Course Design

The course consists of lectures to convey strategic concepts and theories, case studies and discussion to practice application of such, and participation in a semester-long simulation that allows for learning by doing. Deliverables consist of writing assignments, decisions in the simulation and a culminating presentation describing results and lessons from it, as well as a midterm and final exam which will test understanding of material covered in lectures and the ability to relate these ideas through analysis of firms and personal experiences.

Ideal strategic management comes from the abilities to intelligently analyze internal and external aspects of a business and the marketplace, to develop a strategy based on this analysis, and finally to effectively articulate this strategy. Even with a strong understanding of a business environment, in the real world many aspects are often complex and future conditions uncertain. Managers need strong strategies in spite of this to guide a firm successfully through short-term initiatives and long-term goals.

This course does not intend to give simple instructions on how to create good strategy, but rather strives to provide a strong framework one can use for intelligent analysis and decision making. The objectives of this class are to develop and improve your capacity to:
• Gain fluency with modern concepts about analysis and strategy development for firms of all sizes
• Understand the role of strategic management as related to strong leadership
• Intelligently analyze data, situations, and opportunities
• Use this analysis to reflect and then develop actionable strategies to better a firm’s performance
• To then succinctly and coherently articulate these strategies to partners, clients, coworkers, employees, and managers

These objectives can be achieved through studying the assigned readings and cases, solid participation in class discussion, strong efforts on the writing assignments, and active contribution in the simulation assignment.

Course Design

The course consists of lectures to convey strategic concepts and theories, case studies and discussion to practice application of such, and participation in a semester-long simulation that allows for learning by doing. Deliverables consist of writing assignments, decisions in the simulation and a culminating presentation describing results and lessons from it, as well as a midterm and final exam which will test understanding of material covered in lectures and the ability to relate these ideas through analysis of firms and personal experiences.

Ideal strategic management comes from the abilities to intelligently analyze internal and external aspects of a business and the marketplace, to develop a strategy based on this analysis, and finally to effectively articulate this strategy. Even with a strong understanding of a business environment, in the real world many aspects are often complex and future conditions uncertain. Managers need strong strategies in spite of this to guide a firm successfully through short-term initiatives and long-term goals.

This course does not intend to give simple instructions on how to create good strategy, but rather strives to provide a strong framework one can use for intelligent analysis and decision making. The objectives of this class are to develop and improve your capacity to:
• Gain fluency with modern concepts about analysis and strategy development for firms of all sizes
• Understand the role of strategic management as related to strong leadership
• Intelligently analyze data, situations, and opportunities
• Use this analysis to reflect and then develop actionable strategies to better a firm’s performance
• To then succinctly and coherently articulate these strategies to partners, clients, coworkers, employees, and managers

These objectives can be achieved through studying the assigned readings and cases, solid participation in class