APPLIES TO ACADEMIC YEAR 2013/2014

MAN 2965/2966/2967/2968 Strategic Management

Responsible for the course
Sverre Tomassen, Ragnhild Kvålshaugen

Department
Department of Strategy and Logistics

Term
According to study plan

ECTS Credits
30

Language of instruction
Norwegian and english

Introduction
This program will give the participants knowledge within the different aspects of strategic management to give the opportunity to contribute in the major strategic processes.

Learning outcome
Most business leaders now acknowledge the escalating competition and the needs for continuous change. To succeed the quality of the strategic decisions and the accomplishment of these decisions is of major importance.

Strategic management is not a set of precisely defined techniques that can be learned to create a good strategist. On the contrary: It is a profound understanding of the external and internal forces that affect the competitive position, development of strategic alternatives and finally the successful implementation of the chosen strategy. The latter often entails changes in the organizations and modes of operation.

This program is developed to give the participants, who have varied theoretical backgrounds and work experience, a lasting competence within the various aspects of strategic management.

Theoretical knowledge without practical anchoring results in low impact on the participants' organizations. The pedagogic approach is thus based on a thorough introduction to modern theories in the various topics that are addressed. Thereafter, the material is addressed in group discussions. Finally, the certain aspects are discussed in class to clarify important points.

Upon completion of the program, the participants are expected to contribute substantially to a creative and practical strategy process in their firms. This requires, however, engagement and effort from the participants both before and during class sessions

Goals:

Knowledge - after finishing the program, the students should know what strategy is, the content of the strategy process, strategic choices, and strategy implementation. In addition, they should have deep knowledge about different theoretical perspectives within the strategy field, and about strategic issues like mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, international strategies, etc.

Skills - after finishing the program, the students should be able to accomplish a strategic analysis for a business unit. They should know what strategy models and tools that fit a specific company and problem. They should be able to give advises based on documented knowledge and also train and develop skills that help them to see the organization in a holistic and strategic view .

Attitudes - The students should understand that strategic choices very often is about balancing different stakeholder's interests. The students should also be reflective and critical to the focus and content of the program

Prerequisites
Bachelor degree or equivalent and 4 years work experience. Please confirm our Student regulations.

Compulsory reading
Books:
Grant, Robert M. 2013. Contemporary strategy analysis. 8th ed. Wiley
Wit, Bob de, Ron Meyer. 2010. Strategy : process, content, context : an international perspective. 4th ed. South-Western Cengage Learning

Collection of articles:
Artikkelsamling

Recommended reading

Course outline
1. course setting - What is strategy? The foundation of strategy. Strategy analysis
2. course setting - Strategy analysis -external/internal, value creation, resources and competitiveness. Strategic choice
3. course setting - Strategic choice, stakeholders, ethical considerations, competitive strategies, corporate strategies. Acquisitions. Implementing strategies
4. course setting - Implementing and control of strategies. Strategic leadership.
5. course setting - Different strategic topics: Trust. Strategic alliances. International strategies. Value networks.