STR801 Strategy and Business Development

Contents and structure

well as the development of new business within and outside of existing businesses.

Strategy is the foundation of business operations. Strategic choices should help a company to create a competitive advantage over other companies in the industry, create value for customers, and ultimately create value for the owners, while also displaying social responsibility.

The starting point for strategy is an analysis of external factors that affect the company. These factors are changing at an ever-increasing pace, with technology, production methods, and customer needs changing rapidly. Additionally, demands for sustainable development and growth create challenges and opportunities for businesses. A circular economy approach is one way to address sustainability challenges.

The course aims to provide a basic understanding of how industry-specific conditions and macroeconomic factors (external factors) can identify threats and opportunities in different industries. Additionally, the course will demonstrate how internal resources and capabilities (internal factors) can reveal a company's strengths and weaknesses. Analysis of these factors forms the basis for strategic choices, for example in the direction of a cost leadership strategy or differentiation strategy. Students should also gain a basic understanding of different internationalization strategies, corporate strategies, characteristics of regional/national comparative advantages, and sustainable business development and corporate ethics.

The course will focus on both ongoing strategies for running a business and strategies for creating new business both within and outside of existing business frameworks.

Learning Outcome

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

• Explain basic principles and concepts of strategic management
• Describe how strategic choices are based on analyses of internal and external factors within a business
• Describe how strategic analysis can identify and target new business areas
• Have knowledge of innovation and entrepreneurship
• Have knowledge of business development
• Have knowledge of different types of business and revenue models

Skills

• Identify characteristics of an industry and the opportunities and threats this poses for a business in that industry
• Map internal working conditions within a business
• Identify a business' value configuration
• Identify a business' business idea and business model
• Propose a strategy based on a business' environment and internal resources
• Propose potential areas of focus based on strategic analysis
• Explain the impact of technology development on strategy
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of different internationalization strategies

General Competencies

• Understand sustainability as a driver and influence on strategy and business development
• Understand the importance of strategy in the ongoing operation of a business
• Understand the importance of developing and creating new within existing businesses as part of a long-term strategy

Entry requirements

General higher education qualifications

Teaching methods

The learning methods will vary between lectures, group work, and practical exercises.

Compulsory learning activities

During the course, two group-based assignments must be submitted and passed in order to be eligible to take the exam.

Assessment

The exam is divided into two parts:

1. A semester project that must be completed in groups (60% of the final grade).
2. A written take-home exam, 2 hours (40% of the final grade). The exam may be held on a digital exam system.

Grading scale A-F, where F is equivalent to fail.

Both parts must be passed to receive a grade in the course.

Examination support material

All aids are allowed.

More about examination support material

Course reductions

• ØAO016 - Strategi og verksemdsutvikling - Reduction: 7.5 studypoints