Business Strategy II

This course focuses mainly on business strategy, examining issues central to its long and short-term competitive position. We will explore a variety of conceptual frameworks and models to analyze and gain insight into modern elements of strategic competition.

In this course, we will start by some basic elements of Strategy, and quickly expand into advanced topics of modern strategic making. In doing so, we will work together to address the following questions:

•                  How can firms outcompete each other? And what determines this capacity? How is this defensible over time?

•                  How do companies grow? What drives this growth?

•                  How can a firm compete in multiple environments? How does it compete internationally?

•                  What are platform strategies? What do they imply for competition?

•                  How do we transition from strategy to business model? 

•                  How do sustainability considerations influence firm’s capacity to outcompete other firms?

• Sustainable Development
• Good health and well-being
• Gender equality
• Decent work and economic growth
• Industry, innovation and infrastructure
• Reduced inequalities
• Responsible consumption and production
• Climate action

In presence

The course uses a mix of frontal teaching and participative learning. We will use lectures, case discussions, group projects, and simulations.

•                  Lectures are aimed at discussing the theory, frameworks, tools, and models relevant to corporate strategy.

•                  Case discussions are aimed at applying these tools and theories to specific (real) cases. All students are expected to come to class prepared to discuss the cases.

•                  Group assignments will be based on the cases and aim to prepare the discussion cases efficiently.

Evaluation

Group evaluation 40%

o   Group assignments

Individual Evaluation 60%

o   Final Exam will constitute the main part of the individual evaluation

o   Participation bonuses (up to +1 on your final grade) will be assigned to students who actively contribute to class discussion