About this course

Strategy is crucial for organizations to succeed and achieve their goals. An effective strategy provides direction and ensures that resources are allocated to activities that create the greatest value. At the same time, strategy enables organizations to adapt to changes in markets, technology, and society.

This course aims to provide in-depth knowledge of strategic management, as well as skills in analyzing, developing, and implementing strategy. Recent research will play a central role in the course, with particular emphasis on the connection between theory and practice. The course is suitable for managers, consultants, economists, and others who require strategic insight to assess organizational development and make sound decisions.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The student:

  • Understands the factors that influence organizations’ strategic choices, and how these must be taken into account in the development and implementation of strategies.
  • Has a strong understanding of the key elements in the analysis, development, and implementation of strategy, including different perspectives and how they are interconnected.
  • Has a strong understanding of theories and methods related to the development, evaluation, and selection of strategy, as well as the challenges that may arise during implementation.

SkillsThe student:

  • Can analyze an organization’s internal and external factors.
  • Can develop concrete strategies based on thorough analysis and critical use of sources.
  • Can assess which strategic approaches and practices are most suitable for different types of organizations and contexts.

General competenceThe student:

  • Is able to pose critical questions and contribute constructively to the analysis, development, and implementation of strategy.
  • Can communicate both orally and in writing with specialists and non-specialists about key topics in the field.

  • Learning activities

    Students are encouraged to review the syllabus and course materials prior to lectures so that they can be discussed and applied in class discussions and exercises.

    A combination of different methods will be used in the course:

    • Case discussions
    • Lectures
    • Group work
    • Written assignments
    • Student presentations
    • Contributions from guest lecturers
    • Evaluation of one’s own work and that of fellow students

  • Teaching support

    Your learning is supported through access to the course instructor during office hours and through academic guidance.

  • Syllabus

    Bob de Wit (2025). Strategy: An International Perspective. 8th ed. Cengage.

    Selected articles to be published on Canvas.

    Lecture notes/slides.

  • Recommended prerequisites

    AOS237 Business Strategy or equivalent.

  • Assessment method

    Final written exam (100%), 3.5 hours.

    Grading: Letter grades. No aids permitted.



    Written exam Karakterregel: Letter grades Hjelpemiddelkode: A1 No calculator, no other aids

  • About use of AI

    Mandatory activities (written assignments): K2 - Specified use of AI. AI can be used for writing support in according to NMBU guidelines. AI use should be declared with a short explanation of which programs have been used and how they are used in the text. The students are responsible for the final product after editing.

    Written exam: K1 - No use of AI. See guidelines for AI use at NMBU.

    Here you can find AI categories descriptions.

    Descriptions of AI-category codes.

  • Examiner scheme

    An external examiner approves the exam paper and setup.

  • Mandatory activity

    Attendance requirement for lectures (minimum 2/3).

    Up to 3 academic group presentations.

    Up to 2 written group assignments.

    Feedback on fellow students’ work.

    Approved mandatory activities from the last time the course was offered remain valid if the course is retaken.

  • Teaching hours

    Approximately 30 hours.

  • Preferential right

    Students in Master Business Administration in the specialization Strategy and Financial Management is given priority in admission to the course.

  • Admission requirements

    Students in Master Business Administration with a specialization in Strategy and Financial Management are given priority. Subject to available capacity, students from the following programs may be offered admission: Master in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Master in Bioeconomy, Master in Applied Economics and Sustainability, Master in Public Health Science and Master in Industrial Economics.

    Note! There is an admission process to the course with application deadline 24 August 2026.