Business Strategies (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Content scheduling

During the course, independent learning assignments and interactive webinars will alternate.
Learning assignments will be completed independently and in small groups.

Objective

The object of the course
After completing the course, you will be able to use different types of tools when making strategic choices.

Course competences
Business knowledge: The student has a broad-based understanding of business. The student is able to utilise knowledge-driven leadership to support decision-making.
Learning to learn: The student is able to acquire, critically evaluate and appropriately apply the domestic and international knowledge base and practices of their field.
Proactive development: The student can apply existing knowledge and make use of research and development methods in development. The student is able to seek customer-orientated, sustainable, economically viable solutions, anticipating the future of their field.


The learning objectives of the course
You are familiar with the principal concepts, theories, and models of strategic leadership and understand their utilisation when making strategic choices. You understand the significance of strategy as a business development tool. You understand the significance of strategy in your own work and the significance of your work for the strategy of your organisation.

Content

Basic concepts of strategic management
Environmental analyses
Internal analyses
Synthesis analyses
Megatrends
Added value and the value chain
Business strategies
Competitive advantage / competitiveness
Strategic flexibility

Location and time

The course webinars are held in the evening.

Materials

Barney & Hesterly 2019: Strategic Management and Competitive Advantage: Concepts and Cases. London: Pearson.
Doz, Y. & Kosonen, M. (käännös Laukkanen, M.) 2008. Nopea strategia: miten strateginen ketteryys auttaa pysymään kilpailun kärjessä. Helsinki: Talentum.
Kamensky, M. 2009. Strateginen johtaminen: Menestyksen timantti. Helsinki: Talentum. (myös e-kirjana, ks. myös aiemmat ja uudemmat painokset)
Vuorinen, T. 2013. Strategiakirja. Helsinki: Talentum. (myös e-kirjana)
Kehusmaa, K. 2010. Strategiatyö: Organisaation voimanlähde. Helsinki: Kauppakamari. (myös e-kirjana)
Kim, W.C. & Mauborgne, R. 2005. Sinisen meren strategia. Helsinki: Talentum.
Lindroos, J. E. & Lohivesi, K. 2004. Onnistu strategiassa. Helsinki: WSOYpro. (myös e-kirjana)
Suominen K., Karkulehto K., Sipponen J. & Hämäläinen V. 2012. Esimies strategiavaikuttajaksi. Helsinki: Sanoma Pro.
Ritakallio T. & Vuori T. 2018. Elävä strategia: kyky nähdä, taito tarttua tilaisuuteen. Helsinki: Alma Talent. (myös e-kirjana)
Åhman H. & Runola J. 2006. Strategia on kuollut? Eläköön tulevaisuus! Helsinki: Edita.

Teaching methods

Flipped learning
Introduction to themes and learning assignments in interactional webinars
Independent studying and learning assignments
Group assignments
Group discussions and peer learning
Workshops
Self-reflection

Guidance will be available during the course as follows:
Online guidance sessions
Peer guidance on Moodle
Personal feedback on the final assignment

Employer connections

Working life case assignment

Exam schedules

There is no exam on this course.
Learning assignments must be completed and returned during the course.
Group discussions must be attended to in accordance with the course timetable.
Deadlines for assignments will be announced in the beginning of the course.

Completion alternatives

Accreditation (replacement and inclusion)
Recognition of prior learning and experience acquired in other ways
Studification
More detailed instructions can be found from the Degree Regulations and the Study Guide

Student workload

135h
Independent study 40h
Learning assignments 73 h
Interactive webinars 10 h
Group discussions 12 h

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Sufficient 1
You are familiar with the principal concepts, theories, and models of strategic leadership and understand their utilisation when making strategic choices. You understand the significance of strategy as a business development tool. You understand the significance of strategy in your own work and the significance of your work for the strategy of your organisation.

Satisfactory 2
You are familiar with the principal concepts, theories, and models of leadership and understand their relationship to the questions of practical leadership. You understand the significance of strategy as a business development tool. You are able to apply strategy in your own work.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good 3
You are well aware of the strategy-related basic concepts, theories, and methods and understand their connection to your own work. You are able to utilise analysed data and substantiate your action proposals related to development. You are able to analyse and assess the company’s operating environment, market demand and customer and competitive situation on a superficial basis with the help of strategic analyses.

Very Good 4
You understand and are able to assess theories, key concepts, and methods related to strategy work and substantiate their use as a tool for business development. You are able to apply your theory-level understanding on a practical level. You are able to utilise well-researched knowledge in the development work and are able to carry out development work related to the strategy work.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent 5
You understand and are able to critically assess theories, key concepts, and methods related to strategy work and substantiate their use as a tool for business development. You are able to utilise theories in the strategic level assessment of different areas of business and are capable of adopting an analytic approach. You are capable of critical and analytical strategic level assessment of different areas of business.

Qualifications

Knowledge of the basic concepts and theories in management and leadership.

Further information

The course assessment methods include:
Assessment of own competence related to assignments
Assessment of competence, feedback and course grade based on the assignments