Student guide Facoltà di Economia A.A. 2009/10

The main aim of this course is to develop the basic concepts in business and competitive strategy. Lectures will aim to develop the students' ability to understand the overall functioning of a company by taking into account its relationships with the outside world and the actions aimed at pursuing a competitive advantage in specific social and competitive contexts. The course aims to develop decisional skills and innovative thought in uncertain and complex situations through the intelligent use of the tools for analysis and assessment offered by strategic management. Considerable time is given to the discussion of case studies, teamwork and students presentations.

Analysis of the different in ways in which a company can pursue a competitive advantage by developing a suitable competitive strategy will be carried out according to approaches and perspectives which vary according to the characteristics of the context in which the company is operating: turbulent and highly dynamic contexts, stable contexts.

Part 1 - Introduction to the study of strategic management

 

1. Introduction to Strategy:

1.1 the concept of Strategy;

1.2 strategic management;

1.3 the Business Idea.

2. Strategic options:

2.1 the directions of Strategy;

2.2 sources of Competitive advantage;

2.3 the Value Chain.

 

Part 2 - The process of strategic management

 

3. External environment analysis:

3.1 from macro environment to industry;

3.2 industry analysis;

3.3 advanced tools for industry analysis;

4. Internal environment analysis: Resources and Competencies

5. Strategic Analysis

6. Models for strategic analysis and choice:

6.1 formulating strategy in multi-business companies;

6.2 formulating Strategy in single-business companies;

7. Implementing Strategy:

7.1 formulation vs. Implementation;

7.2 the content and the context of Implementing Strategy.

 

A written exam will take place at the end of the course. Group works will be assigned during the course.

 

Grant, R., Contemporary Strategy Analysis: Concepts, Techniques, Applications, 6th Edition. Wiley, 2007.