K7IM 2005A - Introduction to Corporate Strategy

Why are some firms more successful than others? Strategy has to do with decisions and actions that produce and sustain competitive advantage. This course explores both business and corporate strategy from the perspective of the general manager whose responsibility is to maximize the performance of a business unit within the firm or the overall performance of the firm. At the business level, the pursuit of competitive advantage involves the development of a unique competitive position that effectively leverages a firm's resources and capabilities. At the corporate level, the course focuses on how companies can achieve profitable growth by understanding where to grow (vertical, horizontal and geographic expansion) and how to grow (organically, alliances and acquisitions) across multiple businesses.

Sean SAFFORD

Cours magistral seul

English

None.

Autumn 2021-2022

Grades are based on class participation, two group case analyses and an individual final exam. - Group participation 10%
- Case write-up 1 (group) 20%
- Case write-up 2 (group) 30%
- Final exam 40%

This is a case-based course. This approach allows us to confront the complexity and ambiguity of strategic management. Each class begins and ends with a brief lecture. But the core of the class involves active participation in class discussion. Because we will be operating under social distancing measures this semester, we will be relying particularly strongly on case-study groups to generate as much interaction as possible. You will belong to three groups over the course of the term. The first group (weeks 1-3) will be randomly assigned. The second group (weeks 4-7) will be grouped based on the tastes and interests with respect to the practice of strategy as expressed in a brief survey to be taken in week 3. The last group (weeks 8-12) will be composed of teams of students with a balance of different approaches.