Strategic Analysis for the Energy Sector
The future facing the energy industries can appear confusing and uncertain. This course aims to give aspiring/serving managers an introduction to some of the key tools of strategic analysis and strategic planning in an energy-specific context in order to help make sense of this volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity.
This module provides an introduction to techniques of strategic analysis in an energy context. It explores key constituents of the strategic management environment, dynamics and factors within a range of dimensions which influence decision-making and organisational performance. Over the module, students will develop knowledge of and skills in the interpretation of the strategic management environment through an exploration of approaches and techniques which contribute to complex problem identification in uncertain and dynamic business environments.
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Critically use a range of analytical models that collectively provide insight to the performance of industries and firms within the energy sector
- Critically appraise the role of qualitative and quantitative-decision support tools and their integration into decision support and strategy development for navigating the net zero future
- Critically select and apply appropriate tools of foresight to consider the impact of change in the business environment on the performance of industries and firms within the energy sector
- Develop an in-depth understanding of the critical success factors for industries and firms in the energy sector
RGU Upskilling
Undertaking a RGU online short course can help you to develop or change your career or support your business to grow.
We're proud to offer a range of online short courses tailored to meet the evolving needs of businesses and individuals both locally, nationally and in the global community. Additionally, if you are domiciled in Scotland, you may be eligible for a fee-waiver place, which means you could study for free. Identified and created in collaboration with industry, these credit-bearing online courses are designed to enhance employability for individuals and organisations looking to upskill their workforce.
Find out more about the range of courses on offer and the benefits of studying online with RGU:
Learning Methods
The module will be delivered using a combination of the ‘flipped classroom’ format via the University's Virtual Learning Environment, Moodle and the ‘business case analysis’ approach. Both of these are very well established as being appropriate mechanisms for the delivery of material in an immersive and experiential manner; something which is particularly relevant to the real-world context of strategy. Weekly pre-recorded lecture materials will be supplemented by follow-up online seminars. The lectures will introduce participants to the theory of strategic analysis and planning, whilst online seminars will provide students with the opportunity to put these into practice using a range of immersive business cases in the seminars.
Activity Summary
- Lectures - 1.5-2 hours per week
- Seminars - 25-30 students per group, 1.5-2 hours per week
- Independent study - 12 hours per week
Independent Study
The ‘flipped classroom’ and ‘business case analysis’ approach requires independent study as preparation for the scheduled seminars. Pre-recorded lectures should be studied ahead of the associated seminar, and the reading required for the business case analysis and discussion must also be completed in advance to maximise the course’s benefits.
Assessment
The course is assessed through a piece of written coursework which should demonstrate critical application and discussion of a specified range of tools of strategic analysis..
Job Prospects
From a personal careers development perspective, the analytical, creative thinking and resilience/flexibility/agility skills which can be developed through greater awareness and experience of strategic analysis/planning/management represent the three most important skills for employees to be able to demonstrate in the workplace, according to the World Economic Forum’s (2023) Future of Jobs report.
Recognition of Prior Certificated Learning
Successfully completing this course could also allow students to apply for Recognition of Prior Certificated Learning (RPCL) for module BSM672 if they decide to undertake one of the courses in RGU’s MSc Energy Management programme, in future.
Find out moreRGUflex
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Academic Year 2024/2025
Fee-waiver places
If you are domiciled in Scotland, you may be eligible for a fee-waiver place, meaning you can study for free.
To meet the requirements to be allocated a funded place, applicants must meet the criteria to be assessed as "Home" for the purposes of fees. Find out more about the Fee Status and the Scottish Government regulations that we use to make our assessment:
Eligibility is assessed on application and further evidence may be required.
All other applicants
Applicants who are not eligible for a fee-waiver place will therefore be required to meet the module cost to study. Fees for our 2026 intake are to be confirmed shortly.
Additional Costs
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with the team and we'll do our best to help.