About this course

The central themes in this course are strategic planning and strategic decision making, internal and external analysis, formulation and communication of business strategy, and strategy implementation. The course puts emphasis on understanding strategy in different contexts (types of organizations and industries) and development of sustainable strategy.

Learning outcome

Knowledge goals

After this course, the student has knowledge of

  • the key concepts in strategy
  • the key models and tools to analyze the external and internal environment of an organization
  • research-based decision criteria to make relevant choices in strategy formulation and implementation
  • the importance of strategic thinking in the different areas of the society
  • how the development towards sustainable society influences strategy and strategy work

Skills

After this course, the student is able to formulate and solve strategic problems both alone and as a part of a group. The students learn to apply the key strategy models and concepts in order to

  • Find and analyze relevant information of the organization's external and internal environment
  • Formulate and choose between appropriate strategic alternatives based on this analysis
  • Present the solutions
  • Integrate sustainability into strategy

General skills

After completing this course, the student

  • has the ability to collaborate with others to translate knowledge and skills into practice within corporate strategy
  • has the ability to collaborate with others to translate knowledge and skills into practice within corporate strategy
  • can communicate orally and in writing about strategy in businesses

  • Learning activities

    The students are encouraged to acquaint themselves with the theory and case material before each lecture in order to participate in discussions and exercises in the classroom. The students apply the theories on cases at class during the lectures and in the mandatory assignments. Learning activities consist of campus based teaching 3-4 hrs per week, supervision, video lectures that will be available on Canvas and digital seminars related to mandatory activities.

  • Teaching support

    The students will receive feedback in connection with the lectures and mandatory assignments.

  • Syllabus

    The textbook in this course is: Exploring Strategy, 13th Edition, av Richard Whittington, Patrick Regner, Duncan Angwin, Gerry Johnson, Kevan Scholes. Pearson. Additional literature will be posted on canvas before the course starts. It is expected that the participants are able to read text book, cases and articles in English.

  • Assessment method

    Combined assessment: Term paper in groups (20% of the final grade),Written individual exam (3,5 hrs, 80% of the final grade) in the exam period. Both term paper and written exam must be passed during the same semester. Both term paper and written exam need to be passed to pass this course. There will be no re-take exam in this course. The students who do not pass need to take all parts of the examination next time the course is organized.

  • About use of AI

    Exam: K1 - The use of AI is not permitted. See guidelines for use of artificial intelligence (AI) at NMBU.

    Term paper in groups: K3 - Full use of AI. Use of AI is permitted, but must be in accordance with the guidelines for use of artificial intelligence (AI) at NMBU. If used, the students are expected to inform which programs they have used and for what purposes.

    Mandatory activities: K3 - Full use of AI. Use of AI is permitted, but must be in accordance with the guidelines for use of artificial intelligence (AI) at NMBU. If used, the students are expected to inform which programs they have used and for what purposes.

    Descriptions of AI-category codes.

  • Examiner scheme

    An external examiner will assess the questions for the exam, and principles for evaluation.

  • Mandatory activity

    Two mandatory assignments (one in groups, one individual) that are graded passed/ failed and must be passed before the student can participate in the final exam. Passing these assignments may require presence in the class room (presentations/seminars) in addition to written assignments. Information about the mandatory assignments will be given in the beginning of the course. The mandatory activities are valid only for one semester. Participation in group work is mandatory to pass this course. The groups are formed in the beginning of the course when the number of participants in known. Practical information concerning group work and group formation will be given in the beginning of the course including information about the deadlines for group formation.

  • Notes

    The course is tailor-made for the 2nd and 3rd year students in B-ØA and 3rd year students in B-ØLIT, but it is also open for the students from other faculties.

  • Teaching hours

    3-4 hours lectures, supervision and seminars per week.

  • Preferential right

    The course is reserved for students on the following study programme: Bachelor in Business Administration, Bachelor in Business Administration with Informatics, Bachelor in Economics, Master in Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Master in Bioeconomy - Biobased Value Creation and Business Development.

  • Reduction of credits

    7,5 ECTS overlap with AOS238-B.

  • Admission requirements

    The course is reserved for students on the following study programme: Bachelor in Business Administration, bachelor in Business Administration with Informatics, bachelor in Economics and Master in Bioeconomy - Biobased Value Creation and Business Development.