55804 - Business Strategy

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide participants with the conceptual frameworks needed to take strategic decisions at business level, paying attention to the coherence between internal resources and competences, market variables and long terms goals.

Course contents

1. The meaning of strategy
2. The analysis of the competitive environment
3. The value creation: the resources, the competences and the value system
4. The nature and the sources of the competitive advantage
5. The business strategies in the different competitive environments
6. Corporate strategies
7. Growth strategies: diversification, integration and internationalization
8. External growth strategies

 

Readings/Bibliography

• Robert Grant, "L'analisi strategica per le decisioni aziendali", 2020, Il Mulino, Sixth Edition  - ISBN 978-88-15-28770-0
  
• Other readings uploaded on virtuale.unibo 
• Lesson slides uploaded on virtuale.unibo

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons

Case study analysis and discussion

Readings discussion

Group Work

Entrepreneurs and managers presentations

Assessment methods

All students.

WRITTEN EXAMINATION

The assessment consists of a written exam including:

1. 2–3 open-ended questions
2. 5–8 multiple-choice questions. Each question may have more than one correct answer. The scoring is as follows:

• Correct answer: +1 point
• Incorrect answer: −0.5 points

COURSE ASSESSMENTS

Students may choose to take the course assessment either as a single final examination or in two parts.

Only students attending classes are eligible to complement the written examination with a group project based on a case study analysis.

• Single final assessment: Final grade = grade obtained in the written examination.
• Two-part assessment: Final grade = (Grade for Part 1 × 50%) + (Grade for Part 2 × 50%).
• Two-part assessment with group project: The weighting of the different assessment components will be communicated during the course.
  

During the written exam, the use of mobile phones, smartwatches, smart glasses, or any other electronic devices is not allowed. Any violation will result in the exam being withdrawn and invalidated.

STUDENT PARTECIPATION

Active participation in class discussions, including comments and questions on the assigned readings, case studies, and presentations, may earn students up to 1 additional point.

GRADING SCALE (out of 30)

• Below 18: Fail
• 18–23: Satisfactory
• 24–27: Good
• 28–30: Excellent
• 30 with honours: Outstanding

 SCORE REJECTION

It is possible to reject the score only once.

Teaching tools

• Slides
• Video
• Case studies
• Readings from economic newspapers
• Managers, entrepreneurs and consultants presentations

Office hours

See the website of Vincenza Odorici