Dr Lourdes Sosa

This course is compulsory on the Executive Global MSc Management. This course is not available as an outside option.

The information in this course guide pertains to the 2014-2016 cohort.

The course seeks to understand differences in profitability across (for-profit) firms. To do so we will first review industry-wide as well as firm-specific determinants of short-term profitability. On that foundation we will look at long-term determinants of profitability including dynamic capabilities and innovative ability. The course aims to balance theory and practice by applying theoretical frameworks to practical cases from a wide array of firms from varied countries.

Topics include business models, industry structure, value proposition, strategic resources, inimitability, dynamic capabilities, disruptive innovation, power nodes strategy and scenario planning.

Taught over 10 four-hour sessions spread over 2 modules. The teaching is highly participative and includes lectures, breakout discussion and exercises.

The course will run between the following dates:

• 1-5 September 2015
• 5-9 January 2016

Feedback will be given on one short essay, preparing students for the exam, as well as on in-class exercises.

The course relies on journal articles (for example, Strategic Management Journal). A complete reading list will be provided at the start of the course. Sample texts include the following: Porter, M.E. (2008) The Five Competitive Forces that Shape Strategy (Harvard Business Review); Christensen, C., Bower J. (1996) Customer Power, Strategic Investment, and the Failure of Leading Firms (Strategic Management Journal); Teece, D., Pisano, G., Shuen, A. (1997) Dynamic Capabilities and Strategic Management (Strategic Management Journal); De Kuijper, M. (2009) Profit Power Economics.

Class participation (10%).

Individual essay (30%)

Take home exam (60%).