1. Introduction – Basic concepts of strategy and definitions
2. Analysis of the external environment (PEST Analysis, 5 Forces’ Model of Porter)
3. Analysis of the internal environment (Theory of Resources and Competences, Value Chain Analysis)
4. Implementation of Strategy by the Rational Model (SWOT Analysis)
5. The theory of Strategic Intent
6. Mission statements
7. The role of Matrix Based Techniques in Strategic Decision Making (BCG & McKinsey Matrices)
8. Strategy at a Business Level (Low cost, Differentiation, Focus, Hybrid, Strategic Clock, Strategies during recession-Hidden Champions)
9. Strategy at a Corporate Level (Stability, Growth and Turnaround Strategies)
10. The relationship between Organisational Structure and Strategy

The course is about the strategic management planning of firms aiming to convey to the students a holistic way of strategic thinking which is needed in the contemporary world of corporations in their struggle to develop and sustain a competitive advantage.

The students after the successful completion of the course should have developed knowledge of the :

• Concept of strategic planning and its necessity for corporations’ survival and sustainable growth satisfying the interests of all stakeholder groups.
• Various forms of strategic analyses of the environment of corporations (e.g. PEST Analysis, 5 Forces’ Model of Porter, Value Chain Analysis, BCG & McKinsey Matrix, SWOT Analysis, MOST Analysis, e.tc.) which are applied to assess the suitability of strategies both at a company’s level (competitive strategies) as well as at the corporate level, i.e. organisation as a whole (corporate strategies).
• Various types of competitive strategies according to Porter (low cost, differentiation, focus and hybrid strategies) aiming to achieve a competitive advantage accordingly.
• Various kinds of corporate strategy distinguishing mainly between growth strategies (e.g. organic growth vs. external via mergers and acquisitions) and turnaround strategies for ailing companies who face problems of survival.
• Various types of organizational structure and its interdependence with strategy.

Also, it is expected that students will attain skills with respect to :
– collection and analysis of quantitative as well as qualitative data with a critical and way of thinking
– synthesis of conclusions by using knowledge which has been attained by other scientific fields in the greater area of Finance and Economics
– professional presentation of projects in PowerPoint at public
– decision making under changing conditions in the environment of firms

Furthermore, it is expected that the students, in order to respond to the cognitive requirements of the course, should develop the abilities of:
– entrepreneurial way of thinking
– strategic way of thinking and holistic approach in conceiving the reality in a contemporary organization and its environment
– team work
– time management and
– professionalism regarding their obligations (e.g. keeping deadlines, efficient completion of a project and presentation, e.tc.)

• Quest, analysis and construction of data and information with the use of the necessary technologies
• Ability to adapt into new situations
• Autonomous work
• Team work
• Decision making

Language : Greek

Assessment method:

• 50% final written examination (60%, 40 multiple choice questions and 40%, answers in 3 questions of a small case study of a firm related with certain theoretical issues of strategy)
• 50% written large team project concerning the strategic analysis of a firm which is presented in class by the students’ team in PowerPoint slides

https://eclass.unipi.gr/courses/XTD122/

– Suggested Bibliography:

Α. Basic and recommended textbook

Παπαδάκης, Β.Μ. (2016). Στρατηγική των Επιχειρήσεων : Ελληνική & Διεθνής Εμπειρία, Τόμος Α : Θεωρία, 7^η έκδοση, Αθήνα, Εκδόσεις Ε.Μπένου

Β. Optional

Παπαδάκης, Β.Μ. (2011). Στρατηγική των Επιχειρήσεων : Ελληνική & Διεθνής Εμπειρία, Τόμος Β : Ασκήσεις –Μελέτες Περιπτώσεων, 4^η έκδοση, Αθήνα, Εκδόσεις Ε.Μπένου.

Barney, J.B. and Hesterly, W.S. (2006). Strategic Management and Competitive Advantage. Concepts and Cases. Pearson Education, Inc. New Jersey.

Johnson, G., Scholes, K. and Whittington, R. (2005). Exploring Text and Cases, 7^th edition, London, Pearson Education Limited.

Thompson, A. and Strickland, A.J. (2001). Strategic Management. Concepts and Cases. 12th edition, Singapore, McGraw-Hill International Edition.

Grant, R.M. (1998). Contemporary Strategy Analysis, 3^rd edition, Blackwell.

– Related scientific journals:

Strategic Management Journal, British Journal of Management