Strategy

This course is designed to teach the theoretical aspects of strategy making to achieve consistent corporate growth and smart business decision making.  Study internal corporate resources and capabilities and external environment to direct the strategy formation. Explore the concept of competitive advantage, and types of corporate strategies as important options in strategic decision making. 


This aim of this course is to provide students in understanding various tactics in forming and applying strategy in the corporate environment. Internal and external strategies will be explored, ranged from understanding corporate strengths and weaknesses in improving short-term performances to corporate diversification and integration. Provide an opportunity to gain an in-depth theoretical knowledge in considering strategic approaches in decision making, especially in the environment of intense competition or change in the market environment. Develop strategies and monitor strategy implementation, a central aspect in performing the role of a leader. 

  • The Concept of Strategy
  • Goals, Values, and Performance
  • Industry Analysis; Fundamentals
  • Further Topics in Industry Analysis and Competitiveness
  • Analyzing Resources and Capabilities
  • Organization Structure and Management Systems: The Fundamentals of Strategy Implementation
  • The Sources and Dimensions of Competitive Advantage
  • Industry Evolution and Strategic Change
  • Technology-based Industries and the Management of Innovation
  • Competitive Advantage in Mature Industries
  • Vertical Integration and the Scope of the Firm
  • Global Strategy and the Multinational Corporation
  • Diversification Strategy
  • Implementing Corporate Strategy: Managing the Multi-business Firm
  • External Growth Strategies: Mergers, Acquisitions, and Alliances
  • Current Trends in Strategic Management

On successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate a critical awareness and understanding of Strategy at the master's level that provides a basis for developing and/or applying new ideas, often within a research context.
  • apply knowledge, critical understanding, and problem-solving abilities in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their field of study (Strategy)
  • assimilate knowledge and formulate opinions with incomplete or limited information, but that include a reflection on social and ethical responsibilities.
  • communicate their assumptions, and knowledge regarding Strategy and the rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously.
  • use the acquired skills to allow them to continue to study in a manner that may be largely self-directed and autonomous.
  • integrate knowledge from other courses of the master program and practical business and formulate critical judgments with incomplete data.

The course is offered as self-study in e-learning. The learning material is provided in the form of lectures, literature, and lecture notes. Independent learning is required. In the case of paper submissions, further research is expected in compliance with the given scientific standard. LIVE course sessions are offered to support the students with questions regarding the content. Students are supported in their scientific work by corresponding online seminars.

All lectures and learning materials are made available in the online campus GHU Campus. All lectures are recorded and are available for download 24/7. The lecture notes, as well as additional material provided by the lecturer, can also be accessed in the GHU Campus.

Documents for exam preparation consisting of lectures and lecture notes. Additional material provided by the lecturer serves as independent files and can be used to work on the exams. The examination comprises theory questions, reflection, and case study and is intended to confirm all learning objectives.

The assessment consists of a 5000-word Strategy essay and assesses all learning outcomes. As a master-level assignment, the essay requires a command of a complex and specialized area of knowledge and skills. This implies that, in addition to demonstrating a sound grasp of the ideas and concepts relevant to the topic of theessay, students will show that they can evaluate aspects such as conventions of approaches, their internal consistency, relevance, and applicability, as well as strengths and weaknesses.

To reach an assessment, students will consider competing approaches and draw on critiques put forward in scholarly literature. The position adopted in the assignment and any claims made must be based on a careful, coherent, and logical arguments, need to be appropriately supported with evidence from relevant scholarly sources, and should be presented in a coherent piece of writing. Sources must be referenced appropriately in-text and in a quote/reference list as set out in the GHU Referencing Guidelines.

Yusuf Mohammed Nulla

- Prof. -