Choose an organisation, outline the ecosystem in which it operates, explain its business model and evaluate the strategies it has used to develop this.

B: Learning Outcomes

1. Critically assess and evaluate approaches to strategy formulation

C: Assessment Task

To do this you should complete a ‘ Business Canvas’ template and then comment on the ‘Value Proposition’ and any four of the other components in the light of relevant theoretical concepts.

D: Specific Criteria/Guidance

Your assignment will be assessed on the following elements.

• Understanding of business ecosystems and business model formulation (20%)
• Evidence of range and relevance of reading and research (20%)
• Critical understanding of relevant academic and theoretical concepts supporting strategic approaches in the selected company. (20%)
• Critical discussion of how the strategic choices made impact on the business model both within the selected company and the wider sector context. (30%)
• Written vocabulary and style (5%)
• Referencing of sources used (5%)

Please take account of the following guidance in structuring your assignment.

1) Choose an organisation to focus on, You might select this initially from one of the following sources

Board of Innovation – 50+ Business Model Examples
https://www.boardofinnovation.com/guides/50-business-model-examples/

Sunday Times Best Companies to work for 2019
https://appointments.thetimes.co.uk/article/best100companies/

N.B You should confirm your selection of company with your tutor before preparation

2) Conduct your own desk research on your chosen organisation in order to further investigate its business model and the ecosystem in which it operates

3) Analyse the company’s business strategies and complete ‘The Business Model Canvas’ for your chosen company. NB You should submit this as part of the assignment

4) Draw on your reading and synthesis of relevant theoretical concepts on business strategy to provide a academic commentary on your completed ‘Canvas’ (approximately 800 words). This should include the following:
a) An explanation of the organisation’s Value Proposition(s)
b) An explanation of any four of the other components of the Canvas.
c) A discussion of the strategies adopted by the organisation.

E: Key Resources

Board of Innovation. (2019) 50+ Business Models Examples. https://www.boardofinnovation.com/guides/50-business-model-examples/

Kaplan, S. (2015). The business model innovation factory: how to stay relevant when the world is changing. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

Kaplan Publishing. (2019). E2 Managing Performance – Study Text. Kaplan.

Johnson, G., Whittington, R., Scholes, K., Angwin, D., & Regner, P. (2017). Exploring strategy: text and cases. Harlow, England: Pearson.

Osterwalder, A., & Pigneur, Y. (2013). Business model generation a handbook for visionaries, game changers, and challengers. New York: Wiley & Sons.

Link to Business Canvas template https://www.strategyzer.com/canvas/business-model-canvas

Sources for your own further research could include case studies, annual reports, company information, media and business journal articles.