Syllabus for Corporate Strategy

Decisions and guidelines

Master's Programme in Business and Management - specialisation International Business.

Learning outcomes

The goal of this course is to develop a good understanding of the link between theory and practice with particular focus on corporate strategy. This concerns issues such as the development, management, and deployment of the firm’s resource- and capability-base across different businesses and environments.

After completing this course the student will:

• Have knowledge of and understand different corporate strategies
• Understand the challenges and opportunities of multinational enterprises in relation to corporate strategy
• Understand and be able to apply different analytical techniques in a global context vis-à-vis strategic decisions in corporations
• Be able to analyse different industry settings and relate this to corporate level strategic decision-making
• Have an ability to develop models for corporate strategies and evaluate the consequences of these models.

Content

The course covers a general introduction to strategy in order to create a common platform for the discussions pertaining to corporate strategy. The course covers two main themes, namely (a) the organisation of global business and collaboration (e.g., strategic alliances, networks, diversification, global sourcing, and vertical integration), as well as (b) how to create value in a global context (e.g., research and development strategies, value capture, and risk and uncertainty).

Instruction

The course will emphasise a dialogue-based teaching approach encompassing open discussions. Lectures will mostly be literature-based but can also include short cases in order to elucidate corporate strategic challenges of the multinational enterprise. The instructions are also accompanied by case exercises as well as group exercises and individual assignments. Students are expected to be well-prepared and actively participate in discussions.

Assessment

The student will get one single grade, equivalent to 7.5 credits.

Examination includes exams, assignments and seminars. The grade for the entire course is based on an assessment of all parts of the examination.

Grading criteria are presented in the study guide provided at the beginning of the course. The following grades will be used: pass with distinction (VG), pass (G), and fail (U). Examinations handed in late will not be assessed except under special circumstances. Any remaining supplemental work must be completed and handed in by the deadline specified in the study guide. Otherwise the entire course (all examinations included) must be retaken during subsequent course sections, pending availability of a place in the course.

Uppsala University does not accept cheating or plagiarism. Suspected incidents of cheating or plagiarism are reported to the Disciplinary Committee of the University, which may issue a formal warning to the student or suspend the student from studies for a designated period.

NOTE: Only completed courses can count toward a degree.