Strategy I
Code
2423
Academic unit
null
Department
null
Credits
3,5
Teacher in charge
João Silveira Lobo
Teaching language
English
Objectives
This course is designed to focus the students in:
a) The strategy field from a process perspective aiming at building the conditions to create and sustain competitive advantage.
b) The methodologies for structuring and disseminating strategic thinking within the firm through strategic planning based on strategic intent and future scenarios development.
Prerequisites
N/A
Subject matter
The main topics covered in the course are:
1. The concepts of business strategy and of strategic decision;
2. The frameworks used to understand industry attractiveness and the drivers that impact industry profitability;
3. How do companies exploit and explore, accumulate and develop resources in their search for uniqueness;
4. How do companies create and protect competitive advantage in their search for sustainability;
5. How do companies formulate strategic intent through a strategic planning ('strategizing') methodology: environmental scanning and future scenarios development.
Bibliography
1. 'Contemporary Strategy Analysis', Robert M. Grant, Wiley, 2010 7th edition, chapters 3, 4, 8, 9 and 10.
2. 'Strategic Management, Saloner Garth, Shepard A., Podolny, J., Wiley, 2001, chapter 3.
Resources
Other resources(will be available in MOODLE).
Teaching method
The course will have 6 sessions of 2x1h20mn each and will be a mix of theory and case studies. A Hands-on/Board Decision Making approach to the subject will be used as a basis of class participation.
Likewise, the course will count heavily on the students active participation, both in class and in its preparation. Students will be required to form teams according to MCO group affiliation list.
In the first session, 'the rules of the game' will be set up and the individual write-ups questions as well as the recommended session readings will be communicated.
Evaluation method
The final exam is mandatory and must cover the entire span of the course. Its weight in the final grade can be between 30% to 70%. The remainder of the evaluation can consist of class participation, midterm exams, in class tests, etc. Overall, written in class assessment (final exam, midterm) must have a weight of at least 50%.
Group grade: 20% - Group Work
Individual class grade: 30% - 2 Individual Write-ups at 15% each
Final exam: 50% (mandatory)
After individual write-ups and group work grades delivery, students that wish to receive feedback on their work must ask, by mail in the following 48h, a special office hour slot to the class Teaching Assistant.