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2024/2025  MA-MMBFO3010U  Master's project: Strategy Project

English Title
Master's project: Strategy Project

Course information

Language English
Course ECTS 12 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Part Time Master
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Third Quarter
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for Full-Time MBA
Course coordinator
  • Leonardo Santiago - Department of Operations Management (OM)
Main academic disciplines
  • Marketing
  • Organisation
  • Strategy
Teaching methods
  • Face-to-face teaching
Last updated on 19-11-2024

Relevant links

Learning objectives
  • Describe and identify a strategic issue faced by the organization(s) where the project is being carried out.
  • Analyse the strategic issue through the lens of relevant theories/models covered throughout the MBA program
  • Reflect on methods and theory used to analyse the strategic issue
  • Provide a set of recommendations for the organization(s) to move forward on the strategic issue
  • Ensure a logical coherence between problem statement, analysis and conclusion.
  • Present the overall conclusion in a coherent manner (as a holistic argument) where individual parts build on each other.
Examination
Master's Project: Strategy Project:
Exam ECTS 12
Examination form Oral exam based on written product

In order to participate in the oral exam, the written product must be handed in before the oral exam; by the set deadline. The grade is based on an overall assessment of the written product and the individual oral performance, see also the rules about examination forms in the programme regulations.
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Size of written product Max. 30 pages
Assignment type Master's project
Duration
Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
30 min. per student, including examiners' discussion of grade, and informing plus explaining the grade
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) Internal examiner and external examiner
Exam period Summer
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Description of the exam procedure

In order to participate in the oral exam, the written product must be handed in before the oral exam; by the set deadline. The grade is based on an overall assessment of the written product and the individual oral performance, see also the rules about examination forms in the programme regulations.

 

The grade given must express an overall assessment of the written thesis (including the executive summary), the oral examination, and the student’s spelling and style, although the academic content will carry most weight.

 

Project description:

The written product is expected to be based on an internship conducted by the student within a relevant organization. The project should be sourced by the student. In case the student opts to write the assignment independently of an internship, the alternative is to write a master project thesis which will be examined according to learning objectives. The student defines the project with the support of a supervisor and the administration. Taking no regard on whether the project will be written based on an internship or independently, it needs to be approved beforehand by the course coordinator. The project independent of an internship may be written individually or in a group of 2-3 students depending on circumstances. In case the project is written by a group of students, the size of the written product will be 40 pages for groups of 2 students, and 60 pages for groups of 3 students. See more information on the course content, structure and pedagogical approach.

Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

The Strategy Project at the CBS FTMBA program is expected to be based on an internship sourced by the student, and approved by the MBA administration. The internship will revolve around a strategic research question and will be performed individually.

 

Through an in-depth interaction with a case company(ies), the student should apply relevant theories, concepts, models and tools from the FTMBA program in order to solve a major strategic issue. In addition, the strategy project should offer the student the opportunity to develop holistic competencies bridging theory and practices as well as connecting different functional disciplines.

 

The strategic project demand application of concepts and models and its analysis is usually based on an understanding of different functional areas (e.g. finance, operations, and marketing). The ability to manage multiple and occasionally conflicting objectives is developed – an ability which is a professional demand faced by managers responsible to drive organizations towards a competitive position.

 

Considering the learning objectives of the strategy project and curriculum of CBS FTMBA program, the final report of the master project should be seen as being a slightly different product than a Cand. Merc. (MSc in Economics and Business Administration) thesis. In particular, the assessment should put more emphasis on the strategic issue, its practical relevance, logical coherence and the conclusion rather than on the methodological rigor of the thesis.

 

In the final report, the student should explore relevant strategic issues faced by the organization(s). It is important to note that the project should not be seen as a consultancy project as such but as a learning process. It is an educational endeavor in which hosting companies agree to support but the hosting companies should have a deep interest in the content and outcome of the projects.

 

Last but not the least, the strategy project is an opportunity to demonstrate the excellence of the CBS FTMBA students and the CBS FTMBA program to the corporate world. This demonstration aims at maintaining and further enhancing the reputation of the program for high standards of academic and professional endeavor. This will in turn enhance the future value of the CBS FTMBA program for its alumni. Experience also shows that the projects have served as a hiring tool for organizations and students..

Description of the teaching methods
The Internship Project is formally kicked off with at 2-day seminar. Prior to course start the students will receive elaborate coaching and information sessions on how to secure an internship.
Feedback during the teaching period
Ongoing and structured feedback from project supervisor
Student workload
Teaching 20 hours
Project writing and exam preparation 300 hours
Last updated on 19-11-2024