Interdisciplinary approach covering topics from marketing, operations management, technology management and human resources management; discussion of how change is managed and integrated into corporate strategy; key drivers of corporate activity; the impact of integrated technology processes on organizational aspects, marketing and operations management activities; case development based on presentations by executives from technology driven companies.
The objective of this course is to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary concepts and emerging trends in business management with a focus on how organizations can navigate and adapt to current global trends. Students will explore how businesses can adapt to and leverage technological advancements, navigate competitive global markets, and implement sustainable practices. Through case studies and academic research, students will learn to critically analyze and develop innovative business strategies and solutions, and apply theoretical frameworks to real-world challenges, enhancing their strategic thinking and decision-making skills for modern business environments.
| Week | Topics |
|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction and Syllabus Review.A review of course objectives, expectations, and assessment methods, including an introduction to key themes such as strategic management, digital transformation, and sustainability. |
| 2 | Strategic Position and Environment. (Ch. 3, pp. 62-89).Exploration of the environmental framework and forecasting, emphasizing how macro-environmental factors impact strategic positioning in the age of AI and digital transformation. Case study and analysis of academic paper. |
| 3 | Strategic Capabilities (ch.5, pp. 122-155). Understanding how organizations build and leverage internal capabilities for adaptation in rapidly changing markets. How resources and capabilities can be developed based on dynamic capabilities. Apply the theory of resources and capabilities to a case example . Case study and analysis of academic paper. |
| 4 | Stakeholders and Governance. (ch.6, pp.156-183).Examination of corporate governance and stakeholder management, discussing how organizations balance stakeholder interests for sustained growth. Evaluate the implications for organizational purpose of corporate social responsibility and organizational hybridity.Critically explore different types of management practice. Apply the theory of purpose and stakeholders to a case example. Case study and analysis of academic paper. |
| 5 | Business Strategy and Models. (Ch.8, pp. 230-261). Explain the logic of hybrid strategies,interactive strategies; Apply business model components. Apply the theory of business strategy and models to a case example. Discussion on creating a competitive advantage, with a focus on technology's role in shaping strategy in the digital age. Case study and analysis of academic paper. |
| 6 | Corporate Strategy and Diversification. (Ch. 9, pp. 262-295).Study of diversification and corporate strategy, analyzing how companies expand their portfolios in the digital age. Distinguish between different diversification strategies and evaluate diversification drivers.Assess the relative benefits of vertical integration and outsourcing. Analyze portfolios of business units and judge which to invest in and which to divest. Apply the theory of corporate strategy to a case example. Case study and analysis of academic paper. |
| 7 | Innovation and Entrepreneurship. (Ch.11, pp. 328-357). Insight into disruptive innovation, particularly within industries like automotive and technology, examining how startups challenge established players. Respond to key innovation dilemmas, such as the relative emphases to place on technologies or markets, product or process innovations and open versus closed innovation. Anticipate and, to some extent, influence the diffusion (or spread) of innovations. Decide when being a first-mover innovator or a fast second-mover imitator is most appropriate in innovation, and how an incumbent organization should respond to innovative challengers. Critically explore entrepreneurship and innovation. Apply the theory of entrepreneurship and innovation to a case example. Case study and analysis of academic paper. |
| 8 | Mergers, Acquisitions, and Alliances. (Ch12, pp. 358-387).The role of M&A in corporate strategy, focusing on how tech acquisitions impact competitiveness and sustainability. Distinguish the key issues in successful management of mergers and acquisitions. Make appropriate choices between organic development, mergers and acquisitions and strategic alliances. Apply the theory of mergers, acquisitions and alliances to a case example. Case study and analysis of academic paper. |
| 9 | Midterm |
| 10 | Organizational Structure and Culture. (Ch.7, pp. 184-209).Exploration of agile and adaptable organizational structures that support innovation, using case study as an example. Recognize organizational identity claims, as distinct from actual organizational culture. Identify organizations that may be experiencing symptoms of strategic drift. Critically explore the influence of culture and strategy. Apply the theory of the influence of history and culture to a case example. Case study and analysis of academic paper. |
| 11 | Blockchain and Its Impact on Business. Study of blockchain technology's potential to revolutionize data management, transparency, and security across industries. Report of McKinsey & Company on “Blockchain Beyond the Hype” and Harvard Business Review. |
| 12 | Artificial Intelligence and Data-Driven Decision Making.Examination of how AI and analytics drive decision-making processes and competitive advantage in businesses. Report of McKinsey & Company on “McKinsey’s State of AI ” and Harvard Business Review. |
| 13 | Individual project presentations |
| 14 | Individual project presentations |
| Method | Qty | % Each |
|---|---|---|
| Midterm Exam(s) | 1 | 20 |
| Presentation | 1 | 10 |
| Project | 1 | 15 |
| Case Study | 1 | 25 |
| Final Exam | 1 | 25 |
| Other | 1 | 5 |
Whittington, R., Regnér, P., Angwin, D., Lancaster, G.J., Scholes, K. (2024). Exploring Strategy:Text and Cases, 13th edition, Pearson.