About This Course
There are many patterns and actions and business approaches which define an organization's strategy, and you will be afforded opportunities to identify those which are pertinent for financial services firms. The financial services sector is one of the most regulated industry sectors and the implications of this along with the characteristics of the service products will be noted throughout the module. The theory and principles underpinning business operations and activities will be explored and insights applied to financial services firms. In completing the units for the module, reference is made to services management and operations; the unique characteristics of services which may be a challenge or provide an opportunity in devising and implementing a unique and successful corporate strategy. As aspiring business leaders and future decision makers, it is essential that you can ascertain the essence of business operations and the factors which contribute to a firm's competitive advantage.
Aims & Objectives
On completing this Corporate Strategy module, you will be expected to be able to:
- Critically appraise the theoretical contributions in the area of strategic management
- Analyse the role and influence of the environment (internal and external) on a firm’s strategic decisions
- Explain the essence of competitive advantage and the factors which contribute to a firm gaining and sustaining a competitive advantage
- Adjudicate on the extent to which stakeholders influence the design and implementation of a firm’s strategy and
- Outline and explain what constitutes effective managerial leadership in achieving superior strategy execution and operating excellence
Learning Methods
Single Modules are delivered through means of distance learning and on a part time basis, where you can study at your own pace, no matter where you are in the world. A combination of interactive classes and recorded lectures are provided throughout the 6 months semester, providing participants with a good work-life balance.
Blackboard is the virtual learning environment (VLE) used by 91¾«Æ·ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï where each module benefits from a bespoke area within the platform where all study resources are held. Resources include study guides, e-textbooks and access to the online library.
Further Information
Key Text:
Exploring Strategy – Text & Cases (9th Edition) Johnson, G. Whittingtong, R. Scholes, K. & Angwin, D.
Means of Assessment:
- Unit 1 - Strategy, Concepts & the Strategic Position
- Unit 2 - Strategic Choices
- Unit 3 - Strategy in Action
This module is assessed by means of an individual assignment (40%) and examination (60%)
Course Cost
The cost of this course is £1,700
Entry Requirements
Aimed at mid-career professionals working in the financial industry or regulation. Entry consideration will be given to individuals with minimal experience or qualifications.
English Language Requirements
Applicants must have a high level of fluency in the English language. The English language tests we normally refer to are as follows;
- IELTS: 6.0 (with no element below 5.5)
- Pearson PTE: a score of 56 (with no element lower than 51)
- Cambridge English Test – Advanced: 169 (with no element lower than 162)
Application
How to Apply
Please make sure you read and follow the step-by-step application guide as this will specify which sections of the application form are compulsory for the type of course you want to apply for and save you time.
Please prepare the following information (in a Word document):
- Current employment details;
- Years of experience, and employment history (where relevant)
- Name of staff member and organisation that have approved your funding for this module.
This will speed up the process of completing the application form.
To apply for this course, you need to create an account in our
You will need access to the email address you specify while creating your account to confirm it.
After creating an account, you will see a homepage with several tabs:
- Personal
- Programme
- Info
- Contact
- Education
- Employment
- Language
- Finance
You need to complete all sections before submitting your application.
When a section is complete, a ‘tick’ symbol will appear below it.
- Click on ‘Non-graduating applications / Stand alone Modules’, then select ‘Non-graduating Undergraduate’.
- In the next section, select Non-Graduating Taught Modules, Click Save and Continue.
- On the next page, the default for the first question is Full Time. You need to change this to ‘Part time’:
- You now need to input the module code. Corporate Strategy: the code is ASB-9033. This section must be completed for your application to be processed.
- You also need to state the start date. Please make your selection, then click ‘Save and Continue’.
- IMPORTANT: You do not need to write a personal statement to apply for this course. Instead, please upload the document including employment, experience and education information that you have created prior to starting the application that contains the name of your current employer, the number of years of experience you have, and your highest qualification to date. Click Save and continue.
You only need to enter the details of your highest qualification to date, e.g. if you have a postgraduate qualification, please only only include this.
You will be asked for evidence of the qualification. Please either upload a copy of your qualification if it's easily accessible, or upload the Word document again (that you prepared earlier).
(details not required as you've already prepared this)
Please scroll to the bottom of the page and click on ‘I have no employment history’ (as you have already provided this in your Word document).
please answer the questions as follows:
- How will you finance your studies?:
- Exact name of funding authority:
- Country: United Kingdom
- Give details of the amount of the award?
- Sponsorship will cover: Tuition Fees
- Have you been awarded this funding? Please select ‘yes’ * Note that you will be required to upload evidence of the funding. If you wish to confirm ‘yes’ to this question, but do not have any written confirmation to upload, you can upload your Word document here again.
If you are self-funding, please provide all details as appropriate.