Strategy and Management

A strategy is a commitment to coherent, mutually reinforcing policies or behaviors aimed at achieving a specific goal.

In the strategy and management major, students learn the processes involved in setting a strategic direction and what motivates people to follow strategic goals, whether they stem from profit-maximizing motives, the desire to contribute to make the world a better place, or simply fulfilling an assignment on behalf of citizens.

We want to stimulate the students to think carefully about why some firms perform better than others and explore in-depth how the performance differences can be understood and acted upon by managers, advisors, entrepreneurs, investors or anyone else that needs this insight.

Performance differences are not simply about making decisions, nor is it entirely about managing processes and people. It is about both - and the interaction between them.

Many corporations face major challenges due to fundamental shifts in the environment. This includes technological shifts such as digitalization, artificial intelligence and big data; shifting political regimes and new regulations, changing consumer preferences and not least an increased attention to climate change. Although day to day survival is important, businesses also need to think about how to survive tomorrow.

Businesses therefore need to balance exploitation and exploration by developing dynamic capabilities for the future.

Strategic decision-making and implementation involve interacting with other people. Our aim is to engage the students to figure out how to motivate the employees for common goals and steer the organization through major change, find new solutions, solve conflicts, and reflect on ethical dilemmas.

About the programme

ECTS Credits
120
Degree
MSc in Economics and Business administration
  • Subject areas

    Subject areas

    The Strategy and Management major equips you with the analytical tools, leadership capabilities, and technological understanding required tol ead organisations in a rapidly changing and digital business environment.

    You will develop a deep understanding of how firms create and sustain competitive advantage, including how markets evolve, how strategies are formed, and how organisations respond to complexity, uncertainty, and strategic interaction.

    A central focus of the profile is how digital technologies—including artificial intelligence—are transforming industries, business models, and ways of working. You will learn how organisations can leverage digitalisation to create value, drive innovation, and remain competitive in data-driven environments.

    The programme also emphasises leadership and organisational dynamics. Through cases, simulations, and applied exercises, you will develop practical skills in leading teams, managing conflict, and driving change in complex organisations.

    Sustainability, ethics, and corporate responsibility are integrated throughout the profile. You will explore how firms balance economic, social, and environmental objectives, and how strategic decisions are shaped by broader societal expectations and stakeholder demands.

    You will also build strong analytical and research skills. Training in qualitative and quantitative methods will enable you to work with data, evaluate evidence, and conduct rigorous analyses—competencies that are highly valued in consulting, corporate strategy, and beyond.

    The major offers a wide range of electives that allow you to tailor your profile. You can deepen your expertise in areas such as:

    • digital transformation and AI
    • strategy, innovation, and change management
    • leadership, team dynamics, and human resource management
    • entrepreneurship and new venture development

    Several electives also provide hands-on experience with data analysis and programming, equipping you with practical skills to support data-driven decision-making.

  • Structure and recommended tracks

    Structure and recommended tracks

    The strategy major consists of four building blocks; mandatory courses, specialization, exchange/electives, and the master thesis. There are three mandatory courses in the major.These courses provide the theoretical and methodological foundation for all other courses in STR profile. Students are free to choose among the electives to put together their own personalized course portfolio.

    • STR404 Strategic Analysis
    • STR456 Leadership and Leader Psychology
    • STR402A Business Research Methods.

    Electives

    • STR421 Competitive Strategy
    • STR425 Negotiations
    • STR435 Personnel Economics
    • STR437 Team and Team Management
    • STR445 Human Capital, Mobility, and Diversity in Firms
    • STR446 Business Process Management
    • STR447 Strategic HR
    • STR453 Digitalization
    • STR460 Managing Change and Innovation
    • STR461 Strategic and Political Communication
    • STR463 Strategy and Technology
    • STR464 Cases in Strategy
    • STR465 International Strategy in a Digital World
    • STR466 Business Venturing
    • STR467 Applied Programming and Data Analysis for Business
    • EEU417 Managing the Family Business – Strategy, Governance, and Change
    • BAN401 Applied Programming and Data Analysis for Business
    • NBD405 Entrepreneurship and Business Model Design
    • NBD406 Strategic Entrepreneurship
    • NBD413 Technology Adoption and Consumer Psychology
  • Learning outcomes

    Learning outcomes

    KNOWLEDGE

    Upon completion of the profile, students will have:

    • K1: Advanced and up-to-date knowledge of theories, concepts and research in strategy and management
    • K2: A solid understanding of empirical research methods in strategy and management, as well as the ethical, societal, and sustainability considerations associated with such research

    SKILLS

    Upon completion of the profile, students will be able to:

    • S1: Continuously acquire, evaluate, and apply new knowledge in strategy and management throughout their professional careers
    • S2: Apply advanced analytical and methodological tools to address complex problems in strategy and management
    • S3: Work both independently and collaboratively to analyse and solve advanced challenges within strategy and management

    GENERAL COMPETENCE

    Upon completion of the profile, students will be able to:

    • G1: Communicate effectively and collaborate with both specialists and non-specialists on strategic and managerial issues
    • G2: Critically reflect on and integrate considerations of sustainability, responsibility, and ethics into strategic and managerial decision-making
    • G3: Apply research-based knowledge to develop organisations and contribute to innovation and value creation
  • Ethics, Responsibility and Sustainability (ERS)

    Ethics, Responsibility and Sustainability (ERS)

    You are required to take at least 7.5 ECTS in Ethics, Social Responsibility and Sustainability (ERS). You can choose any course at NHH’s list of ERS courses. You can choose whether to fulfill the ERS requirement within your major, or as part of your minor, or as one of your elective courses.     

    The following courses are approved as ERS courses within this major:

    • ETI450 Corporate Social Responsibility 
    • BUS446 Sustainable Business Models

    See list of all ERS courses

  • Sustainability

    Sustainability

    Sustainability is a core dimension of the Strategy and Management profile and is integrated across all courses. Rather than treating sustainability as a standalone topic, we examine how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations shape strategic decisions and long-term value creation. You will explore how sustainability can be a source of competitive advantage, influencing strategy formulation, leadership, organisational design, governance, business models, innovation, and the use of digital technologies. The programme emphasises how firms can respond to increasing stakeholder expectations and regulatory pressures while identifying new opportunities for sustainable growth.

  • International opportunities

    International opportunities

    As an NHH student you have excellent opportunities to gain valuable international experience during your studies through semester exchange,the Double Degree programme, CEMS, Engage.EU, Intern Abroad and summer course.

    Read more about international opportunities

  • Career

    Career

    As a graduate of the Strategy and Management major, you will be well prepared for a wide range of high-impact careers across industries. Our graduates are highly sought after for roles such as consultants, managers, advisors, entrepreneurs, and leaders in both private and public organisations. You will be equipped to work at the intersection of strategy, technology, and organisational development. In particular, you will develop the capabilities needed to lead and contribute to digital transformation initiatives, including the strategic use of data, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence. The programme prepares you to analyse complex challenges, drive change, and create value in organisations facing increasing technological, competitive, and societal pressures.

    Read more 

  • Minor

    Minor

    COURSES IN STRATEGY AND MANAGEMENT MINOR

    To take Strategy and Management as a minor, you need two mandatory courses and one elective course (22,5 ECTS)

    Mandatory courses:

    • STR404 Strategic Analysis
    • STR456 Leadership and Leader Psychology

    Electives - choose one

    • STR421 Competitive Strategy
    • STR425 Negotiations
    • STR435 Personnel Economics
    • STR437 Team and Team Management
    • STR445 Human Capital, Mobility, and Diversity in Firms
    • STR446 Business Process Management
    • STR447 Strategic HR
    • STR453 Digitalization
    • STR460 Managing Change and Innovation
    • STR461 Strategic and Political Communication
    • STR463 Strategy and Technology
    • STR464 Cases in Strategy
    • STR465 International Strategy in a Digital World
    • STR466 Business Venturing
    • STR467 Applied Programming and Data Analysis for Business
    • EEU417 Managing the Family Business – Strategy, Governance, and Change
    • BAN401 Applied Programming and Data Analysis for Business
    • NBD405 Entrepreneurship and Business Model Design
    • NBD406 Strategic Entrepreneurship
    • NBD413 Technology Adoption and Consumer Psychology