order to align the organisation more fully with its stated aims and objectives (LO 3.1, 3.2)

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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Why Students Find the Qualifi Level 7 Strategic Direction Assignment Challenging

Strategic Direction is one of the most demanding units within the Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership because it moves beyond operational management and focuses on high-level strategic thinking. Students are expected to critically analyse an organisation`s strategic aims, evaluate current performance against those objectives, assess stakeholder influence, apply strategic diagnostic tools, and justify future strategic choices. Unlike many business assignments that focus on describing theories, this unit requires learners to challenge existing strategies, interpret organisational performance, and make evidence-based recommendations. The assignment expects master`s-level critical analysis, making it particularly difficult for learners who are more familiar with practical management than strategic evaluation.

What often catches students off guard is the depth of analysis required. Simply explaining a strategy is not enough. Learners must assess whether strategic objectives remain relevant, examine internal and external influences, evaluate stakeholder expectations, and justify alternative strategic directions using recognised frameworks. Many students lose confidence when trying to apply models such as SWOT, PESTLE, Porter`s Five Forces, stakeholder analysis, or strategic audits to real organisations. The challenge becomes even greater when balancing academic theory with practical business realities.

Common Areas Where Students Struggle

  • Critically analysing strategic aims instead of simply describing them.

  • Applying strategic models to real organisational situations.

  • Evaluating stakeholder influence with sufficient depth.

  • Justifying strategic recommendations using evidence.

  • Demonstrating master`s-level critical thinking throughout the report.

  • Linking short-term business pressures to long-term strategic goals.

  • Producing balanced evaluations rather than one-sided arguments.

Professional Support for Strategic Direction Assignments

The Strategic Direction unit demands a level of analytical thinking that many learners have not previously encountered. Students are expected to think like senior leaders, assess organisational performance objectively, and defend strategic recommendations with academic evidence. At Assignment Experts, we support learners by helping them develop clear, well-structured assignments that align with Qualifi assessment requirements. Our academic specialists understand strategic management frameworks, organisational analysis, stakeholder evaluation, and strategic decision-making, allowing students to approach this challenging unit with greater confidence.