Formulating Strategy (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Objective

You understand the principles of strategic thinking and you are aware of different schools of strategic management. You realize the importance of strategy as a tool to develop the organization locally or globally. You know the various stages of the strategy process, and you use the techniques of strategy formulation. The course prepares you to make strategic analysis and formulate good strategies.

The competences to develop in this course are sustainable global business management and sustainable development.

Sustainable global business management:
You critically review and understand core concepts of strategy and strategy formulation. You apply disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge to analyze global business challenges and propose sustainable business solutions.

Sustainable development:
You are aware of sustainability challenges and can formulate strategies to solve them.

Content

Strategic thinking, principles of strategic management, vision, mission, values, goals, strategy process, strategic analysis, formulating strategy

Location and time

On campus days 3.9, 4.9, 24.9 and 25.9

Materials

Porter, M. (1996) What is strategy? Harvard Business Review, Nov-Dec, 61-78. Porter, M. (2008) The five competitive forces that shape strategy. Harvard Business Review, Jan, 78-93. Prahalad, C., & Hamel, G. (1990) The core competence of the organization. Harvard Business Review, May-June, 79-91.
Mintzberg, H., Ahlstrand, B, & Lampel, J. (1998) Strategy safari: A guided tour through the wilds of strategic management. New York Press. Chapter 1, 1-21.
Barney, J. (1991) Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99-120. Kim, W.C., & Mauborgne, R. (2004) Blue ocean strategy. Harvard Business Review, Oct, 76-84.
There will also be a selection of cases and support material provided by the lecturer.

Teaching methods

Classroom teaching on campus days including lectures, workshops group discussions
Online and virtual learning (case work, virtual discussions)
The primary mode of delivery is a combination of in-class activities on campus and on-line lectures. There will be available video materials to support opportunities for 24/7 learning. The in-class activities deepen the learning in the forms of tutorials, individual and group works, reflection and guidance. However, if the COVID-19 situation requires the learning will be supported by on-line tutorials.

Completion alternatives

You have the right to apply for recognition of your studies if you have prior learning (e.g. university studies completed elsewhere) that can be accredited towards the degree you are currently completing.

The recognition of prior learning is possible in three primary ways: accreditation (replacement or inclusion), recognition of informal learning and studification. More precise info: JAMK Degree Regulations, section 17.

Student workload

One credit corresponds to an average of 27 hours of work, which means that the load of five credits is approximately 135 hours. The load is distributed in different ways depending on the course implementation.
The items of assessment:
Individual written assignments 100%

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Sufficient (1):
You understand strategic management concepts at a sufficient level but fail to attempt to apply them to formulate strategies for developing the working life locally or globally or addressing sustainability challenges. You have challenges to communicate your findings in oral and written form in a structured manner. There are issues in complying with JAMK reporting instructions.
Satisfactory (2):
You understand strategic management concepts at a satisfactory level and attempt to apply them to formulate strategies for developing the working life locally or globally or addressing sustainability challenges. You are able to communicate your findings in oral and written form responsibly. There are some issues in complying with JAMK reporting instructions.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good (3):
You have a good understanding of the concepts of strategic management and apply them well to formulate good strategies for developing the working life locally or globally or addressing sustainability challenges. You are able to communicate your findings in oral and written form responsibly in a well-structured manner. There are minor issues in complying with JAMK reporting instructions.
Very good (4):
You have a very good understanding of the concepts of strategic management and apply them insightfully to formulate innovative strategies for developing the working life locally or globally or addressing sustainability challenges. You are able to communicate your findings in oral and written form responsibly and in a well-structured manner, complying with JAMK reporting instructions.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

You have a thorough understanding of the concepts of strategic management and apply them critically and insightfully to formulate innovative strategies for developing the working life locally or globally or addressing sustainability challenges. You are able to communicate your findings in oral and written form responsibly and in a well-structured manner, complying fully with JAMK reporting instructions.

Further information

Open UAS: 10
Exchange students: 5