PGBM16Global Corporate Strategy - On Campus - Individual Assignment Case Study: Reconciling managerial dichotomies @ Honda Motors in De Wit and Meyer (2004:663) Module Leader: Dr. Augustus Osseo-Asare Word Count: 3,500 ± 10% words 2. Collusion and Plagiarism’ which are provided as an Appendix in your Programme Handbook. The assignment has been designed to allow you to develop and use your knowledge and skills in understanding key strategic issues relating to the Global Automobile Industry. techniques and models studied during the module whilst having regard to the practical aspects of strategy development. You are encouraged to use ‘Harvard Referencing Style’ and avoid ‘Plagiarism’.500 ± 10% word report. All the learning outcomes below will be assessed: 1. Understand the holistic nature of strategy and apply analytical techniques to solve complex problems in real life organizations Demonstrate knowledge of the strategic decision making process through critical analysis of how strategic decision making enables an organisation to relate to its global business environment. The report should include a title page and abstract and be fully and consistently referenced. A hard copy and an electronic copy on CD or DVD of the assignment must be handed to the Assignment Services in St Peter’s Library on or before the appointed date under cover of the Sunderland Business School (SBS) Feedback Sheet. It is recommended that you research information additional to the case study to support your arguments. objectives and policies of international organisations. This may be obtained from a diverse range of sources and you are encouraged to research the issues in whichever way you deem appropriate. You will be expected to select and apply appropriate theories. references and relevant appendices). This should be clearly labelled with your name. You must also submit a CD or DVD containing an electronic version of the report.University of Sunderland: Sunderland Business School 2 Introduction: This individual assignment will be assessed by means of a 3. Demonstrate critical understanding and application of relevant theories associated with global corporate policies and strategies. Your assignment should be presented in a business report format and should be within the range 3. Task Your task is to carry out a critical analysis and evaluation of the strategies adopted by global automobile suppliers. your course and the name of the case study. 18 May 2011 (Before 2:00 pm) 2. Use critical reflective skills to reflect on the impact of their understanding on the problem solving process The assignment will be internally moderated by: John Dixon-Dawson Please note: 1. using the information provided and other materials researched. Issue Date: Wednesday. You will be required to apply the strategic concepts and analytical techniques studied in this module. 02 March 2011 Submission Date: Wednesday. using Harvard Referencing style. 3. 4. 5. PGBM16 – Individual Report MBA & MAIM Students March 2011 2 . 4. All work must adhere to the University regulations on ‘Cheating. 3.500 ± 10% words (excluding executive summary/abstract. Critically evaluate and monitor the business mission. The assignment will be assessed and moderated by two members of staff in accordance with the marks allocated to each of the questions detailed below. 10% of the marks are set aside for the ‘presentation’ criteria. the application of THEORETICAL CONCEPTS studied in the module to the ‘practical’ case study presented. Academic Rigour • • • • • • • • • • • • • • your ability to isolate the key strategic issues the coherence and depth of the analysis of those issues the ability to analyse the strategy context within which companies operates the ability to critically review and evaluate strategic decisions made by companies Methodology the use of relevant evidence.University of Sunderland: Sunderland Business School 3 Assessment Criteria In the event of failing this individual assignment. you should proceed beyond a DESCRIPTION of the company and its actions. You should be analysing ‘why’ rather then describing ‘what’. normal referral / deferral procedures will apply. This assignment carries a weighting of 100%. That is. In other words. from material provided and personal research to support any statements made the appropriateness of the methods used and theoretical models and frameworks applied the breadth and depth of research undertaken Evaluation of data the ability to make sound recommendations or conclusions arising from the analysis the soundness of arguments put forward Presentation the summary of arguments report layout and format use of illustrative material and evidence to support arguments the appropriateness of length the quantity and accuracy of referencing PGBM16 – Individual Report MBA & MAIM Students March 2011 3 . The assessment will focus on the level of ANALYSIS carried out. University of Sunderland: Sunderland Business School 4 The Global Automobile Industry: The global automobile industry is characterised by increasing demand in many different regions of the world. [30 % marks] Note: 10% marks is allocated for overall presentation PGBM16 – Individual Report MBA & MAIM Students March 2011 4 . cited in De Wit and Meyer (2004:34). and Chrysler. Honda has grown to become one of the world's leading automakers. and Chrysler (www. In addition. Context. You are encouraged to use relevant data/information from company websites.com ). Honda continues to market a wide variety of products and has earned an outstanding reputation from customers worldwide ( http://world. critically evaluate the impact of ‘corporate governance’ and ‘corporate social responsibility (CSR)’ on the global financial and nonfinancial performance results of Honda Motors (www.co.com/ ).honda. Nissan Motors (www.honda.uk) from 2005 to 2010. Question One: Using the information given in the Honda case study and your own understanding of ‘managerial dichotomies’ and the ‘strategic thinking’ process. and carry out appropriate analyses of the global corporate strategies adopted by Honda and other world-class automobile suppliers such as Nissan Motors. [30 % marks] Question Three: Using relevant information from the literature and company websites. critically evaluate how Honda reconciled the following dichotomies: (a) ‘Planning’ versus ‘Learning’ (10 marks) (b) ‘Positioning’ versus ‘Developing internal resources’ (10 marks) (c) ‘Product-related core competencies’ versus ‘Process-related core capabilities’ (10 marks) [30 % marks] Question Two: Critically evaluate the extent to which ‘Japanese management model’ is diametrically opposed to ‘Western management model’. Since its establishment in 1948. Toyota. You are expected to use relevant information from the Honda case study and Geert Hofstede’s (1993) article entitled “Cultural constraints in management theories”.co. and answer the questions below. for worldwide customer satisfaction (http://world.uk/).chrysler. In line with these principles. the Company has conducted its activities with a commitment to protecting the environment and enhancing safety in a mobile society Today.honda. with a global network of subsidiaries and affiliates. Honda has remained on the leading edge by creating new value and providing products of the highest quality at a reasonable price. Content.nissan. In order to sustain its competitive advantage the company continues to operate under the principles of "Respect for the Individual".com/investors/annualreport/2010/pdf/ ) Read the case study entitled “Reconciling managerial dichotomies at Honda Motors” by Andrew Mair. cited in De Wit and Meyer (2004:663-679) Strategy Process. You are also encouraged to use relevant data/information from your own research. Scholes.com The Economist www.co. and Meyer. Mintzberg.com The Financial Times PGBM16 – Individual Report MBA & MAIM Students March 2011 5 .Strategy Process. (2010) . R. G. Financial Times Prentice Hall Websites & PDF documents: http://world. R. Thomson Learning Hofstede.co. Content.Strategy Process. 4th Edition. (2006) Corporate Strategy. (1998) Strategy Safari. Thomson Learning De Wit.toyota. and Meyer.. (2005) Exploring Corporate Strategy: Text and Cases. H.uk/ Nissan Motors www.chrysler. J. B. R. Lynch. B..co. Ahlstrand. Content. cited in De Wit and Meyer (2004:34) Johnson. Financial Times Prentice Hall.uk Chrysler www. and Whittington. R. 3rd Edition.economist. 7th Edition.com/investors/annualreport/2010/pdf/ Annual Report 2010 Honda Motors www.nissan.uk Toyota Motor Corporation www. Geert article entitled “Cultural constraints in management theories”.ft. and Context International Perspective. B.University of Sunderland: Sunderland Business School 5 Suggested Reading: De Wit. K. Financial Times Prentice Hall.honda. (2004) . and Context International Perspective. Fourth Edition. and Lampel.