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2018/2019  BA-BEBUO1005U  Strategic Management

English Title
Strategic Management

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Bachelor
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Spring
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for BSc in European Business
Course coordinator
  • Caroline Witte - Department of Strategy and Innovation (SI)
Main academic disciplines
  • Management
  • Strategy
Teaching methods
  • Blended learning
Last updated on 17-12-2018

Relevant links
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide students with a strong theoretical foundation in the strategy field and to give them the tools to make sound strategic decisions. After this course, the student should be able master the following learning objectives:
  • To identify, present and assess theories and frameworks in the strategic management field
  • To present and discuss opportunities and challenges relating to firm strategy and decision-making
  • To identify and analyse the strategic reactions of firms to changes in the external and internal environment
  • To perform and present a strategic analysis on a business situation (case) by applying relevant terms, concepts, theories, and perspectives from the discipline of strategic management
  • To select and prioritize among the frameworks and concepts applying the most relevant
Examination
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 Summer
Aids Limited aids, see the list below:
The student is allowed to bring
  • Non-programmable, financial calculators: HP10bll+ or Texas BA II Plus
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.
Description of the exam procedure

The exam has a closed book format and consists of multiple choice questions and a case essay. Students are free to divide their time between the multiple choice questions and the case essay as they see fit. Students will receive the case (but not the assignment questions) 48 hours before the exam. Their will be a glossary with short explanations of the main theoretical concepts attached to the exam. 
Course content and structure

The central theme of this course is the organisation and strategy of the firm. This course introduces students to the basics of the field of strategic management. It deals with questions about the creation of value by the firm, a firm’s resources and capabilities, the boundaries of the firm and industry analysis. Specific topics include cost and differentiation advantages, transaction cost economics, the value chain, Porter’s five forces framework, the industry life cycle, corporate social responsibility and innovation. In addition to providing theoretical understanding, the course focuses on how to apply these concepts to real-life business cases. Many of these business cases are centered around the European business environment. 
Description of the teaching methods
Lectures: Course materials are explained in weekly lectures. In the first lecture the course is introduced, and the final lecture will summarize the course and further prepare students for the final examination. In addition, short video lectures that summarize the learning materials are posted online.

Exercise classes: The exercise classes are centered on business cases, which should be read before the class. Many of these cases are centered around European companies. The exercise classes are interactive and active participation in these sessions is expected. The students and the teacher are jointly responsible for the learning experience. It is therefore essential that students read the accompanying cases and literature prior to the exercise class. In every exercise class one group of approximately four students presents an initial analysis of the case to the other students in class.

This course builds actively on the HA European Business values:
- MUTUAL RESPECT: In the exercises classes, students are expected to show mutual respect in assessing different points of view presented by other students; these different points of view are essential in having a good case discussion.
- INTEGRITY: Through the case discussions, students practice problem-oriented thinking and self-reflection.
- ENGAGEMENT: Student are required to actively participate in the exercise classes. During these sessions, students will not only engage with theories, but will also learn how to use these theoretical insights to shed light on challenges in the business community. They are actively encouraged to also connect this to societal issues.
Feedback during the teaching period
Students will receive feedback on the case presentations in the exercise classes.

In addition, there is a case-based peergrade assignment halfway through the course. The assignment can be done in groups of up to four students. It is not a mandatory component of the course, but functions as exam preparation. In addition, the assignment allows students to give and receive feedback from fellow students. The instructor will also provide feedback on these assignments (provided that the students gave feedback on their peers).
Student workload
Lectures and teaching 45 hours
Preparation for classes and exam 140 hours
Practice case-essy 10 hours
Examination 4 hours
Expected literature

Grant, Robert M. (2016). Contemporary Strategy Analysis: Text and Cases Edition, 9th Edition. John Wiley and Sons, UK.

Scientific articles (TBA)

Selected case studies (TBA)
Last updated on 17-12-2018