Curricula

Objectives

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

Learning materials and recommended literature

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

Course will be offered in virtual online mode via Moodle learning space. It will include 3 interactive webinars via ZOOM. Active attendance is recommended as the webinars will not be recorded. They include group discussions, cases and workshops on the given study materials.

International connections

The course offers multiple perspective on international strategic management issues and trends including international keynote speeches as videos and guest lecturer.

Alternative completion methods

Prior learning can be recognized through similar master level studies or work experience which will be assessed for each course by the course instructor.

Student workload

135 h virtual course means an approximate 6 hours independent study for ten weeks, three interactive webinars (6 hours) and 4 individual course assignments (each 12 hours).

Content scheduling

Three essays by every three week and final self-assessment by the end of the course.

Further information for students

Avoin amk 10 sisältyy max-määrään

Evaluation scale

0-5

Evaluation criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

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.

Evaluation criteria, good (3-4)

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.

Evaluation 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.