Admission requirements
None
Description
This course aims to develop analytical skills in the area of strategy development in the business world. Integrating the specialist perspectives of operations, marketing, human resources and finance, this course takes a holistic perspective on the strategy development and implementation process. You will learn to understand the processes and contexts that influence strategic positioning and corporate development. You will develop a thorough understanding of the underpinning academic and business research as well as learn about and apply the latest practical consultancy methods.
Concepts, case studies and material based on current business events allow for special emphasis on the generation of new insights and practical approaches. Part of the material is specifically selected on issues in the IT-Business relationship and its relevance to the ICT in Business context.
It is the intention of this course to give an overview of all essential aspects of strategic management. The most fundamental distinction made in the field is between strategy process, strategy content and strategy context.
Course objectives
By the end of the course, the student should be able to:
describe and explain the process of setting an overall strategy for the enterprise, exemplified with recent cases from the business world and eminent academic papers and concepts
identify strategic opportunities, describe business contexts and critically evaluate strategies of existing companies and public organizations
understand the relevance of external factors on strategy formation and implementation
deal with ambiguity and paradox inherent to strategy
The use of case studies, illustrations from current business events, and interactive setting will create awareness of how leading international businesses are confronting and resolving the trade-offs related to strategic management.
Methodology
This course is primarily case-oriented and in order to utilize the limited amount of class time as best as possible, it is required that students have read the assigned chapters and have thoroughly prepared the cases prior to each. Students are also expected to participate actively in class discussion. You should also come prepared to present (in pre-assigned groups) the main points of the assigned readings, and discuss how they relate to the cases.
Case discussions do not have right or wrong answers. This does not mean that anything goes. An effective case analysis requires a systematic analysis of the facts, careful consideration of various solutions and plans of action and their strength and weaknesses, and finally, a compelling presentation of your conclusions. Different students may come up with very different answers to a case. Good answers, however, will all show similar analytic rigor. Study questions for each case will help you in structuring your analysis.
Timetable
The schedule can be found on the LIACS website
Detailed table of contents can be found in blackboard.
Mode of instruction
12 lectures (3 hours per lecture).
Lectures will provide consist of a short introduction followed and by (student prepared) case presentations and class discussion. Active participation in the class discussion is required to attain the learning goals and will therefore be taken into account for the final grade.
Assessment method
Weekly assignments will involve substantial reading from the prescribed book, accompanied by assessment tests to check comprehension. In addition, the assignments will alternate between writing a short papers, preparing for presentation in class or enriching the course content.
The final exam will consist of a major written assignment. Details on the assignment will be provided in class. , but cCompletion does require a deep understanding of the strategy concepts and extensive practice in the application of theory to a business situation as exercised in the weekly assignments. The best preparation is class participationin the class discussions. The deadline for the finalis assignment will be 2 weeks after finishing of the lectures.
The course grade will be computed as follows (grades 9 or above will require exceptional work):
Class Attendance Participation – 10%
Homework (tests) – 15%
Interim Papers & presentations – 30%
Final Paper – 45%
Blackboard
Strategy: Process, Content, Context
Reading list
Required textbook: De Wit, Bob & Meyer, Ron, Strategy: Process, Content, Context 4th edition, South Western Cengage Learning, 2010 ISBN-13: 978-14080-1902-3.
Please note: 4th edition only!! (in view of case studies to be used)
Blackboard access is essential as of the first lecture.
Signing up for classes and exams
You have to sign up for classes and examinations (including resits) in uSis. Check this link for more information and activity codes.
There is a limited capacity for elective students. Please contact the programme Co-ordinator.
Contact information
Programme Co-ordinator ms. Judith Havelaar LL.M