This unit aims to investigate the nature of strategy within the context of the 21st Century, in part via examination of the last three decades of strategy development. The unit introduces, outlines and explores major themes, models, principles and practices of strategic management. The unit commences with defining what strategy is, and introducing the two major theoretical paradigms that predominantly define current strategic thought and serve as the foundation of the analytical models taught within the course. Learning is facilitated through the examination of case studies based on real firms from a variety of industries and countries. Methods of internal and external analysis are theoretically introduced, and practically illustrated through a seminar dedicated to ‘analysis in practice’. The formulation of firm level strategy, corporate level strategy and international level strategy are investigated at a theoretical and practical level. Implementation of strategic initiatives within the organisational environment is reviewed. The course concludes with students learning how to interpret random data sets, identifying key issues and developing strategic proposals from data sources not neatly confined within a case study setting. This learning is reflected in the assessment pieces students are expected to complete in order to pass the unit.