Postgraduate course 2023/2024

Strategic Management

Type: Compulsory course

Area of studies: Postgraduate Studies

Delivered by: Department of Strategic and International Management

When: 1 year, 1 semester

Mode of studies: offline

Open to: students of one campus

Instructors: Бертран Оливье Николя

Language: English

ECTS credits: 3

Contact hours: 28

Course Syllabus

Abstract

The discipline “Strategic Management” is an introductory level course for PhD students who expect to conduct theoretical and empirical research in the Strategic Management domain or a related area (e.g., innovation, international business, and entrepreneurship). This course will address a wide array of fundamental issues in strategy research (that is, the environment of the firm, strategic capabilities, business strategy, and corporate strategy). It is intended to expose the students to both the origins and contemporary developments in the field. Particular emphasis will be placed on the empirical study of strategic issues. The objective of this course is to offer to students a starting point for developing new ideas and approaches that advance the Strategic Management literature and for conducting high-quality original research that is suitable to be published in top tier strategy journals. To do so, the course will have a significant focus on research practice. It will enable students to learn how to conduct high-quality research and craft an impactful paper in strategy; it will give them the opportunity to start doing research on their own in this area.

Learning Objectives

• The objective of this course is to offer to students a starting point for developing new ideas and approaches that advance the Strategic Management literature and for conducting high-quality original research that is suitable to be published in top tier strategy journals.

Expected Learning Outcomes

• Allow students discuss the principal theoretical and empirical research questions and perspectives in strategy research;

Course Contents

• The external environment of the firm: the role of the economic and institutional environment surrounding the firm and its influence on firm’s strategic behavior and economic performance
• Resources and capabilities: how resources and capabilities help firms achieve sustainable competitive advantages and the way firms renew and recreate them to meet the needs of changing environments
• Business strategy and models: how firms compete and position themselves to outperform rivals in a particular market; how they create, deliver, and capture value
• Corporate strategy and diversification: the scope of the firm in terms of markets, products, and activities as well as related strategic choices (such as mergers and acquisitions)

Assessment Elements

• Research paper proposal
  Students will be required to write a joint research proposal during the course.
• Class preparation and participation
  Students will be responsible for leading the discussion of several articles (depending on the number of students selecting the course). Students can use any support (e.g., PowerPoint) to lead this discussion. Students who do not lead the discussion will also have to be thoroughly prepared and ready to actively participate in class discussion. They are encouraged to bring (written) notes to class. Good participation includes asking questions, offering one’s own interpretation, making constructive comments, and having a positive attitude towards learning.

Interim Assessment

• 2023/2024 1st semester
  0.5 * Class preparation and participation + 0.5 * Research paper proposal

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

• Besanko, D. (2016). Economics of Strategy (Vol. 7th edition). Hoboken: Wiley. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1639494
• Grant, R. M. (2016). Contemporary Strategy Analysis (Vol. Text, Ninth edition). Chichester: Wiley. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1639480
• Johnson, G., Whittington, R., Scholes, K., Angwin, D., & Regnér, P. (2017). Exploring Strategy (Vol. Eleventh edition). Harlow, England: Pearson Education. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1454974

Recommended Additional Bibliography

• Grant, R. M. (2016). Contemporary Strategy Analysis : Text and Cases: Vol. Text and Cases, Ninth edition. Wiley.
• Johnson, G. (2013). Exploring Strategy Text & Cases: Vol. 10th edition. Pearson.