Strategic Analysis

STR404 Strategic Analysis

Vår 2023

Høst 2023
  • Topics

    The aim of this course is to 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 lectures, case discussions, and group work.

    The course will include topics on the strategic purpose of firms, and debate the balance between shareholders and stakeholders together with financial and social goals. Moreover, we will cover macro forces impacting firms and how to analyze and deal with the associated uncertainties. The course then includes a part dedicated to the internal analysis of organizations. In this part we address topics such as the resource-based and activity-based views, dynamic capabilities, and value configurations. We then move on to take a closer look at strategic analysis at different levels, including the business unit level, the corporate level, and the ecosystem level. Here the course addresses subjects such as business models, game theory, and networks.

  • 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. Moreover, they learn about the new frontiers in strategic analysis and how this is connected to the network and digitalized economy.

    Knowledge - the candidate...

    • has advanced knowledge within strategic analysis and its frontiers
    • has detailed knowledge of the scholarly methods in strategic analysis

    Skills - The candidate...

    • can analyze and deal critically with various sources of information needed for the strategic analysis of firms and markets, and use them to structure and formulate relevant arguments
    • can utilize the relevant theories and methods on practical analyses

    Competence - The candidate...

    • can apply his/her knowledge and skills in new areas in order to carry out the course assignment and work on cases
    • can communicate extensive independent work through assignment and cases, and master the terminology of the field

  • Teaching

    In the autumn semester of 2022 classes will again consist mostly of physical lectures and case discussions. To encourage participation and discussion during classes they will as a rule not be recorded.

  • Recommended prerequisites

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

  • Compulsory Activity

    Project assignment (approved/not approved).

    Peer review of fellow students´ assignments.

    The assignment submission and reviews must be written in English.

  • Assessment

    Eight hour individual home exam from 8 am to 4 pm.

    The exam submission must be written in English.

  • Grading Scale

    A - F

  • Literature

    Whittington, R. et al (2021): Fundamentals of Strategy. Fifth edition. Harlow, England: Pearson.

    Set of academic articles

Oppsummering

Studiepoeng
7.5
Undervisningsspråk
English.
Semester

Autumn. Offered Autumn 2022.

Course responsible

Assistant Professor Magne Angelshaug, Department of Strategy and Management