Strategy

Base Knowledge

Not applicable

Teaching Methodologies

The course includes theoretical and practical classes. The course will include:

TM1 – theoretical lectures by the professor, followed by class discussion.

TM2 – students analysing, in group, case studies that showcase the theoretical learnings

TM3 – guest lectures performed by managers who will share the strategic challenges faced by their organizations and the strategies implemented to overcome them

Learning Results

Strategy is critical for organizational success. To set the path for the future of an organization, it is required a strategy that guarantees the desired goals are achieved. Study of strategy aims at understanding what explains sustained differences in organizational performance.

Learning Outcomes:

LO1 Understanding the importance of strategy for organizational success

LO2 Performing a strategic analysis, by identifying the challenges of both the macro and micro environments, stakeholders’ expectations and the organization’s ability for developing resources and capabilities capable of achieving sustainable competitive advantage

LO3 Identifying the most suitable strategies for each organizational context

LO4 Describing and explaining strategic implementation issues

LO5 Developing critical thought and the ability to work both autonomously and in group

Program

1 – Introduction to Strategy

2 – Strategic analysis

2.1. External analysis: macro e micro environments

2.2. Internal analysis: resources, capabilities, culture, and stakeholders

3 – Strategic choice

3.1. Competitive strategy

3.2. Corporate strategy and diversification

3.3. Internationalization

3.4. Innovation and enterpreneurship

3.5. Mergers, acquisitions and alliances

4 – Strategy Implementation

4.1. Organizational structure

4.2. Strategic planning and control

Grading Methods

Assessment is carried out in two alternative ways, at the student's choice, which must be agreed with the respective lecturer during the first two weeks of classes.

 

1. Final exam, consisting of:

A written test with a maximum duration of 120 minutes, consisting of essay questions and multiple-choice questions.

A mark of ten or above is required to pass the course unit.

There are no oral exams.

 

2. Periodic assessment, consisting of:

a) test;

b) practical work (groups of 3 students) in class, subject to strategic analysis and formulation;

c) a report (individual) on a company's strategy, with presentation in class;

d) an academic poster (group of 3 students) on Strategic Management based on scientific articles, with presentation in class.

 

The final grade is determined as follows: test (40%), practical work in class (15%), individual report (20%) and academic poster (25%).

Note: students must have a grade higher than 8 in each of the assessment elements in order for the remaining assessment elements to be considered.

 

If the student is unable to complete the presentation and delivery on the scheduled date, the following procedures must be taken into account:

1- Changes to presentations are only accepted if requested and justified, up to one week before the initially scheduled date;
2- With less than 7 days notice, any postponement can only be made if the student reaches an exchange agreement with another colleague, and also with the knowledge of the teacher;
3- In the case of group work, if one of the group members is not present on the day of the presentation, the remaining colleagues will present the work on the scheduled day, but that absent student will not be classified in that component;

The subject's assessment methods do not include oral exams, with students who obtain a final grade equal to or greater than 10 receiving approval.


    Internship(s)

    NAO

    Bibliography

    Bibliografia principal:

    Freire, Adriano (2020) Estratégia: criação de valor sustentável em negócios tradicionais e digitais, Bertrand

    Whitthington, R., Regnér, P., Angwin, D., Jonhson, G., & Scholes, K. (2020) Exploring Strategy, 12th Edition. Pearson Education Limited.

    Bibliografia complementar:

    Barney J.B., & Hesterly, W.S. (2018) Strategic Management and Competitive Advantage, 6th Edition. Pearson.

    HBR’s Must-Reads on Strategy (2012), Harvard Business School Press.

    Kim, W. C. e Mauborgne, R. (2007) A Estratégia Oceano Azul, Actual Editora

    Rumelt, R. (2011) Good Strategy Bad Strategy, Profile Books

    Vasconcelos e Sá, J. A. (2002) A empresa Negligenciada, Verbo.

    Vasconcellos e Sá, J. A. (1997) Os Senhores da Guerra, Bertrand.