Business Strategy and Policy

Subject

This course deals with the coordination of all parts of the company to develop a common integrated approach that effectively manages the future uncertainty. The formulation of strategic decisions is supported by the analysis of the external environment -domestic and international- as well as bythe identification of the strengths and weaknesses of the business itself. Students will learn tostructure and solve complex business problems, evaluate strategicalternatives, allocate business resources and estimate market attractiveness.

Educational Aims

The goal of this course is to carefully study specific business situations and decisions to develop broader principles about business strategy.  This broader understanding can then be applied in a wide variety of managerial contexts. This course encourages students to:

• Position a business against market forces and competition, evaluating internal and external environments
• Assess enterprise resources and capabilities
• Evaluate strategic alternatives at market and industry levels, which a company may follow in order to gain or maintain a competitive advantage
• Understand the strategy formulation processes, using appropriate techniques and tools
• Learn the process of a designed strategy implementation and evaluation

Student Evaluation

Student assessment are mainly based on the written examination at the end of the semester, which includes questions that evaluate both the acquired knowledge by students and their ability to utilize them critically.

However, students can gain extra points by working on an assignment given to them during the term. This is not compulsory but can significantly contribute to the final record. Grades are based 20% on assignment and 80% on final exams.

Bibliography

1. Παπαδάκης Β. (2016), Στρατηγική των Επιχειρήσεων, Τόμος Α, Εκδόσεις Μπένου.
2. Θερίου, Ν.Γ. (2014), Στρατηγική Διοίκηση των Επιχειρήσεων, Εκδόσεις Κριτική ΑΕ.
3. Dess, G., Lumpkin, G.T., Eisner, A. and McNamara, G. (2018), Strategic Management: Text and Cases, 9th Edition, McGraw-Hill Education.
4. Rothaermel, F. (2014), Strategic Management: Concepts, McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
5. Hitt, M., D.R., Ireland and R.E. Hoskisso, (2016), Strategic Management: Concepts: Competitiveness and Globalization, Cengage Learning; 12th edition

- Related scientific journals:

• Strategic Management Journal
• Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal
• Business Strategy and the Environment
• Strategic Organization