COMPETITIVE STRATEGY

The course is intended to offer students advanced knowledge of strategic management. By tackling real-world challenges in various industries, students will learn how to create a strategic plan through a in-depth analysis of the external environment and the firm's resources and capabilities.

Students are expected to have a basic understanding of strategic management, as well as the main principles of accounting and microeconomics. Without this knowledge, students may struggle to keep up with the course.

The course aims to equip students with an advanced, theory-based approach to strategic planning. This will enable them to create comprehensive corporate and business strategic plans through internal and external analysis.

- Recap of the main principles of Business Strategy - Defining firm boundaries: economies of Scale and Scope - Corporate strategy: Diversification - Vertical Integration: Make or Buy - Strategic Positioning for Competitive Advantage - Structure and Strategy - Business Case

Economics of Strategy Di David Dranove, David Besanko, Mark Shanley, Scott Schaefer, Wiley, 2017

Traditional teaching through lectures will be complemented by case studies discussions, practical exercises and assignements (group works) and seminars with business experts and key figures. Students’ participation during lectures is strongly encouraged.

The exam consists of: (i) 1 group assignements that counts 30% for the quality of the project, 10% for the quality of the text and 10% for the quality of the presentation (overall 50% of the final grade) (ii) 1/2 short multiple choice exams (mid-term exams) that overall counts for 20% of the final grade (10% each) and (iii) a final written exam. The final evaluation will consider the level of comprehension and familiarity with the basics of strategic management, as well as the knowledge of important principles discussed in class. It will also take into account the ability to think logically and critically, and the proficiency in presenting findings and conclusions in an effective manner. Non-attending students will sustain a 100% exam on the book: Economics of Strategy Di David Dranove, David Besanko, Mark Shanley, Scott Schaefer · (Full text).

Students that are interested in the final thesis should proof a good knowledge of the Luiss Library Guides on: - How to prepare a bibliography - How to write a thesis - How to access to electronic resources - Discovering online resources - Finding journals and journal articles - Getting started with the Luiss Library Discovery Students who fail to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of these guidelines will not be eligible for the final thesis assignment.