Corporate strategy is defined as the decision path taken by firms in attempting to secure long-term value for shareholders. This course presents a framework and set of tools for formulating successful strategies. The focus is on identifying and analysing the sources of profitability available to the firm and on developing strategies to access these sources of profitability. In this course, strategy is viewed as a link between the firm and its business environment. This implies that there are two primary areas of analysis: the external industry environment of the firm (its industry) and the internal environment of the firm (in particular, the resources and capabilities that it possesses). Central to the course is the analysis of competitive advantage. Superior performance is primarily the result of building sustainable competitive advantage through deploying internal resources and capabilities to exploit the key success factors within the firm¿s industry environment. We will analyse th e potential for competitive advantage and design strategies that can build competitive advantage. Thus, the essence of the overall framework is to address the development and management of internal resources and capabilities in relation to the external environment to achieve competitive advantage. The course is concerned not just with analysis but also with decisions. In our case discussions of individual companies, you will be taking the role of a senior executive or a consultant. You will be required to make decisions concerning key strategy issues and indicate how your decisions will be implemented.
On completion of this module participants will be expected to:Explain the key issues related to the strategic management of organizations in a dynamic environmentDescribe the relationship between strategic management, competitive advantage, and profitabilitySummarise the drivers of business successDemonstrate understanding of the analytical techniques associated with strategy formation at business and corporate levelsFormulate strategies appropriate to an organization's context and capabilities
Please note these modules are subject to change