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2018/2019  BA-BBLCV1014U  Global Strategic Management

English Title
Global Strategic Management

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Elective
Level Bachelor
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Autumn
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Min. participants 40
Max. participants 120
Study board
Study Board for BSc and MSc in Business, Language and Culture, BSc
Course coordinator
  • Karsten Bobek - Department of Management, Society and Communication (MSC)
Main academic disciplines
  • Globalization and international business
  • Management
  • Strategy
Teaching methods
  • Face-to-face teaching
Last updated on 12-02-2018

Relevant links
Learning objectives
  • Critically interpret and apply concepts and tools for analyzing the competitive environment, strategic position and firm-specific capabilities in order to successfully manage a global or international firm's competitive advantage.
  • Develop an analytical toolkit for navigating the ambiguities and complexities specific to strategizing in a global or international firm.
  • Assess the strategic, cultural and political variables that impact a firm’s business in the global market place.
  • Specify the strengths and weaknesses of the course’s theories by reflecting on the challenges managers face when formulating strategies in a global context.
  • Develop, illustrate and propose solutions to a wide range of case studies concerning global business competition by applying the course’s theoretical frameworks.
Course prerequisites
A basic understanding of organizational behavior and corporate strategy is an advantage, but not a precondition for participation.
Examination
Global Strategic Management:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Written sit-in exam on CBS' computers
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Assignment type Written assignment
Duration 4 hours
Grading scale 7-step scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Winter
Aids Open book: all written and electronic aids, including internet access
Read more here about which exam aids the students are allowed to bring and will be given access to : Exam aids and IT application package
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
If the number of registered candidates for the make-up examination/re-take examination warrants that it may most appropriately be held as an oral examination, the programme office will inform the students that the make-up examination/re-take examination will be held as an oral examination instead.
Course content and structure

The purpose of the course is to develop an understanding of business strategies in a global and international context. The course will take point of departure in strategy as a process for: analysis =>  strategy formulation => strategy implementation => competitive advantage

We will use the perspectives of the Industry / Organization (I/O) view to understand the external conditions and constraints for global companies to operate under. We will take the perspective of the Resource-based view (RBV) to understand the internal strenghts and weaknesses of the company. When understanding the external environment and internal possibilites the management can choose how to maintain and where to develop competitive advantages. 

The analysis will be followed by the strategy formulation. Business-level strategy with for instance cost leadership and product differentiation will be discussed in detail. The same will corporate-level strategy with for instance vertical integration and strategic alliances, thereby covering important topics in a global perspective across multiple markets and industries, with a focus on how companies can maintain and develop competitive advantages, using the VRIO model.

Finally the course will cover strategy implementation, strategic allocation and management of human resources along the value chain. We will analyze issues of organizational governance, culture and leadership as crucial elements of an effective global and international strategy.
Description of the teaching methods
Teaching is a combination of lectures and case-based classes, as strategy is not something you listen to, read about or write, only. It is very much about your communication, also.

The course puts students into the position of key decision makers faced with the creation of competitive advantage in the global and international firm. Students will learn to apply critical management skills involved in planning, structuring, controlling and leading a multinational organization.

The course will involve participation from at least a handfull of guest speakers from different industries and with different strategic challenges. Students are expected to research the company of the guest speaker and prepare questions before class.

During the course, students prepare and perform one group presentation in assigned groups, and are expected to actively participate during the presentations and discussions in class.
Feedback during the teaching period
Students are encouraged to give feedback and ask questions after each lecture. Feedback is also given to groups after their presentations. Both on the form of the presentation and on the content of the presentation. Thirdly all groups are able to, but not required to, answer the exam from the year before. It will not be a complete answer, but done in topics and explaining the methodology for how to answer the questions. These group answers will be given feedback.
Student workload
Preparation for class + teaching 160 hours
Group activities 6 hours
Examination 40 hours
Expected literature

 

Main Text Book used:

 

Barney, Jay B. & Hesterly, William S.: Strategic Management and Competitive Advantage, Concepts and Cases, Global Edition, 6th edition. Pearson ISBN-10: 0134741145 • ISBN-13: 9780134741147. 544 pp. Estimated release: January 28th, 2018.

 

List with further literature will be available on Learn. Approx. 100 pages.
Last updated on 12-02-2018