As the world changes around us, there are a lot of challenges to manage. Many of these revolve around technology, and how it changes the way we live our day-to-day lives or run our businesses. This has led us to the brink of a new era a new industrial revolution that is set to completely revolutionise the world as we know it. Its been labelled the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), and while it brings some exciting changes with it, it also presents some significant challenges for businesses around the world. You have been appointed the Business Development Manager of a popular private company in South Africa to assist the organisation in positively responding to the 4IR. You are advised that the company has been struggling with various challenges related to growth, gaining a strong competitive advantage and managing change. You are expected to draft a situation analysis report and recommendations to your Chief Executive Officer. The report should provide sufficient reference to the organisational context and extensive application of relevant theory. Your report should address all questions and follow the structure and numbering of sections as provided below: No: Question Marks 1 Introduction and background (Type of organisation, Vision, Mission, Values and Objectives) 10 2 Before making strategic decisions, managers commonly use the five forces framework to determine the competitive structure of the industry. Critically appraise the task environment of your organisation and discuss the possible application of Porters Five Forces Model in analysing the competitive advantage of your business. Use relevant examples to substantiate your answer.

20

3 Deliberate the relevance of a functional organisational structure in contemporary organisations and critically analyse the relationship that exists between organisational structure and your business strategy in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) era. Apply appropriate examples to substantiate your answer.

20

4 Learning organisations are regarded to be essential for effective change management and creating a culture of high performance through team learning and employee motivation. Considering this statement, examine the fundamental characteristics of learning organisations. Provide a detailed argument on the benefits that your organisation will realise by becoming a learning organisation. Apply relevant examples related to your organisation.

20

5 The Systems Theory Model of the Organisation is based on the idea that businesses and the environment are interrelated and interdependent. Critically evaluate the interdependent relationship that exists between your organisation and the environment in terms of the Systems Theory.

20

6 Provide an overall conclusion

SECTION A 1 Introduction and background (Type of organization, Vision, Mission, Values and Objectives)

Student-based answer: Name of the organisation, Type of organisation, Vision, Mission, Values, Objectives and any other relevant background information.

10

2 Before making strategic decisions, managers commonly use the five forces framework to determine the competitive structure of the industry. Critically appraise the task environment of your organisation and discuss the possible application of Porters Five Forces Model in analysing the competitive advantage of your business. Use relevant examples to substantiate your answer.

The discussion should include: An overview of the question and definitions Discussion of the organisations task environment Discussion of Porters Five Forces Model Application of relevant examples Correct in-text referencing Suitable conclusion

20

3 Deliberate the relevance of a functional organisational structure in contemporary organisations and critically analyse the relationship that exists between organisational structure and your business strategy in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) era. Apply appropriate examples to substantiate your answer.

The discussion should include: Provide an overview of the question and definitions Discuss the relevance of a functional organisational structure Discussion of the relationship between strategy and structure Application of suitable examples Correct in-text referencing Closing statement

20

4 Learning organisations are regarded to be The discussion should provide: 20

essential for effective change management and creating a culture of high performance through team learning and employee motivation. Considering this statement, examine the fundamental characteristics of learning organisations. Provide a detailed argument on the benefits that your organisation will realise by becoming a learning organisation. Apply relevant examples related to your organisation.

A brief overview of the question Fundamental characteristics of learning organisations An argument on the benefits of becoming a learning organisation Application of relevant examples Correct in-text referencing Closing statement and recommendations.

5 The Systems Theory Model of the Organisation is based on the idea that businesses and the environment are interrelated and interdependent. Critically evaluate the interdependent relationship that exists between your organisation and the environment in terms of the Systems Theory.

The discussion should include: Overview of the question and definition of key terms Brief overview of the organisation Discussion of the Systems Theory Application of practical examples related to the organisation Application of correct in-text referencing. Closing statement

20

6 Provide an overall conclusion Student-based answer:

A summary of key issues addressed in the document, and possible implications for the organisation.