Course 2025-2026 a.y.

The course is divided in two parts – we will first learn about corporate strategy decisions, and then put the learning in practice.

To accomplish the former objective, we will go through a number of sessions in which we will discuss real business cases with emphasis on different strategic choices. As is recommended with the case teaching method, all discussions, and presentations will occur in the first part of class, with a debrief in the second half. We lead most in-class discussions in this course using the Socratic Method. Consistently, we will mostly act as moderators, and you should feel comfortable responding to in-class questions (aka “cold calls”). Such an interactive, hands-on approach is used to reveal the complexity and ambiguity of real-world situations.

Once we have discussed the main concepts associated to the formulation and implementation of strategy within large companies, we will put our learning in practice through a business simulation that will take place over an intense two-day schedule. The aim of this simulation is to allow you to experience first-hand the concepts learned in class in an environment where each of you will be part of the board of directors of a company operating within a tech industry. In this role, you will be crafting and implementing your company’s corporate strategy by analyzing data and taking decisions pertaining to scope and growth modes, while interacting with other board members and negotiating with other companies.

At the end of the course student wil:

• Recognize and understand the relationships between strategy, competitive context, organizational structure, management systems, and leadership style within the large corporation and appreciate the tasks involved in implementing strategy.
• Know the concepts, frameworks and tools required for analyzing global and corporate strategy.
• Be more aware of the broader economic and social forces currently impacting international corporations and the ways in which companies are responding to these challenges.
• Be familiar with the strategic management issues that concern executives.

• Apply the concepts, frameworks and tools for analyzing global and corporate strategy to new companies, cases, and situations.
• Choose and execute a complex strategy in a demanding competitive situation.
• Present a post-mortem evaluation of the successes and failures of a strategy.

• Lectures
• Guest speaker's talks (in class or in distance)
• Practical Exercises
• Collaborative Works / Assignments
• Interaction/Gamification

• Guest speaker's talks (in class or in distance): guests may be scheduled in some years/semesters
• Practical exercises: case discussions for most classes
• Collaborative works/assignments: a final presentation based on the business simulation experience
• Interaction/gamification: final business simulation

Your final grade will be determined as follows:

A. Business Game 50%

B. Final Exam 50%

C. Class Participation up to 2 bonus points

Points earned for each grade component will be weighted and summed to obtain a total score for the course. Below is an overview of each grade component.

A. Business Game (50%)

The final grade for the business game is based on two criteria, namely team performance in the game (60%), and team final report presented at the end of the business game (40%).

B. Final Exam (50%)

The final exam will include a mix of open- and close- ended questions covering the main concepts discussed in class, for a total of 30 points. Sample questions will be discussed in class and posted on Blackboard.

C. Class Participation (up to 2 bonus points)

Case analysis and case discussion are a central part of the learning experience! We expect every student to be prepared to answer questions in every class. We will “cold-call” students – this means that you might be asked a question even if you have not raised your hand. Be

ready. And you can also gain up to two bonus points for consistent and high-quality participation!

Non-attending students will be evaluated based on a final exam. The exam will include a mix

of open- and close-ended questions covering the main concepts of the course (slides, cases,

and readings), for a total of 30 points.

All course materials will be distributed through Blackboard. Readings that are copyright protected are available through the Library’s reserve service.

The business game will be run using a the GlobStrat simulation, a comprehensive strategic management simulation that enables participants to learn, understand and handle the responsibilities and tasks of a corporate executive committee.

All course materials will be distributed through Blackboard. Readings that are copyright protected are available through the Library’s reserve service.