Strategic Management

Abstract

This course introduces key competences, frameworks and methods for designing, implementing and executing strategy.

Objective

The course "Strategic Management” introduces key competences, frameworks and methods for designing, implementing and executing strategy. Building on an overview of the basics of strategy as well as most prevalent concepts in strategic management, this course aims at equipping future leaders and strategy professionals with a solid foundation for analysing and developing strategy. Relying on the critical analysis and discussion of a series of cases, participants will be offered an opportunity to apply strategic problem solving in practice. By featuring seasoned executives and experienced strategy professionals within the in-class sessions, participants will become immersed into contemporary challenges of strategizing.

Content

a. Introduction: Core strategy concepts b. Industry dynamics I: What industry are we in? c. Industry dynamics II: Technology, innovation and disruption d. Resource-based view of the firm: Sustainable competitive advantage e. Knowledge-based view of the firm: Organizational learning, human capital and beyond The course "Strategic Management" offers an integrated learning journey consisting of in-class discussions on key concepts and methods, as well as case studies where participants gain exposure to strategic decision-making in real-life corporate settings. By offering a profound theoretical understanding of classic and contemporary angles of strategy, this course establishes a foundation on the core principles and key questions in strategic management. Through exposing participants into case study-based problem solving, this course offers deep dives into specific perspectives of strategic thinking and development. Participants will be offered the opportunity to present in front of an audience, become challenged and get additional feedback from seasoned executives and experienced strategy professionals. Relying on the concept of competitive strategy as the conceptual backdrop of this course, we seek to establish a common ground for analysing and developing the position of a firm within its industry, on the basis of which, corporate leaders and strategy professionals follow the pursuit of securing firm performance. Moreover, we discuss the evolution of industries, and how strategic management as a practice is co-evolving in a changing world. We establish, explore and critically discuss the fundamental perspectives of industry dynamics, the resource-based as well as the knowledge-based view of the firm. For each session, we offer a set of preparatory required readings, including detailed instructions for preparation (e.g., study questions). In order to establish an insightful and engaging in-class discussion—and to get most out of the course—we strongly encourage participants to come prepared to each session. Moreover, participants are also expected to read and understand the required readings that cover the most important articles from the past 30 years in strategy research. Finally, participants will complete team-based assignments focusing on case-based problem solving, which will be presented and discussed in front of the class. These case-based discussions will be complemented by testimonials from seasoned executives and experienced strategy professionals.

Resources