Curricula

Objectives

Purpose of the course
When you complete this course, you will understand strategic thinking and you are able to familiarize yourself with strategic management and strategy implementation. Strategy is a process in which the analysis of the operating environment plays a key role. Within the framework of the strategy, the organization's management sets goals and determines the operations through which the organization seeks to achieve long-term success and competitive advantage.

Competences
Proactive development
Is able to analyse the current situation and anticipate the future of their field and changes in the operating environment.

Learning objectives of the course
You recognize the role and significance of strategy and strategic management as a future success factor for companies and public organizations. You master the basic concepts of strategic thinking, identify different schools of strategic management and become familiar with strategic thinking in the digital age. You internalize the significance of strategy as a tool for developing operations, identify the different stages of the strategy process, master tools and methods related to strategy structuring and implementation.

You are able to evaluate different strategies and have the cognitive skills to carry out strategic analysis, choose a strategy and implement it.

Content

The main contents of this course are:

Strategies, types of strategies, strategic thinking and concepts of strategic management: scenarios, vision, mission, values, goals.
Development trends of the strategy and connection to the decision-making process.
The process and analysis of strategies, tools and implementation. Indicators and measurement as part of strategic management and evaluation of success.

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

You will have intensive online contact sessions with lectures, workshops, and group discussions. In addition, you will study independently for your group and individual assignments.

Practical training and working life connections

The individual assignment will aim to develop operations at your workplace.

Exam dates and retake possibilities

There is no exam.

Alternative completion methods

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

Lectures 27 hours
Preparing for the lectures 27 hours
Group project 27 hours
Individual assignment 54 hours

Content scheduling

30.8.2024 (14-20)
31.8.2024 (9-14)
20.9.2024 (14-20)
21.9.2024 (9-14)

Further information for students

Your assessment will be based on an individual assignment, a group project, and your active participation in class.

Evaluation scale

Pass/Fail

Evaluation criteria, pass/failed

Passed (S)
You evaluate and analyze the role and significance of strategy and strategic management by applying key theoretical knowledge. You define the key concepts related to the special competence of the subject in relation to each other. You are also able to utilize international research and literature. You evaluate the development of your own strategic analysis skills critically, comprehensively and diversely. You report convincingly, presenting a clear, logically progressing whole. You reflect your learning. You write in an argumentative and error-free factual style. You follow Jamk's reporting guidelines. You participate in online meetings where you share what you have learned with others.

Fail (0)
You do not meet the level of approved competence.