The level of economic activity of developed and developing countries is largely driven by the strategic decisions of companies. Strategy in mid-sized or larger corporations plays an outsize role in how they adapt fast and over time. Many of these organizations have more than one product and engage in a range of business activities in multiple markets. Mega trends such as demographic developments, international competition, technological change, (de)regulation, and the emergence of new markets and industries profoundly influence strategy as it gives direction to these companies’ portfolio of activities. Orchestrating such a portfolio of business activities poses important managerial challenges that force corporations to adapt their vertical and horizontal scope and boundaries to their environment.

You will increase your ability to think strategically. You will acquire knowledge of methods to identify relevant mega trends and how to use them to support making strategic decisions. You will learn to better describe, analyze, explain and suggest alternative courses of strategic action of corporations. You will raise your ability to advise corporations on how to face challenges and adapt their portfolio of activities.

The course Corporate Strategy & Megatrends explores the changing institutional environment that shapes markets and organizations. Drawing from a wide range of theories to develop an understanding of the debates, developments and practical frameworks that help with making strategic decisions in multi-business corporations, you will cover the key questions driving a firm’s corporate strategy, including: - In what markets to compete with which businesses? - Which activities should be performed by the firm and which should be outsourced (i.e. “make” or “buy” decisions)? - What are the most appropriate approaches to growth? - What are the mega-trends, and how firms adapt? Each week will in general start with concepts and end with the practical application of methods and techniques.

Volberda HW; Hollen RMA; Pereira JR; Sidhu J; Heij K (2024) Strategic Management: From Confrontation to Transformation (First Edition). Sage Publications.

Varied (lectures, discussions, excercises, simulations, projects)

Continuous assessment (30%) Final exam (70%)

Final grade: 27/30