The course aims to develop students’ understanding of corporate strategy as a process of shaping and adapting firms’ long-term direction in dynamic and uncertain environments. It examines how companies define their strategic boundaries, pursue growth opportunities, and respond to major transformations affecting industries and markets. The course focuses on key corporate strategy decisions, including vertical integration, diversification, internationalization, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions. Particular attention is given to how megatrends, such as technological disruption, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and socio-economic change, influence strategic choices. Through theoretical frameworks, case studies discussion, and project work, students will develop the ability to analyze complex strategic issues, critically evaluate alternatives, and formulate well-grounded recommendations. The course aims to strengthen analytical capabilities, critical thinking, and strategic judgement.

Knowledge and understanding: Students will acquire an understanding of complex corporate strategy dynamics through the development of specific knowledge, analytical tools, and new perspectives. They will learn methodologies and frameworks aimed at identifying the strategic boundaries and scope of action of a firm, including vertical, horizontal, and international dimensions. Applying knowledge and understanding: Students will develop the ability to interpret and address complex managerial and business issues by applying the acquired knowledge and strategic frameworks. They will be able to design and evaluate effective strategic approaches across different competitive scenarios and business contexts, considering the impact of major megatrends. Making judgements: Students will develop critical thinking and independent judgement skills to analyze competitive environments and industry dynamics, assessing strategic challenges and opportunities arising from market evolution and emerging megatrends. Communication skills: Students will strengthen their ability to communicate strategic analyses and recommendations effectively. They will be able to synthesize, structure, and clearly present the conclusions emerging from the evaluation of business cases and strategic issues. Learning skills: The knowledge and tools acquired throughout the course will enable students to identify relevant sources, data, and analytical materials to continuously expand their understanding, update their strategic capabilities, and develop new competencies in response to evolving business environments.

The course covers the following topics: -Foundations, scope, and key concepts of corporate strategy -Megatrends and their implications for firms, industries, and strategic decision-making -The role of institutions in shaping business environments and strategic choices -External environment and competitive analysis -Vertical integration strategy -Internationalization strategy -Diversification strategy -External growth strategy (alliances, mergers and acquisitions) -Digital transformation, emerging technologies, and artificial intelligence -Sustainability and its strategic implications -Current trends and emerging perspectives in strategic management

Grant, R. M. (2025). Contemporary strategy analysis (12th ed.). Wiley ESPAS (2024), Global Trends to 2040: Choosing Europe’s Future, Publications Office of the European Union. https://espas.eu/files/espas_files/about/ESPAS-Global-Trends-to-2040-Choosing-Europes-Future-EN.pdf? OECD (2024), Megatrends and the Future of Social Protection, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/6c9202e8-en

The course is based on a rich set of teaching methods, including: -Lectures -Case study discussions -Project work -Guest lectures by industry experts and professionals

Attending students: Continuous assessment (30%) Final written exam (70%) Exempted/non compliant students: Final exam (100%): written exam and oral confirmation exam: the outcome of the oral assessment may result in up to 3 points being added to or deducted from the written exam grade, depending on the student’s level of preparation.

No merit-based criteria are applied in the thesis assignment process. The selection is based exclusively on the quality and relevance of the proposed thesis project.