ASSIGNMENT BMST5103

SEPTEMBER 2011 SEMESTER BMST5103 - STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT ASSIGNMENT (50%)

INSTRUCTIONS: The board of directors is held legally accountable for the companys actions. Its position at the apex of decision making within the company allows the board to ensure good corporate governance, monitor corporate strategic decisions, and ensure that they are consistent with the stakeholders interests. a. What are the main role and functions of the board of directors? To what extent can board of directors influence the effectiveness of implementing strategic management in a company? Students are required to understand and discuss the role and functions of the board of directors and its influence on the effectiveness of implementing strategic management in a company. (10%) What is corporate governance? Why is it important for board of directors to ensure good corporate governance within a company? Students need to define corporate governance concisely, and examine the ways as to how the board of directors can ensure good corporate governance? (10%) Select ONE public listed company, either local or international, from the following list of companies: PETRONAS, MAYBANK, CIMB, PUBLIC BANK, SIME DARBY GROUP, AIR ASIA, MAS, KPJ, PERODUA, PROTON, MAXIS, MISC, TENAGA, TM, IOI CORP, GENTING, DIGI, ASTRO, & YTL Group. APPLE, MICROSOFT, GE, 3M, IBM, GOOGLE, P&G, WAL-MART STORES, eBay, INTEL, AMAZON, STARBUCKS, HP, and DELL. IKEA, NOKIA, VIRGIN, SONY, SAMSUNG, TOYOTA and SIA.

b.

c.

Critically appraise the selected company with regard to its performance in corporate social responsibility. Discuss the key problems and issues that need to be addressed. Make recommendations to the company for further improving its performance in corporate social responsibility. (30%)

ASSIGNMENT BMST5103

Guidelines for Assignment 1. Format: Use standard format: Introduction, body & conclusion. Use sub-headers where necessary. 2. Your topic must be discussed in the context of Strategic Management. 3. This assignment should contain about 3,000-5,000 words (15-20 pages). a. Including tables, figures, diagrams, graphs, illustrations and references. b. Specify the total number of words written. 4. Your assignment should be typed on A4 paper using 12 pt Times New Roman and 1.5 spacing. 5. Provide references. References should use the American Psychological Association (APA) format. References should be latest (year 2005 and onwards) 6. Binding of assignment is desired. You are to submit a softcopy of your assignment online through myVLE and a hardcopy to your facilitator. 7. Date of submission: Assignments should be submitted according to the fixed date as specified by CGS, OUM. Late submissions will be penalized accordingly. 8. Plagiarism is not acceptable. Plagiarised assignment will be rejected. If you are not sure what is meant by plagiarism, refer to the various websites which discuss this matter, e.g. owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts. 9. Assessment criteria: Merit will be given to richness of related content, clear and logical presentation, and high level of critical analysis, relevant cross-referencing and original and/or creative ideas, relevant examples, illustrations, computed tables, and diagrams.

ASSIGNMENT BMST5103

Suggested Assignment Outline Content/Headings Introduction Sub-headers (Optional) A4 B1 B2 Conclusion Introduction Importance Definition of board of directors Formation Legal status Multiple roles Functions Vision, mission, values Goals and objectives Selection of criteria Dealing with external and internal environmental changes Implementation Monitoring and control Risk management Evaluating Summary of points Definition of corporate governance Methods of ensuring good corporate governance Implications for board of directors for ensuring good corporate governance Summary of main points Define corporate social responsibility (CSR) Descriptions of projects and programmes Extent or degree of effectiveness/success Discuss the key problems and issues that need to be addressed Make recommendations to the company for further improving its performance in corporate social responsibility Summary of main points

A1

A2 A3

The main role and functions of board of directors? Dimensions and extent to which board of directors can influence the effectiveness of implementing strategic management a company

B3 C1 C2 C3 C4

Conclusion Introduction Appraisal of CSR projects or programmes Problems and Issues Recommendations

C5

Conclusion