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2013/2014  KAN-FSM_FS58  Strategic Management

English Title
Strategic Management

Course information
Language English
Exam ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Full Degree Master
Duration One Semester
Course period Autumn
Time Table Please see course schedule at e-Campus
Study board
Study Board for MSc in Economics and Business Administration
Course coordinator
  • Ulf Andersson - Department of Strategic Management and Globalization (SMG)
Ulf Andersson
Main academic disciplines
  • Corporate and Business Strategy
Last updated on 06-08-2013
Learning objectives
This course will provide the students with intimate understanding of the strategic management process and furnish a variety of theoretical perspectives and models. Strategic management is conceived as a rational approach to strategy formulation and the course introduces the analytical techniques adopted in this context but also conceives strategy as a process driven by ongoing decision making situations. Hence, the course provides students with a thorough grounding in the diverse approaches used within the strategy field. Strategic management integrates different perspectives introduced in other academic disciplines including finance, accounting, marketing, etc. Organizational structures and the surrounding competitive environment are characterized by increasing specialization and complexity, which underscores the importance of integrative capabilities in the strategy formation process. A major aim of this course is to refine the strategic thinking skills and allow students to apply different theoretical frameworks critically in the analysis of strategic issues.

The aim of the course is that students after having followed the course are able to:
  • Perform an in-depth study of a given strategic issue using material covered in the course.
  • Analyse the strategic issues incorporating different angles in ways that create new insights and understanding.
  • Discuss and present an argumentation that based on a logical flow makes the case for relevance, potential contribution, and reflection.
Examination
Strategic Management:
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Group exam, max. 2 students in the group
Size of written product Max. 10 pages
Assignment type Written assignment
Duration 2 weeks to prepare
Grading scale 7-step scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period December/January
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Description of the exam procedure
The exam will consist of the preparation of a scientific (subject-related) paper (max. 10 standard pages) covering topics taught in the course. The paper can be completed individually or in groups of two. The topics of the papers are distributed randomly to individuals/teams. If made in groups of two, evaluation will be made individually. As each student receives an individual grade, each group member must identify the exam sections he/she has authored, please refer sec. 6 (3) ind The Rules and Regulations. The Scientific paper will be completed during November/December. Make-up/ re-exam takes place during February. If the student did not pass the regular exam, a new or a revised project, cf. advice for the examiner from the regular exam, must be handed in to a new deadline announced by the programme secretary. The make-up/re-exam report can be written individually or in groups (provided that other students are taking the make-up/re-exam)
Course content and structure

Strategic management is a highly eclectic field that has applied ideas and perspectives from many different academic disciplines. Therefore, the course will emphasize this diversity and seek to develop a deeper understanding and an appreciation of the many facets that surround strategic decision making processes including competitor analysis, coopetition, alliances, core competencies, organizational learning, dynamic knowledge creation, strategic responsiveness, etc. Managing the strategy process does not equate to a mechanical application of management tools, but constitutes an intellectual exercise often incorporating paradoxical approaches. To this end, the course will explore the implications of different strategy making modes through selective use of case examples and open class discussions.

 

Course status
This is a theoretically founded course introducing the basics of the strategy field and forms the basis for second semester courses in corporate strategy and applied corporate finance and governance.
Teaching methods
Lectures with open class discussion and selected case studies.
Expected literature

A selection of scientific articles and the following textbook.
- Grant, Robert M. (2010). Contemporary stretegy Analysis, 8th Edition, (Text and Cases Edition), John Wiley and Sons, UK.
Last updated on 06-08-2013