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363-0392-00L 3 Credits MSC , NDS D-MTEC
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Strategic Management

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Ann-Kristin Weiser
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:16:53

Abstract

This course introduces central theories, frameworks, and tools for developing competitive strategies.

Objective

The Strategic Management course aims to impart relevant competencies in strategic management, both for professional and academic development. This course offers an introduction to the fundamentals of strategy and the most widely used concepts and methods in strategic management. The course is delivered through a combination of lectures on concepts and methods, as well as case studies where students work on solving strategic issues of the case companies. The students will also have the opportunity to engage with firm executives, gaining insights into the real-time strategic challenges that organizations encounter, thereby acquiring practical experience.

Content

25.10.2023: Guest Lecture (Dr. Berg) and Introduction 09.10.2023: Strategy concepts and Guest Lecture (Mari Lilja) 23.10.2023: Guest Lecture (Suni Harford) 30.10.2023: Industry dynamics I: Industry analysis + Case Studies 06.11.2023: Industry dynamics II: Analysis of technology and innovation + Cases 13.11.2023: The resource-based theory of the firm + Cases 20.11.2023: The knowledge-based theory of the firm + Cases 27.11.2023: Guest Lecture (Andy Staubli) and course summary The course Strategic Management provides a comprehensive approach to learning, with a combination of lectures on concepts and methods, and case studies where students apply these concepts to solve strategic issues faced by companies. This course aims to provide students with a deep theoretical understanding of important and current topics while also providing opportunities for them to present their concepts in front of an audience. The course focuses on competitive strategy, which involves analyzing and establishing a firm's position within an industry to ensure its performance. This is achieved through exploring topics such as industry structure, industry evolution, and the analysis of a firm's resources and knowledge, as well as innovation. To succeed in the course, students are expected to read and understand the required readings, which consist of publications covering the most important research in management and strategy. To emphasize the relevance of Strategic Management in real-world situations, senior executives of Swiss companies will hold guest lectures to provide their insights on strategy in practice and current topics in the field.

Resources

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC , NDS
Frequency
Semesterly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
written 90 minutes
Aids
No aids allowed.
The grade is calculated by 40% case analyses and 60% semester-end exam. The case analyses consist of one group presentation in class. In addition, course participants are asked to hand-in three two-page analyses of other cases (passing grade). However, course participants can bypass handing in these written analyses by attending case presentations delivered by other groups. To pass the course, both case analyses and exam must be successfully passed on their own.

Registration & Places

Max Places
80
Signup End
08.10.2023
Priority: Registration for the course unit is until 24.09.2023 only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Strategic Management
Irregular lecture Presentation slots for case studies will be communicated in class.
  • Mon 16:15-20:00 (CAB G 51)
  • Mon 18:15-20:00 (CAB G 52)
32 h semesterly

Offered In