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 what explains superior performance of a business. In this course, you learn to understand the processes and contexts that influence strategic positioning and corporate development. You will develop a thorough understanding of the academic and business research underpinning 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 have or be able to:
An ability to identify opportunities, describe business contexts and critically evaluate current strategies.
A deep understanding of the setting of overall strategy for the enterprise.
Actionable knowledge of strategic management and how to effectively align organizational processes to reach superior profitability.
Skills to conceptualize and implement strategies and thus enabling companies to create and capture value.
The use of case studies, illustrations from current business events, and interactive settings, 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 is tailor-made and will be defined by mutual agreement. A detailed table of contents is published in ELO.
Mode of instruction
The course combines lectures, case studies, interactive discussions, assignments, research, a final paper. Students are required to fill in expected study efforts (SBUs) by co-operating, self-study and to explore literature on available resouces such as libraries, internet, etc.
There is a preparatory assignment before the first meeting.
Assessment method
There is one major written assignment which serves as the final exam. Details on the assignment will be provided in class, but completion does require a deep understanding of the strategy concepts and extensive practice in the application of theory to a business situation. The best preparation is class participation. The deadline for this assignment will be 4 weeks after finishing of the lectures.
The course grade will be computed on the basis of the following:
Assignments (papers, presentations) 40%
Participation in class 10%
Final Exam 50%
Attendance to all sessions is required. Not coming to class will mean a substantially lower grade. Participation will be evaluated on the basis of quality and quantity of your contribution during presentations and class discussions.
ELO
SPCC
Reading list
Required textbook: De Wit, Bob & Meyer, Ron: Strategy: Process, Content, Context 4th edition, South Western Cengage Learning, 2010 ISBN: 978-4080-1902-3.
Articles are provided by teacher during course.
Contact information
For more information, please contact Programme Co-ordinator ms. Judith Havelaar LL.M