STR404 Strategic Analysis

• Topics

  The aim of this course give an overview of the most important frameworks and new frontiers in strategic analysis and teach the student how to apply these frameworks through a combination of case studies and lectures.

  The course will start with the goals of the firm including profit and non-profit organizations and then move on the macroenvironment. In dealing with the macroenvironment students will learn how to map the major forces and to apply different frameworks to deal with uncertainty. The next and second part is dedicated to business strategy. In this part the students are exposed to different frameworks learning to analyse real cases and map the industry and the competitive environment.  The course  then moves on to the internal analysis and looks at how to analyse resources, capabilities and activities. Last in this part students will be asked to bring the goals, external and internal analysis together to formulate a strategy for a focal firm.  The third part of the course will deal with corporate strategy. This part will address the vertical and horisontal boundaries of the firm and external growth strategies including mergers and acquisitions and alliances.

• Learning outcome

  In this course the students gain advanced knowledge in strategic analysis building on their existing knowledge of basics in strategy. They learn about the theoretical basis of the strategic tools and how to apply these tools to business cases in the private and public sector. Moreover, they learn about the new frontiers in strategic analysis and how to apply strategic analysis in the network and digitalized economy.

   

  Knowledge - the candidate...

  • has advanced knowledge within strategic analysis
  • has thorough knowledge of the scholarly methods in strategic analysis
  • can apply knowledge to new areas within strategic analysis
  • can analyze academic problems on the basis of strategic management theories

  Skills - The candidate...

  • can analyze and deal critically with various sources of information and use them to structure and formulate scholarly arguments
  • can analyze existing theories, methods and interpretations in the field and work independently on practical and theoretical problems

  Competence - The candidate...

  • can apply his/her knowledge and skills in new areas in order to carry out advanced assignments and projects
  • can communicate extensive independent work and masters language and terminology of the academic field
  • can communicate about academic issues, analyses and conclusions in the field, both with specialists and the general public

• Teaching

  Lectures, class room discussion, case discussions and presentations.

• Recommended prerequisites

  Students will be assumed to have had an introductory course in strategic management at the bachelor level

• Requirements for course approval

  A number of small group assignments  (approved/not approved).

• Assessment

  Eight hour individual home exam from 9 am to 5 pm.

• Grading Scale

  Grading Scale A - F.

• Literature

  Johnson, G. et al (2018): Fundamentals of Strategy. Fourth edition. Harlow, England: Pearson.

  Compendium of academic articles