Opinto-opas

Osaamistavoitteet

The course focuses on strategic management as a comprehensive approach to the management of company development. The course is based on core theoretical knowledge and practical concepts of strategy, strategic management, and strategic competitiveness. Principles of strategic management are explained on the base of hierarchical and alternatively non-hierarchical approaches. Knowledge of strategic management is developed on the base of business strategy followed by the concept of corporate strategy. The course deals with strategic topics such as company development, diversification, internationalization, strategic cooperation, and restructuring. The process of strategic management is explained on the basis of the so-called spiral approach with a focus on strategic idea definition, strategic research and analysis, formulation, and implementation of the strategy.

After completing the course, the students will be able to
- apply the strategic principles on a company management level in different stages of company development
- explain and compare different approaches and methods of strategic research and analysis of the market environment and the company’s potential
- explain key approaches to combine strategy formulation and implementation to develop the company

Sisältö

How to understand five different approaches to strategy – What is a strategy as a plan, process, framework, way of thinking and set of tools?
How to use strategic management as the practical concept of management of company development?
What are the specific attributes of strategic analysis and research and how to make them properly and efficiently? Why does strategy use hierarchy and how to work with it?
How to formulate a business strategy to have a useful framework for implementation?

Esitietovaatimukset

Students are expected to have basic knowledge of methods used in management as planning, organizing, leading and control. They have to understand the basic functions of the company and the principles of entrepreneurship. Knowledge of basic marketing methods and terms is required.

Arviointikriteerit, tyydyttävä (1-2)

The student is able to describe the basic concepts of strategic management. He/she is able to conduct his/her part and participate in the team assignment. He/she is able to work with relevant tools and standard approaches to their implementation. He/she understands the key role of strategic management and its relationship with tactical and operational management. He/she can understand the basic strategic decisions of real companies.

Arviointikriteerit, hyvä (3-4)

The student knows the strategic concepts and is able to identify their implementation in the behavior of existing companies. He/she is able to apply standard approaches in the whole process of strategic management. He/she understands the suitability of typical strategic decisions and activities of companies. He/she is able to analyze a strategic problem when he/she has needed data and information. He/she can be a beneficial team member for teams dealing with concrete activity within the strategic process – e.g., strategic research and analysis, and can be responsible for the outputs.

Arviointikriteerit, kiitettävä (5)

The student demonstrates deep knowledge and understanding of the whole process of strategic management. He/she is able to apply knowledge of strategic management to come up with a proposal for solutions to topics relevant to the development of the company. He/she is able to explain different concepts and define their strengths and weaknesses in the context of the specific situation. He/she can be a key or even leading member of a team preparing strategy or being responsible for strategic management of the organization. He/she has an excellent capacity to identify strategic problems both in the company and in the business environment and come up with a proposal for an original solution.