MG4B1      Half Unit
Corporate Strategy

This information is for the 2021/22 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Jordi Blanes I Vidal NAB 5.18

Availability

This course is available on the CEMS Exchange, Global MSc in Management, Global MSc in Management (CEMS MiM), Global MSc in Management (MBA Exchange), MBA Exchange, MSc in Management (1 Year Programme) and MSc in Management and Strategy. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

Pre-requisites

Students will need to have some understanding of microeconomics and knowledge of basic statistical methods would be an advantage

Course content

This course is an introduction to the strategic management of modern diversified firms. It studies how the firm’s portfolio of products and its internal organisation can be designed to maximise corporate performance.

The course addresses the following questions facing modern managers: what products and activities should the firm focus on? Which tasks should be subcontracted and which should be carried out inside the firm? How should the firm be organised internally in order to coordinate and motivate employees, managers and other stakeholders? How should the firm’s scope and internal organisation adapt to changes in the environment?

Teaching

30 hours of lectures in the LT. 2 hours of lectures in the ST.

Students on this course will have a reading week in Week 6, in line with departmental policy.

Formative coursework

Students will be required to undertake the analysis of two Corporate Strategy problems which will be marked and handed back with feedback.

Indicative reading

Corporate Strategy, Tools for Analysis and Decision-Making, Phanish Puranam and Bart Vanneste, First Edition, Cambridge University Press, 2016.

Assessment

Exam (80%, duration: 2 hours) in the summer exam period.
Class participation (20%).

Course selection videos

Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.

Important information in response to COVID-19

Please note that during 2021/22 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the differing needs of students in attendance on campus and those who might be studying online. For example, this may involve changes to the mode of teaching delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.

Key facts

Department: Management

Total students 2020/21: 65

Average class size 2020/21: 34

Controlled access 2020/21: Yes

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information