*Learning objectives*
After the course, students gain:
insights into fundamental and advanced theories of strategy management
skills to professionally address problems in strategy management by translating what-is-known (management science) into hypothesis (mental models) on the practice of strategy in Asia
deeper understanding on how competitive environment and organizational context challenge extant theories through strategy as practiced in Asia
*Content*
Strategy explains superior performance. Successful firms develop and implement corporate and business strategies that set their business apart from competition and lay the foundation for sustained competitive advantage. Managing strategically in Asia poses specific challenges to general managers, who see their firms exposed to the most intense rivalry, specific network forms of organizing – all in the context of a dramatic transitions of societies and economies. Bringing i) strategy formulation and ii) strategy implementation together under these circumstances requires appreciation of the global as well as the local context.
The course introduces the participants to the fundamentals of strategy formulation on the levels of business and corporate strategy, and international strategy. With the increasing importance of Asia and Asian companies in the world economy in mind -in 2008 the Fortune Global 500 included 128 companies located in Asia, of which 108 were located in China, Japan and South Korea – formulation and implementation of strategy is discussed with particular emphasis on China, Japan and Korea.
During the course participants discuss the origins and the development of strategic management in the last decades. Exploring specific choices made by foreign multinationals in China, Japan and Korea and local firms in corporate, business and international strategy allows juxtaposing extant theory and research with the practice of strategic management in Asia.
*Literature*
Peng, M. (2009) – Global Strategy