98750 - STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT

Learning outcomes

The course is meant to endow students with the theoretical constructs and methodological techniques needed to design an effective business strategy. Two major factors underpin the achievement of this objective: 1) the focus on the determinants of value creation; 2) the assessment of contingencies that drive business operations in the real world. In the aftermath of the financial crisis occurred in 2008-2009, markets are characterized by a high degree of turbulence, unexpected events and fierce competition. In such a context, implementing an effective strategy is mandatory for firms struggling to achieve and sustain a competitive advantage. Thereafter, it is important to develop the competences required to carry out a strategic analysis that supports: 1) the survival and growth of firms; 2) a superior rate of profitability in the long run; 3) a thorough understanding of customers needs; 4) the knowledge of strengths and weaknesses of the firm.

Course contents

Module 1: Business Strategy

• Strategy and its meanings
• Economic and financial evaluation of strategy. Goals, values and performances.
  
• Business definition and business models
• Industry analysis
  
• Firm strategy and the role of external factors
  
• Firm strategy and the role of internal factors
• Value proposition and sources of competitive advantage
• Cost leadership and differentiation
  

Module 2: Corporate Strategy

• The industry life cycle
• Corporate strategy
• Vertical integration and the scope of the firm
• Global strategies and multinational companies
  
• Diversification strategy and the management of the multibusiness corporation
• Current trends in strategic management

Readings/Bibliography

Robert M. Grant. Contemporary Strategy Analysis 11th Edition Wiley.

Additional material will be made available in class and/or on Virtuale

Teaching methods

• Lectures on the topics included in the syllabus
• Deployment of business cases in order to apply the concepts and tools of the theoretical lectures
• Guest lectures (organized as seminars) on behalf of practitioners
• Exercises and quiz to apply tools
• Active participation of students through individual and team work presented and discussed in class.

Assessment methods

The exam will be written with multiple choices.

For online exams, if explicitly indicated by the University of Bologna for extraordinary reasons: oral exam on MS Teams.

It is possible to refuse the grade up to 2 times (midterm included).

Erasmus students follow the same rules as other students.

The grade will be assigned according to the following scale:

• <18 insufficient
• 18-23 sufficient
• 24-27 good
• 28-30 very good
• 30 with laude excellent

Teaching tools

We will use the following tools:

• Case studies
• Lecture slides
• Mentimeter
• electronic spreadsheets (xls)
• Openboard
• Virtuale

In case of online lectures:

• Microsoft Teams

Office hours

See the website of Antonio Giuliani