85462 - Business Strategy and Innovation in Cultural Industries (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

This course aims to introduce the student to the main strategic issues at the business level, with a particular emphasis on cultural industries. At the end of the course the student knows what is a strategy and how a competitive advantage can be achieved through the analysis of the industry and of the internal resources and capabilities. He understands the importance of business models, including the role of organizational structures and technological innovation. In particular, the student knows the specificities of cultural industries and how these affect strategies. The student is able to define a business strategy and to evaluate a business strategy by situating the business in its context. In particular, the student is able to identify the nature and the sources of the competitive advantage in cultural industries.

Course contents

Lesson 1: Introducing strategy / Macro-environment analysis / Mapping the creative industries

Lesson 2: Industry and sector analysis / Resources and capabilities / Stakeholders and governance / History and culture

Lesson 3: Business strategy and models / Corporate strategy and diversification / Simulation / Example of Porter’s 5 forces

Lesson 4: International strategy / Entrepreneurship and innovation / Mergers, acquisitions and alliances

Lesson 5: Evaluating strategies / Strategy development processes / Organising and strategy

Lesson 6: Leadership and strategic change / Innovation in the music industry / The practice of strategy

Readings/Bibliography

Johnson, G., Whittington, R., Scholes, K., Angwin, D. and Regnér, P. (2017) Exploring strategy. 11th ed., Harlow: Pearson.

Teaching methods

Lectures. Presentations. Small-group activities. Assignments. Coaching and mentoring. Case studies. Online discussion boards. Project work. Game-based activities. Q&A sessions.

Assessment methods

Attendance and active participation. Oral and written assignments and exercises. A company monograph.

Summative assessment takes the form of a company monograph. The assessment criteria and the assessment matrix are specified during lesson 1.

Teaching tools

This unit will be delivered on site.

Office hours

See the website of Fabio Rizzi