Tutorial letter 102_Assignment 2 (2)

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MNG4801/102/0/2023 Tutorial Letter 102/0/2023 Strategic Management MNG4801 Year module Department of Business Management IMPORTANT INFORMATION Please register on myUnisa, activate your myLife email address and regularly visit the myUnisa module website, MNG4801-2023-Y. This module is only available online on myUnisa. THIS TUTORIAL LETTER CONTAINS YOUR ASSIGNMENT 2 BARCODE

2 MNG4801/102/0/2023 CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................................... 3 2 LECTURERS AND CONTACT DETAILS ......................................................................................................................... 3 2 .1 Contact details ................................................................................................................................................... 3 2 .2 Lecturers and contact details ........................................................................................................................... 3 3 ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................................................................................ 5 3 .1 Assessment criteria ............................................................................................................................................ 5 3 .2 Assessment plan ................................................................................................................................................. 5 3 .3 General assignment numbers .............................................................................................................................. 7 3 .3.1 Assignments ............................................................................................................................................. 7 3 .3.2 Grace period for assignment submissions ............................................................................................... 8 3 .3.3 Special assignment concessions (extensions) ........................................................................................... 9 3 .3.4 Assignment due dates ................................................................................................................................. 9 3 .3.3 Submission and resubmission of assignments .......................................................................................... 10 4 APPROACH TO THE MODULE AND ASSIGNMENTS .................................................................................................. 12 4 .1 Academic dishonesty ....................................................................................................................................... 12 4 .2 Assignment queries on results ........................................................................................................................ 14 4 .3 Proposed study guideline and Glossaries ........................................................................................................ 15 5 IN CLOSING ......................................................................................... .. ................................................................... 23 ANNEXURE A: ASSIGNMENT 2 ........................................................................................................................................ 24

3 1 INTRODUCTION Dear MNG4801 Students Welcome to Strategic Management (MNG4801) and greetings to all our MNG4801 students: “ Sanibona, Dumelang, Molweni, Hallo, Xewani Avuxeni, Salibonani, Bonjour, Salaam aleikum, Ete-sen, Meeng-gah-boui, Jambo, Salama, Moni Moni onse and Muli shani ” . This tutorial letter contains assignment 2 (page 20) , the second of (3) three assignments you are required to complete for MNG4801. Make sure to go through all the instructions we have provided in this tutorial letter in conjunction with TUT 101 and TUT 301. 2 LECTURERS AND CONTACT DETAILS 2.1 Contact details Central e-mail address for MNG4801 E-mail address straman@unisa.ac.za Please use this e-mail address for general MNG4801 inquiries. If you do not get an answer, then contact the primary lecturer. Please DO NOT CC all available e-mail addresses when contacting the department. 2.2 Lecturers and contact details The primary lecturer for this module is: Dr Nadine de Metz (Primary lecturer for MNG4801)

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4 Office number NS Radipere Building, 4-79, Muckleneuk Campus, Pretoria. E-mail address dmetzn@unisa.ac.za Telephone +27 12 429 4935 We can only assist with enquiries of an ACADEMIC nature, such as content-related enquiries. E- mail is the preferred method of contact for direct academic inquiries. Please use your student number with all queries and allow a reasonable response time of 48 hours. When contacting us, it is strongly advised that you e-mail the lecturer from your myLife e-mail account. NB: To assist Unisa to safeguard your personal information, and in compliance with the POPI Act , students need to use their myLife e-mail accounts when communicating with the university. By using your myLife e-mail account, the university has a reasonable assurance that we are communicating with you, as your e-mail address contains your student number and you use your login credentials to access the account. Should you contact the lecturers telephonically, state your name and briefly explain the purpose of your call. Have your student number at hand as well as a pen and paper. Should you require a meeting with the MNG4801 lecturer, you must set up an appointment . Lecturers attend workshops, seminars and conferences and conduct research and facilitate community engagement projects off-campus, which affect their availability. Thus, we ask and recommend that you set up appointments. The preferred meeting arrangements are via online meetings on the Microsoft Teams platform. MICROSOFT TEAM MEETINGS Please note that preparation by both the student and lecturer is required before meetings will be agreed to and you will need to be specific about the purpose of the meeting. After a meeting has been agreed to by e-mail, you may send a meeting invite. Sending a meeting invite without prior consultation does not secure the meeting. You must do everything on your side to ensure the time of the meeting is utilized efficiently. This includes reading this tutorial letter and engaging on the myUnisa forums.

5 3 ASSESSMENT 3.1 Assessment criteria There are different types of performance standards that one can use when assessing performance. This module is based on the mastery of specified learning outcomes for NQF level 8 . Standards for accrediting qualifications are set by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), which oversees the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Assessment plays an important role in the learning process. For this module, three assignments form part of the formative assessment. These assignments are used to assess your progress during the year and provide feedback, which you can use to improve your future performance in this module. 3.2 Assessment plan Assignments are part of the learning material for this module. As you do the assignments, study the reading texts, consult other resources or do research, you are actively engaging in learning. Paying attention to the assessment criteria for each assignment will help you to understand what is required of you. • To complete this module, you will be required to submit three (3) individual assignments which will be used to calculate your year mark. Your year mark, based on the mark obtained for the three assignments, contributes 40% towards your final mark, while your examination mark contributes 60%. • All information on when and where to submit your assignments will be made available to you via the MNG4801 module site for your module. • Due dates for assignments, as well as the actual assignments are available on the MNG4801 Module sites under the “ Due dates for Assignments 2023 ” tab. This is a postgraduate module and therefore adherence to due dates is expected. • To gain admission to the examination, you need to obtain a minimum year mark average of 40% for the assignments. • Although the first assignment contributes to your year mark, it is not a requirement for obtaining examination entrance. • NB: General assignment extensions communicated by the College (or via SMS), usually only apply to undergraduate modules and NOT postgraduate modules. Students therefore need to stick to the due dates provided on the MNG4801 module site. Lecturers will communicate with students directly via an announcement (email) should any extensions

6 be given for the module. If you are unsure about whether an extension has been provided or not, please contact the lecturer for confirmation. No adjustments of year marks will be done to ensure examination admission. If your year mark is 39% or less, you will not gain admission to the examination. Please do not ask your lecturer to allow you to write the examination when your mark is lower than 40%, your lecturer is unable to grant you access. Your admission is an automatic process based on your year performance. The following examples illustrate each assignment's contribution to your year mark as well as the final calculation of the year mark for exam admission: Assignment number Assignment type Contribution to year mark Assignment mark Assignment contribution to year mark 01 Written 20% 55% 11% 02 Written 40% 20% 8% 03 Written 40% 10% 4% Year mark 23% No exam admission Assignment number Assignment type Contribution to year mark Assignment mark Assignment contribution to year mark 01 Written 20% 60% 12% 02 Written 40% 60% 24% 03 Written 40% 50% 20% Year mark 56% Exam admission To pass this module, you must obtain a final mark of 50%. Both your year mark and examination mark contribute to the final mark. The subminimum rule of 40% is applicable , which means that your MNG4801 year mark will not be part of the final mark if the examination mark is less than 40%. We realize that you will be growing in your learning experience and have thus decided to let Assignment 01, which is due early in your learning process, contribute proportionately less towards the year mark. As you gain more strategic management skills and knowledge, the subsequent assignments will contribute proportionately more towards your year mark.

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7 3.3 General assignment numbers Assignments are numbered consecutively per module, starting from 01. In addition to the general assignment number (for example, Assignment 01), each assignment has a unique assignment number that is required when assignments are submitted. The unique number will be on the Assignment Submission tab when you submit online via myUnisa. 3.3.1 Assignments Let us start with a discussion on what it means to study at postgraduate level. According to the National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 8, students who complete this course as part of a qualification, should do the following: • "Operate effectively within a system or manage a system " (like studies and time management). • "Apply (in a self-critical manner) learning strategies, which effectively address professional and ongoing learning needs of self and others." • Take "full responsibility for own work, decision ‐ making and use of resources. Full accountability for the decisions and action of others where appropriate.” • Take ownership and responsibility to be a postgraduate degree holder. We expect you to approach assignments responsibly, ethically and proactively to submit the correct assignment on time (due date). A due date is the date on which the assignment is due to be uploaded online. We encourage you to start with your assignments early and we encourage you to work proactively and submit your assignment before the due dates.

8 3.3.2 Grace period for assignment submissions We are providing you with an additional week (seven days including weekends) grace period after the initial due date to submit or resubmit your assignment and for it to be marked. Do not abuse this grace period. This extra week after the due date is to accommodate: • ALL types of life circumstances and family, health, travel, work and technical challenges. It is for students who genuinely need it. • Errors and incorrect uploads that occur during uploading. During the grace period, you should " view " your submission and make sure you uploaded the correct document and then resubmit before the final submission date. Re/Submissions after the final upload date = late assignment = zero. • The last day to upload is the absolute final date for you to upload or resubmit your assignment . LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT BE MARKED AND WILL GET ZERO . Please make sure to adhere to the following technical requirements in each assignment: Assignments should adhere to the following criteria: Font size 11 Font style Arial Margins 2 centimeters on all sides of the page (make sure the default is not set to inches) Lines Justified. Use this MSWord function → Referencing method Harvard referencing method according to the MNG4801 Harvard referencing Guide (available on the MNG4801 module site) Page limits If the assignment content does not adhere to the page limits as set out for each question in the assignment, penalties will be applied. Student’s work will not be marked after the page limit is exceeded. Assignments should be typed and written in third, not first, person.

9 3.3.3 Special assignment concessions (extensions) Concessions are awarded at the discretion of the lecturer and students who do not make an arrangement with the lecturer (Step 1) or have insufficient evidence (Step 2), will get ZERO for their Late Assignment. SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT CONCESSION PROCEDURE Since we have already provided you with a concession of an extra seven days for all types of life events, we do not expect to receive e-mails asking for concessions. However, for extra- ordinary circumstances, you can e-mail the lecturer to request a concession to submit a late assignment via the portal. If you cannot submit by the last – final - day, then this is what you should do : 1. E-mail the primary lecturer promptly. Students need to contact the lecturer before the due date or within 7 days after the due date has passed in order to apply for a concession. 2. Explain your situation and motivate with evidence why you require an extension. Your e-mail should be both polite and reasonable. The lecturer will evaluate your situation and respond. IF the concession is granted, you are likely to receive a 10% penalty for the late submission . Please do not e-mail us weeks after the due date , asking for a concession. We cannot accommodate concessions and submissions once the follow-up TUT 201, 202, 203 is out and when it is time for the next assignment. All assignments are INDIVIDUAL assignments . Although we find that students often work in a group when preparing for an assignment, limit your group work to conceptual discussions and NEVER share your assignment content (answers) with others . You must do your own assignment and give your own interpretations of what you have learnt when completing the assignments. Identical assignments or customized 'templates' by different members of a group is unacceptable . When caught, you will receive zero (0%) for the assignment and be subjected to disciplinary action . 3.3.4 Assignment due dates The three assignments are designed to prepare you to achieve the outcomes for the module and for the examination. There are no assignment due dates included in this tutorial letter.

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10 Please take note of the following: • Assignment due dates will be made available to you under the “ Due dates for Assignments 2023 ” tab on the myUnisa site. The due dates will be available to you upon registration. • Only assignment 2 is available in tutorial letter 102. • Log on to the myUnisa site as soon as you have registered for this module to obtain more information on the due dates for the submission of the assignments. Assignment Due date Last day to upload (seven days later) = final upload date Type of Assignment Marks 01 Due dates for assignments, as well as the actual assignments are available on the MNG4801 module site for this module. As indicated on the MNG4801 module site - Essay style with structured questions referring to a case study. - It includes 10 MCQ’s covering topics of referencing, paraphrasing and plagiarism. - It includes an online activity. - Individual assignment. 70 02 Essay style with structured questions. referring to a case study. Individual assignment. 70 03 Essay style with structured questions referring to a case study. Individual assignment. 70 3.3.3 Submission and resubmission of assignments We require that you submit your typed assignments online via myUnisa in PDF . Marking at Unisa is done through Adobe PDF files, customized marking and commenting tools. You need to comply with the following submission instructions to get your assignment marked. Firstly, you should submit your typed assignment as ONE PDF file ONLINE . Secondly, it is YOUR responsibility to ensure that your assignment submissions include: • The CORRECT assignment. This means the correct module, correct assignment and the correct assignment number. • A SINGLE , STANDARD PDF file. Open your typed assignment and then simply 'save as' PDF from the MSWord version. You should have one electronic document to submit. The system does not combine files for you. It must be done before the upload. If you submit a

11 document and then another, the second document replaces the first one. • DO NOT protect it with a password and DO NOT make it a READ ONLY PDF . We cannot mark it in these formats. You will get zero marks if you upload such files. • DO NOT EMBED files in assignments as embedded files in PDF documents cannot be opened. • DO NOT CERTIFY or WRITE PROTECT the PDF file. You will get zero marks if you do this. You should ensure your computer is virus free and make sure the file you upload is clean from viruses. A file that contains viruses can result in a corrupted file that cannot be marked. Note that electronic signatures automatically convert the document to Read Only format, avoid using electronic signatures in your declaration. ALWAYS click "view" assignment after submission to check that you did not upload another document erroneously. It is important to note that you have a maximum of three attempts to resubmit your assignment . Be aware that the system will record the latest date that you uploaded your assignment. If you submit a draft or a wrong assignment on time and then decide to cancel the submission and upload another version of the assignment AFTER the final upload date, we will consider the latest date and not your earlier submission date. Your assignment will be considered late. Make sure that you resubmit WITHIN the grace period provided . Irrespective of whether the system or portal allows you to submit your assignment, late assignments will receive zero marks . You need to adhere to the due dates provided on the myUnisa site under “ Due dates for Assignments 2023 ” tab - unless an announcement from the lecturer states otherwise. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES MAY ASSIGNMENTS BE SUBMITTED BY E-MAIL . A tutorial letter (Tutorial letter 201/202/203) will be uploaded on myUnisa containing feedback with guidelines of what was expected from you for the assignment questions. You will receive your marked assignment with the marker's comments via myUnisa. Assignments are marked exclusively onscreen (online). Marked assignments are distributed after they have been marked. There is no need to panic if your peers have received their marked assignment, as the marking for this subject is done in real time. Allow at least six weeks after the closing date of the assignment for the marking and return of your assignment as this is a large module. If you have still not received a marked assignment and feedback when the tutorial letter is sent out, follow up with the lecturer. Annexure B contains the declaration of own work (MUST

12 form part of EACH assignment). Annexure D includes the complaints procedure for your reference. 4 APPROACH TO THE MODULE AND ASSIGNMENTS The greatest shock to students is how the assignments should be approached. At the level of this qualification, it is unacceptable to retype theory or copy and paste . The focus is on understanding the applicable theory, to recognize it in case studies, and to apply it scientifically to construct an argument or to perform a critical evaluation. 4.1 Academic dishonesty Plagiarism has been a big problem in the past and the consequences are severe. Plagiarism is the act of taking the words, ideas and thoughts of others and passing them off as your own. It is a form of theft that involves several dishonest academic activities. An example of plagiarism is retrieving information from the textbook or a previous tutorial letter and then copying and pasting it into your assignment verbatim and submitting it as your own work. Copying and pasting (word for word) and with or without the reference is also unacceptable. You need to interpret the content and put it in your own words with references ! Assignments need to demonstrate your own original content. UNISA subscribes to Turnitin (TII) as its official proctoring tool. Assignments and Examinations will be submitted to TII after submission on the portal. The reports will be evaluated by a subject matter expert when marking your assignment and remain property of UNISA to be used in a Disciplinary hearing.

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13 UNISA considers cheating as, but is not limited to, the following: • Completing assessments on behalf of another student, copying from another student during an assessment or allowing a student to copy from you. • Using social media (eg WhatsApp, Telegram) or other platforms to disseminate assessment information. • Submitting corrupt or irrelevant files. • Buying completed answers from “tutors” or internet sites (contract cheating). • Using paraphrasing software such as Quilbot or Paraphraser is considered cheating and constitutes plagiarism. By using paraphrasing software you are disguising the ideas of other authors so as to pass them off as your own interpretation. The Disciplinary code for students (2008) is given to all students when they register. Students are advised to study the Code , especially sections 1.18 and 1.19. More information on this code is available in the Study @ Unisa brochure. If you are unsure about what it means to not plagiarise or how to reference correctly, do some reading before you begin your assignment . myUnisa contains resources on plagiarism and guidelines on how to reference. It is your responsibility to consult these resources. It is suggested that you check how much you know about plagiarism by taking this quiz and by watching this video : https://www.turnitin.com/static/plagiarism-quiz/ or search "Writecheck Plagiarism Quiz" https://youtu.be/EF5eFeJMplA To develop the writing, researching, and referencing skills expected at this level, you need to spend time preparing your assignments. Should you discover that you are constantly revising your answers for your assignments as you progress, you are on the right track! This process is circular and repetitive. Do not take short cuts on the road to success! A reminder to please consult the additional lessons we have provided on the MNG4801 module site where we cover topics such as referencing, paraphrasing, plagiarism as well as tips on academic writing style and how to approach examination questions.

14 OUTSIDE TUTORS The lecturing team, via myUnisa, provides ample resources, support, and opportunities to learn and develop yourselves in this course. The module has been designed for you to self-study and pass the module. If you choose to engage the services of an outside tutor, please take note of the following: • Outside tutors are not affiliated with Unisa or endorsed by the institution and they are in no way involved in setting or grading assessments. • The guidelines or templates that they provide for assignments and examinations are not approved by us and are not required to be successful in this module. • Templates and guidelines have resulted in Significant plagiarism in the past . You should do your own assignment to avoid penalties and disciplinary action. Customising and tweaking a generic template is not your own work and will have severe consequences for you. • Never allow anyone to write content or paste their content into your assignment as this is unethical and results in you plagiarizing. • E-mailing your assignment to tutors (or peers) means that you are sharing your intellectual property and you have no control how widely the assignment gets shared (and copied). Identical or plagiarised assignments could result in you getting ZERO for your work and then receiving disciplinary action from the University. 4.2 Assignment queries on results Please follow these steps BEFORE contacting us about your assignment result: 1. Read all instructions for the assignment. Many students query their marks and the comments when we have provided clear instructions for assignments that should always be adhered to. 2. Read the marker's comments and pause to reflect on them for a few days (this is an important step in the learning process). Try to take the emotion out and focus on what needs to be improved. This is a learning journey. 3. WAIT for the follow-up Tutorial Letter 201/202/203 and then study it carefully and reflect on your work further. 4. Usually, all your questions and concerns are addressed by the third step; should you still have queries after this, then contact the lecturer by e-mail. Please understand that we will ask you to follow this reflective and learning process (steps) first. Should you still require contacting the lecturer, you need to be specific about what you are querying, and you should be prepared. We will review the specific assignment sections of the assignment that you are querying and give you individual feedback after you have compared your assignment answers with the contents of the follow up tutorial letters and the theory in the textbook. You need to do a question-by-question analysis in TEMPLATE format with

15 comments on where you believe additional marks should have been allocated or where you have concerns, see table below . We will ask you for this analysis before we can provide you with individual feedback. Question Student answer Theory from prescribed book Feedback from TUT 201/202/203 Motivation for where additional marks should be awarded and why. This is a good learning exercise that helps to direct us to the specific areas you are concerned about and assists us to give you swift feedback. Always keep emails about your assignments polite and avoid personally attacking markers. Our markers are highly qualified individuals dedicated to fair assessment. Lecturers are also very involved in the marking process and do hours of moderation. Please note we will not be remarking your entire assignment because you want a higher mark and nor are we willing to remark all three assignments so that you can get examination entrance. This raises Red Flags about your motives and commitment to learning. 4.3 Proposed study guideline and Glossaries At postgraduate level, we acknowledge that you already have an undergraduate degree and, therefore, you know how to study, how to plan your time and how to meet deadlines. However, some of you may benefit by this proposed study guideline. Remember that only YOU can get this qualification and it requires that YOU take ownership and responsibility for YOUR studies. You are encouraged to develop your own study plan from this guideline and to work in advance where possible. The proposed study guidelines begin on the next page.

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16 Date Activity Notes January - February 2023 Registration and orientation: 1. Read this tutorial letter front to back (TWICE) – the “Start here!” section on the MNG4801 module site contains TL 101's information. 2. Go to MNG4801-2023 module site and familiarise yourself with all the content. 3. Purchase the prescribed textbook. 4. Ensure that your myLife e-mail account is set up and that it forwards e-mails to any other e-mail address that you check regularly. Read the welcome message on the MNG4801 module site and the important information in the “Start here” section. Review the lessons on myUnisa and take note of how they link to the chapters. Review the additional topic lessons we have provided on the topics of referencing, paraphrasing, plagiarism and academic writing so you understand the expectations at postgraduate level. Read the learning outcomes and assessment criteria contained in the lessons. Read the assignment instructions and get an idea of the expectations. Open FAQs on myUnisa and the other tabs. Introduce yourself to the other students on the discussion forum "Welcome to MNG4801". Study the presentation on how to avoid plagiarism and familiarise yourself with referencing expectations.

17 March - April 2023 Study: 1. Lessons 1, 2 and 3 on the MNG4801 module site. 2. Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4 and 9 of the prescribed book. Begin your assignment 1 in advance. Do the learning and self- assessment activities associated with these lessons and in the corresponding chapters. Download and read articles from the Unisa library to expand your understanding of concepts. Download the articles required for all three assignments from the Unisa library. Post a comment on the discussion forum titled: "Interesting articles on strategic management." Make study notes and try to get a head start on your studying. May 2023 1. Work on assignment 1. 2. Navigate general discussion forums and engage online. 3. Aim to finish Assignment 01 on time to meet the due date. Aim to submit your assignment before the due date. Check the due dates under the “ Due dates for Assignments 2023 ” tab on the myUnisa module site ASSIGNMENT 01 SUBMISSION 1. Read the instructions for the assignment again. 2. Upload your assignment on time in the correct format. Submit your assignment on time. Late assignment = zero "View" your assignment to ensure that you uploaded the correct and complete document.

18 June 2023 Study: 1. Lessons 4 and 5 on the MNG4801 module site. 2. Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of the prescribed book. Begin Assignment 02 in advance. Do not wait for Assignment 01's feedback before starting with Assignment 02. Begin with Assignment 02 and incorporate the feedback you receive before submission (they are standalone assignments). July 2023 1. Review the feedback on Assignment 01. 2. Read Tutorial Letter 201 and compare it to your assignment. Reflect on your approach and on areas you can improve on. Check the due dates under the “ Due dates for Assignments 2023 ” tab on the myUnisa module site ASSIGNMENT 02 SUBMISSION 1. Read the instructions for Assignment 02 again. 2. Upload your assignment on time in the correct format. Submit your assignment on time and "View" your assignment to ensure that you uploaded the correct document. August 2023 Study: 1. Lessons 5 and 6 on the MNG4801 module site 2. Chapters 10,11, 12, 13 and 14 of the prescribed book. Begin Assignment 03 in advance. Do not wait for Assignment 02's feedback before starting with Assignment 03; begin your assignment and then incorporate the feedback you receive (they are standalone assignments). September 2023 1. Review the feedback on Assignment 02. 2. Compare Tutorial letter 202 to your assignment. 3. Reflect on your approach and how to improve. Reflect on your approach and on areas you can improve on. Check the due dates under the “ Due dates for Assignments 2023 ” tab on the myUnisa module site ASSIGNMENT 03 SUBMISSION: 1. Read the instructions for the assignment again. 2. Upload your assignment on time in the correct format. Submit your assignment on time and "View" to ensure that you uploaded the correct document.

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19 October 202 3 Study: 1. All the lessons and chapters. Download previous examination papers and start practicing the questions. 2. Expand your understanding of strategic management concepts by researching and reading up on them. 3. Make study notes and start practicing previous examination questions. Contribute to the discussion forum titled: "Previous examination questions". November 2023 1. Review the feedback on Assignment 03. 2. Read Tutorial Letter 203 and compare it to your assignment. 3. Check that you have examination admission. Lecturers do not award examination admission. It is calculated on your performance during the year. December 2023 and January 2024 1. Revise all chapters, lessons, assignments, learning and assessment outcomes. 2. Practice self-assessment activities. 3. Practice previous examination questions. Look out for communication on your examination format. We will not provide a reduced scope as you are postgraduate students. 5 IN CLOSING We trust that this tutorial letter has provided you with insight into the module and how you can prepare. We wish you a fascinating and satisfying journey and hope that you will complete the module successfully. We wish you the best with your studies. Enjoy the strategic management learning journey! The MNG4801 lecturers, DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

20 ANNEXURE A: ASSIGNMENT 2 Assignment 2 70 Marks Due date: Refer to the MNG4801 module site Message to students: This is your second (2 nd ) assignment. Use this assignment as an opportunity to properly engage in the learning material and articles and to learn about strategic management. Studying the theory and learning how to do case studies in this assignment will help you with the examination. So, don ’t sell yourself short, start preparing early, do your own work and submit an INDIVIDUAL assignment! Follow these instructions carefully: 1 Please adhere to the page limits provided per question . Students will be penalized if page limits are not adhered to. 2. The declaration template is in Annexure B. Do not forget to complete the declaration of your own work (Question 1 of assignment 2) – or your assignment will not be marked . 3. Do not forget to answer the reflection questions (the last question in each assignment) – or you will lose marks . 4. Follow the instructions in the questions carefully and do not plagiarize as you will be penalized or could get zero and be reported to student disciplinary. Learn more about plagiarism and how to reference on myUnisa . 5. Start your assignment and preparation early: Do not submit the assignment late. 6. Please use full sentences and write in third person and do not use bullet points, lists, tables or figures in the assignment. 7. It is important that you reference all sources in accordance with the Business Management Harvard Referencing Guidelines (available on myUnisa) and that you do not plagiarize. Refer to the topic lessons on myUnisa module site. 8. Please number your assignment answers in the same format as they are asked in this assignment and Do Not to create your own numbering and sub-questions. Background to Assignment 2 (setting the scene): Mr Price’s management team heard that you are doing a postgraduate course in strategic management, and they approach you and request that you offer strategic advice and support to Mr Price on the following tasks (questions). Read the Mr Price case study (Annexure C) and answer the questions that follow. Important: You may NOT contact Mr Price or ANY employee or stakeholder directly or indirectly involved with Mr Price or any other organisation mentioned in the case study – ONLY make use of the case study provided and the prescribed material. You may consult and reference peer-reviewed academic sources.

2 1 Question 1: DECLARATION 1. Insert the declaration template (Annexure B) here and complete it as part of your assignment. Failure to complete the declaration of your own work will result in a zero (0) mark for the entire assignment. Question 2: 2. Discuss the strategic importance of the macro-environment on an organisation’s situation. As part of your discussion, identify and describe the specific macroenvironmental factors/forces that affected Mr Price. You need to support your discussion by integrating the relevant theory in your discussion with practical examples from the case study. <Your answer should be 1 page> Total: [10] Question 3: 3. Introduce the concepts of “ threshold capabilities ” and “distinctive capabilities” and discuss how they contributed towards Mr Price’s competitive advantage . You need to support your discussion by integrating the relevant theory in your discussion with practical examples from the case study. <Your answer should be 1 page> Total: [10] Question 4: 4. Identify and critically discuss the business level strategies evident in the four (4) businesses mentioned in the case study, namely: Power Fashion, Mr Price, Studio 88 and Yuppiechef and explain how each of their business level strategies facilitate competitive advantage in their markets . You need to support your discussion by integrating the relevant theory in your discussion with practical examples from the case study. <Your answer should be 3 pages> Total: [24]

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2 2 MNG4801/102/0/2023 Question 5: 5. Identify and critically discuss two corporate growth strategies evident in the Mr Price case study. Conclude your discussion by describing how their strategies contribute to Mr Price becoming "the most valuable retailer in Africa” . You need to support your discussion by integrating the relevant theory in your discussion with practical examples from the case study. In addition to incorporating and referencing theory from your prescribed material into your answer for Question 5 , you must locate, incorporate and reference 1 (one) applicable academic article of your choice (published after 2017) from the Unisa library into your discussion. <Your answer should be 2 pages> Total: [16] Question 6: 6. Briefly answer these reflection questions: • If you could redo this assignment again, what would you want to do differently? • Indicate the three most difficult aspects of doing this assignment. <Your answer should be ½ page> Total: [5] Technical requirements: • Table of contents • Short overall introduction to assignment • Structure, academic writing style • Short overall conclusion to the assignment • Technical specifications • In-text references Harvard method • List of references Harvard method Total: [5] TOTAL = [70]

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2 3 ANNEXURE B: DECLARATION I (your full name and surname) , student number hereby declare: - I have read the TUT 102 in detail and understand the procedures I need to follow regarding the submission of my assignment. I am aware of and accept the consequences for late submissions and for not following the assignment procedures. - I declare that this assignment is my own work and that all sources used or quoted are indicated and acknowledged both in text and in full references. I also declare that I have not copied (partially or in full) another student(s) or third-p arty’s work or allowed another student(s) to copy my work (partially or in full). - I have read and understood Unisa ’s policy on plagiarism, available on myUnisa ( https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/ myUnisa /default/Assignments-&-Examination/Assignments/Plagiarism ) and I have read and understood the Powerpoint Presentation and other resources on Plagiarism provided to me on the MNG4801-2023-Y site. - I accept responsibility to categorically adhere to Unisa Academic integrity and Plagiarism policies and their expectations. - Lastly, I am fully aware that if I am found in breach of Unisa ’s policies, I will not only be penalized with a mark of zero, but I will be reported to the Student Disciplinary Department which could result in suspension or expulsion from UNISA. Signature / typed name Date Should you require assistance to better understand these expectations – please contact the le cturer because “I did not know” and “I d id not understand ” will not be acceptable excuses . YOUR ASSIGNMENT WILL NOT BE MARKED UNLESS THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBMITTED WITHIN YOUR ASSIGNMENT (IN QUESTION 1) – NOT AN EMBEDDED FILE. See MYUNISA for an Electronic version of this Declaration.

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MNG4801/10 2 /0/2023 24 ANNEXURE C: MR PRICE CASE STUDY (ASSIGNMENT 2) Mr Price: resilient and determined to become the most valuable retailer in Africa Like many retailers in South Africa, Mr Price experienced devastating civil unrest in July 2021 in KwaZulu-Natal and in parts of Gauteng that resulted in the looting of 111 of the gro up’s 1,592 stores (Gernetzky, 2021). The unrest cost the business an estimated R320million in lost sales and margins came under pressure amid inventory write-offs of R151.5million from the civil unrest. The claims for business interruption losses relating to the unrest are still being assessed and Mr Price expects to receive the proceeds in the 2023 financial year (Areff, 2022). Mr Price has since re-opened 96 of the 111 looted stores as of November 2021 with the remaining 15 stores only opening in 2022 and 2023 due to extensive structural damage (Gernetzky, 2021). Fortunately, the business recovered and upped its interim dividend by more than a third amid market share gains towards the end of 2021. Group revenue rose 35.2% to R12.4billion by October 2021 and group retail sales were 17.4% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Mr Price Apparel, its largest division, gained market share for 19 consecutive months in 2021, with Mr Price attributing this to its value proposition for customers, adding that it highlights the defensive and resilient nature of its business (Gernetzky, 2021). Speaking about the lucrative and resilient nature of the Mr Price business model and value proposition, Mr Price Group chief executive Mark Blair said; “our fashion -value merchandise, fiscal discipline and highly cash-generative business model has helped us to trade through some difficult circumstances and emerge in a position of strength ” (Gernetzky, 2021). Mr Price eyes further growth opportunities despite tough SA climate After nearly 30 years without any acquisitions, Mr Price acquired 100% of Yuppiechef for about R470 million in August 2021, representing 1% of the retailer’s market capitalisation. As part of the cost of the acquisition, Mr Price paid for the goodwill of Yuppiechef which is attributable to the value of expected future omnichannel growth opportunities of the business (myBroadband, 2022). Mr Price Group acquired Yuppiechef to gain access to a higher LSM customer base and to bolster its online presence and premium offerings. Yuppiechef, which was founded in 2006, has two primary operations. These include Yuppiechef Online and a wholesale division that develops and imports branded goods for wholesale distribution. Mr Price intends to grow Yuppiechef by broadening its product assortment and expanding its physical presence beyond the existing limited number of stores. Yuppiechef currently has 8 retail stores — four in Cape Town, two in Johannesburg, one in Somerset West, and one in Umhlanga. Mr Price revealed that Yuppiechef contributed R296.2 million in revenue to Mr Price and R19.9 million in operating profit between 1 August 2021 and 2 April 2022 (myBroadband, 2022). In addition to adding Yuppiechef to its portfolio, Mr Price launched its new e-commerce platform and acquired the budget retailer Power Fashion in 2021. Power Fashion was founded in the 1950s and is a high growth, family-owned apparel retailer based in Durban, South Africa. It is value-focused and cash-based, servicing low to middle-income households (Thukwana, 2020). Power Fashion offers merchandise for the family, retailing largely apparel merchandise but also offering cellular products, basic household items, value cosmetics, electricity, and other opportunistic products (Sibeko, 2022).

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25 The alignment between Mr Price and Power Fashion’s core competencies caught the attention of Mr Price ’s management (Sibeko, 2022). After which, the Mr Price Group was given the green light to acquire value-focused and cash-based retailer Power Fashion after meeting all the regulatory conditions in South Africa and eSwatini (Sibeko, 2022). CEO Mark Blair said that the “Power Fashion fits in well with the group as both companies share a similar entrepr eneurial culture.” This sentiment was echo’ d by Power Fashion’s CEO Noel Otto who sees the acquisition as being one with "kindred cultures and a shared entrepreneurial spirit ” (Thukwana, 2020) . Mark Blair expressed that he was “really excited about the o pportunities that exist for Power Fashion, which is a quality business and for the welcoming of the new associates to the Mr Price Group” (Sibeko, 2022). Mark Blair confirmed that both Mr Price and Power Fashion enjoy a similar culture, “ and the fit is exc ellent” (Businesstech, 2020; Sibeko, 2022) . There is an expectation that the integration of Power Fashion into Mr Price will be a smooth one (Thukwana, 2020). Power Fashion operates across Southern Africa, and it focuses on the deep value segment of the market. Its price positioning is strongly aligned to its target customer base (Sibeko, 2022). While Power Fashion’s merchandise is fashionable, it is not fashion forward like Mr Price and the business is focused on value for money items. Power Fashion competes with Pep in the low to mid income segment of the market. Most of Power Fashion’s products are priced under R100, typically bright coloured with busy patterns. Mr Price identified the price-value market in the apparel segment in which Power Fashion operated was one such segment with attractive growth potential (Thukwana, 2020). Power Fashion was started by the Otto family in the 1950s in Swaziland, where it traded in clothing, footwear, and food and has grown to 173 stores with significant coverage across southern Africa. Power Fashion stores are typically found on community main streets and community malls, as opposed to regional and super regional locations and malls like Mr Price. CEO Mark Blair indicated that Mr Price and Fashion Power both have sufficiently differentiated business models and target customers which will enable strong positioning in both the deep-value (Power Fashion) and fashion- value (Mr Price) segments of the market (Thukwana, 2020). The acquisition of Power Fashion comes after Mr Price undertook strategic research in 2020 and identified opportunities for growth in South Africa, both organic and via acquisition. Mr Price opted for the Power Fashion acquisition after having considered several opportunities. The Power Fashion group met each of the closely researched criteria determined in strategic research conducted by Mr Price, which includes (Businesstech, 2020): 1. a v alue focused business that predominantly trades in cash and is aligned to the group’s core competencies; 2. a business which f its within the group’s capital allocation strategy and is bolt -on in nature (the size of the transaction is approximately 4% of market capitalisation); 3. a high performing business with a strong track record, eliminating the need for any turnaround strategy and avoiding the associated management distraction and integration costs; 4. an existing business of attractive scale which is available at a reasonable valuation; 5. opportunity for significant future growth in footprint and categories; 6. low risk as opposed to acquiring an unknown territory with additional foreign exchange risk; and 7. strong management and a skilled team to prevent distraction and ensure continuity.

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26 MNG4801/10 2 /0/2023 Mr Price believes that with the acquisition of Power Fashion, the business will provide immediate returns to their shareholders, as well as continue to deliver on their respective promises to their customers (Sibeko, 2022). Mr Price said the acquisition also fit within the group’s capital allocation strategy and its bolt-on in nature, with the size of the transaction currently 3 to 4% of market capitalisation. Mr Price values Power Fashion as a high performing business with a strong track record, eliminating the need for any turnaround strategy and avoiding the associated management distraction and integration costs (Sibeko, 2022). Mr Price will inherit Power Fashion’s customers while entrenching its foothold in the value segment and among lower to middle income consumers in the market. The deal offers Mr Price significant growth opportunities in a territory it is already familiar with. Prior to being acquired by Mr Price, Power Fashion was completely unknown and was one of those names that have gone completely under the radar yet, it is a high- performing business even before Covid and it’s not a Covid casualty nor is it a fixer-upper (Thukwana, 2020). Strong retail sales growth and the acquisitions of kitchenware company Yuppiechef and value retailer Power Fashion are major factors in the accretive earnings experienced by Mr Price (MyBroadband, 2022). There is an expected further jump in earnings for Mr Price with the most recent purchase of the majority of Studio 88 Group. This purchase is part of Mr Price’s strategy to tap into a new customer base (MrPriceGroup, 2022). The value fashion and homeware retailer, Mr Price, acquired 70% of the ownership of Studio 88 Group, which includes the SideStep, John Craig, Skipper Bar brands, for R3.3 billion. Mr Price described their partnership with the Studio 88 owners as the ideal entry for Mr Price to enter the high growth urban wear and athleisure segment of the market which presents Mr Price with another channel for revenue that does not compete with what Mr Price currently offers (Areff, 2022). Studio 88 operates over 700 stores, as the "largest independent retailer of branded leisure, lifestyle and sporting apparel and footwear in South Africa". The 21-year-old Studio 88 group generated R5.6 billion in revenue for the financial year ended 30 September 2021 (Areff, 2022). Mr Price management were attracted to Studio 88 group by the business’s deep understanding of trend conscious South African consumers and their ability to address their needs via their various trading formats. The Studio 88 merchandise range is a mix of international brands, some under exclusive license agreements, as well as private label ranges (Areff, 2022). Studio 88 founder Laurence Wernars will continue running the business with his management team after the majority share purchase by Mr price. The purchase of the stake in Studio 88 was successful and will likely increase Mr Price’s annual revenue to over R28 billion, and its footprint to more than 2 400 stores. The Mr Price group would also then end up employing over 25 000 people (Areff, 2022). The deal between Studio 88 and Mr Price is being funded through Mr Price's existing cash resources with Mr Price acquiring 100% of RMB Ventures' shareholding in Studio 88. The previous owner Blue Falcon and management disposed of 50% of their shareholding thereby allowing Mr Price to pick up the shares and obtain majority stake in Studio 88. The plan is for Mr Price to eventually purchase the rest of management's shareholdings over the next four years and takeover the Studio 88 business completely (Areff, 2022). The positive momentum evident in Mr Price’s performance can be attributed to the strong execution of their growth strategy by management. Mr Price ’s management invested in building a diversified and differentiated, fashion-value business model despite various macro environmental external

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27 challenges such as civil unrest and the loss of trading due to many hours load-shedding. Through their targeted growth strategy, Mr Price aspire to become "the most valuable retailer in Africa” (Areff, 2022). References Areff, A. 2022. Sales growth and Yuppiechef acquisition big factors in Mr Price earnings jump. Fin24. [Online] Available from: https://www.news24.com/fin24/companies/sales-growth-and-yuppiechef-acquisition-big- factors-in-mr-price-earnings-jump-20220526. [Accessed: 15 July 2022] Businesstech, 2020. Mr Price buys value fashion retailer with 170 stores. [Online] Available from: https://businesstech.co.za/news/trending/452052/mr-price-buys-value-fashion-retailer-with-170-stores/. [Accessed: 18 July 2022]. Gernetzky., K. 2021. Mr Price ups dividend by over a third as it carves out market share. Business Day Live. [Online] Available from: https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/companies/retail-and-consumer/2021-11-25-mr- price-ups-dividend-by-over-a-third-as-it-carves-out-market-share/. [Accessed: 15 July 2022] Mybroadband. 2022. Here is how much money Yuppiechef makes. [Online] Available from: https://mybroadband.co.za/news/business/448534-here-is-how-much-money-yuppiechef-makes.html. [Accessed: 18 July 2022] MrPriceGroup, 2022. Mr Price Group’s shares surge on strong quarterly sales. [Online] Available from: https://www.mrpricegroup.com/mr-price-groups-shares-surge-on-strong-quarterly-sales/. [Accessed: 18 July 2022]. Sibeko, 2022. Mr Price gets the green light to acquire Power Fashion retailer. [Online] Available from: https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/companies/mr-price-gets-the-green-light-to-acquire-power-fashion- retailer-0e34c481-9d13-46f2-92f0-1c4d2a8a82e6. [Accessed: 18 July 2022]. Thukwana, N 2020. Here’s what we know about the ‘completely unknown’ chain worth R1.7 billion to Mr Price. [Online] Available from: https://www.businessinsider.co.za/mr-price-is-paying-r17bn-for-a-family-owned- store-chain-started-in-swaziland-over-65-years-ago-2020-11. [Accessed: 18 July 2022]

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MNG4801/10 2 /0/2023 28 ANNEXURE D: COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE CEMS COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE Step 1 Any module related (academic) complaint must first be thoroughly discussed with the relevant module lecturer to resolve the matter. Module lecturer Chair of Department School Director Executive Dean Step 2 If the matter cannot be resolved through a discussion with the lecturer, students can approach the Chair of the relevant department. Please note that complaints will be referred back to the lecturer if the lecturer has not been afforded an opportunity to respond. Step 3 If students are not satisfied with the resolution from the Chair of the department, they have the option to direct the complaint to the office of the School Director. Please note that complaints will be referred back to the lecturer at this step too, if the lecturer has not been afforded an opportunity to respond. Step 4 If students are not satisfied with the resolution from the School Director, they have the option to direct the complaint to the office of the Executive Dean. If the complaint relates to postgraduate affairs, it will be investigated by the Head of Postgraduate Studies and Research on behalf of the Executive Dean and provide feedback to both the student and the Dean. Students may also use the following College mailboxes for any type of enquiry or complaint: - cemsenquiries@unisa.ac.za (general academic enquiries) - cemsqa@unisa.ac.za (quality issues) Any academic complaint received in these mailboxes will be escalated to either the Chair of the Department or the Director of the School. Administrative enquiries and/or complaints must be directed to the correct administrative department: https://staff.unisa.ac.za/sites/intranet/default/Services-&-Groups/Help-a-student

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Tutorial letter 102_Assignment 2 (2)

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