Critically explore the theoretical schools of strategic business and change management, with a particular focus on the role of strategy formation and the strategic planning process.

Assignment Brief

Assignment Tasks 2 Report

Module Title: Strategy and Change Management

Module Code: 5884MANSC

Assessment Type: Coursework	Assessment Number: 2	Study Mode: Full-time	Weighting: 60%
Submission Date: 10/12/2019	Submission Time: 15:00	3,000 Words Report

Introduction:

Organisations are increasingly aware of the importance of complex, ever-changing external forces that significantly affect them. Managers, therefore, need to widen their perspective away from the internal daily functions and activities of the organisation in order to understand and cope with such factors that impact the long term grow and viability of the organisation. Strategic business management is the decision-making process that links an organisation`s internal functions and capability with the external opportunities and threats it faces. It is a process that involves analysis, planning and action that is ever changing and evolving.

Intended Module Learning Outcomes

Completion of this assignment will address the following learning outcomes:
1.	Critically explore the theoretical schools of strategic business and change management, with a particular focus on the role of strategy formation and the strategic planning process.
2.	Evaluate and apply conceptual and practical approaches to strategic business and change management in a range of organisational settings.
3.	Evaluate critically the impact and significance of macro and micro environmental influences on strategic business behaviour and subsequent responses to them, with reference to available tools and techniques
6.	Demonstrate the ability to think critically in relation to a particular problem, situation or strategic decision through real-world scenarios.

Task:

Title: Strategic Direction You are required to write a 3000 words business report on the strategic direction of an organisation of your choice, commenting on the issues you have identified and making appropriate recommendations.  This is in preparation for an interview with your chosen company for the role of Strategy Officer.  Your choice of organisation should be agreed with your tutor during Tutorial.   In this report, you should cover learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 6.

Cover page
Content page

Same Company as Assignment Tasks 1

Exclusive summary - 200 words
Company background - 200 words

Section 1 - 1500 Words

PEST Analysis
SWOT & PESTLE Analysis

Porter Five Forces

Macro-environment 

Section 2 - 200 - 300 words
Opportunities & Theatre
Talking about the incoming of the company

Section 3 - 600 words
Recommendation
Talking about the company growth, events, 7P`s,
Reference

Sample Answer

Strategic Direction of Tesla, Inc.

Executive Summary

This report critically analyses the strategic direction of Tesla, Inc. in the context of strategic and change management. Drawing on strategic theories and frameworks, the report explores Tesla’s strategic formation, environmental influences, and the company’s adaptability in a volatile, global market. Tesla’s unique position in the automotive and energy sectors is discussed through tools like PESTEL, SWOT, and Porter’s Five Forces. The report concludes with strategic recommendations aimed at reinforcing Tesla’s competitive advantage and aligning with its long-term innovation goals.

Introduction

Tesla, Inc., founded in 2003, has grown from a niche electric vehicle (EV) startup into a global powerhouse in sustainable energy. With a mission to “accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy,” Tesla has disrupted the traditional automotive industry through technological innovation, vertical integration, and a bold vision of the future. As part of a job interview for the Strategy Officer role, this report assesses Tesla’s current strategic direction using established theories and frameworks.

Strategy Formation and Theoretical Approaches (LO1)

Strategic management is the systematic process of envisioning a desired future, translating this vision into goals, and developing policies and plans to achieve them. Mintzberg’s (1994) schools of strategy help explore Tesla`s unique approach to strategy formation:

• Design and Planning Schools: Tesla exemplifies the design school approach, with Elon Musk’s vision shaping long-term strategies, such as the Master Plan (Parts 1, 2, and 3), which outlines goals like mass EV adoption, solar energy expansion, and autonomous driving.

• Entrepreneurial School: Tesla’s strategy is largely driven by the entrepreneurial vision of Elon Musk. This aligns with the entrepreneurial school, where a charismatic leader crafts strategy from a centralised perspective.

• Learning School: As Tesla entered new markets (e.g., China), it adapted based on real-time feedback, reflecting elements of the learning school.

While Tesla’s strategy is top-down, it integrates elements from multiple schools to adapt to the rapid pace of change in technology and regulations.

Strategic Planning Process at Tesla

Strategic planning at Tesla combines deliberate and emergent strategies. Its formal planning includes quarterly investor updates, long-term product roadmaps, and investments in R&D and Gigafactories. However, Tesla also adapts quickly, for example, adjusting pricing models in response to EV tax credits or global inflation.

Tesla’s planning involves:

• Goal Setting: Expand EV production, achieve full self-driving (FSD), reduce battery costs, and scale solar energy.

• Environmental Scanning: Monitor regulatory changes, competitors, and consumer preferences.

• Strategy Implementation: Use vertical integration to control the supply chain and lower costs.

• Monitoring and Evaluation: Use customer feedback, real-time data, and financial metrics.