STR404 Strategic Analysis (E)

• Topics

  The aim of the course is to provide a student with advanced knowledge and new frontiers of strategic analysis, and instruct the student to apply the knowledge and frameworks through a combination of lectures, case discussions, and group work. The course places an emphasis on innovation, while also equipping the student with knowledge and tools for conducting broad strategic analysis.

  The course is divided into the following four parts:

  1. Strategy and Strategic Analysis - An Overview

  2. Internal Analysis

  3. External Analysis

  4. Strategy in Different Contexts

  Topics include value, business models, value creation and appropriation, closed versus open innovation approaches, stakeholder analysis, ecosystem, and institutional environment. 

• Learning outcome

  Upon course completion, the student:

  Knowledge 

  • has advanced knowledge of strategic analysis and its frontiers
  • has an understanding of how to apply the theories and theoretical frameworks of the course to real-life cases

  Skills 

  • can critically analyze and deal with various sources of information, and use them to conduct strategic analysis and to structure and formulate relevant arguments
  • can utilize the relevant theories and methods in practical analyses
  • can communicate independently and in groups through assignments and case analyses.

  General competence 

  • can apply the knowledge and skills to carry out strategic analysis independently and collaboratively

• Teaching

  The course will consist of physical lectures, interactive case discussions, and group work sessions. 

  Note: It will not be recorded.

• Recommended prerequisites

  Students will be assumed to have had an introductory course in strategic management at the bachelor's level.

• Compulsory Activity

  One group-based assignment that includes groups preparing and conducting case discussions in class (approved/not approved).

  The case discussions will be conducted physically in class and in English.

  For students who wish to retake the course, the earlier course approval will still be valid.

• Assessment

  Group-based term paper (50%), completed in groups of 3-4 students. Details regarding the term paper will be made available at the start of the course, with a submission deadline at the end of the semester.

  Four-hour digital school exam (50%).

  Both components have to be written in English.

  Students who wish to submit a new term paper should do so in groups consisting of 3-4 students. Any new term paper must adhere to updated requirements and must be different from previous submissions to avoid plagiarism.

• Grading Scale

  A - F

• Literature

  Selected articles announced at the start of the course.

  Whittington, R. et al (2021 or 2023): Fundamentals of Strategy. 5th or 6th edition. Harlow, England: Pearson.

• Permitted Support Material

  Calculator

  One bilingual dictionary (Category I)

  All in accordance with Supplementary provisions to the Regulations for Full-time Study Programmes at the Norwegian School of Economics Ch.4 Permitted support material https://www.nhh.no/en/for-students/regulations/ and https://www.nhh.no/en/for-students/examinations/examination-support-materials/