Student guide Faculty of Economics A.Y. 2010/11

The course is devoted to the strategic management of firms. The aim is to impart the fundamental elements of strategy, introducing the strategic problems of firms at the level of single strategic business areas, as well as covering the components of the competitive strategy or business strategy. Students will examine why certain businesses are successful, how this success has been built up over time, and how it can be maintained. The strategic analysis of the firm is approached from a variety of perspectives according to the environment in which the firm operates (turbulent and highly dynamic contexts, or contexts with greater stability). Considerable scope is given to the examination and discussion of real-world case studies, in order to study the application of a wide array of analysis tools and gain a comprehensive vision of the evolutionary pathways of firms.

1.      Introduction to strategy:

- Definition of strategy and strategic management.

- Evolution of the concept of strategy.

- The entrepreneurial formula and life cycle.

2.      The competitive advantage:

- Basic strategies and sources of competitive advantage.

- The value chain.

3.      Sector dynamics:

- From macro environment to sector.

- Sector analysis.

- Sector analysis with advanced instruments.

4.      Analysis of the internal environment:

- Resources and competence areas of the firm.

- The resource-based view.

5.      The strategic diagnosis.

6.      Strategic segmentation.

There will be a written exam. Additional group assignments may be set during the course, and will count toward the final result.

Sinatra A., Strategia Aziendale, ISEDI 2005

Collection of case studies given out by the lecturer at the start of the course.

Study materials available on the course website.