Strategic Management of Organizations

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/S_SMOO

Course Objective

Students who complete this course will have an overview of recent concepts and models in strategic management. They will be able to translate this knowledge by critically applying it to real-world business situations. Academic Skills You will learn how to reflect critically on practical issues related to strategic management. You will practice communicating and reporting your reflection in structured ways. Topical Knowledge You will develop knowledge of prevailing theories and developments in the field of strategic management, applied in today's organizational and business environment.You will understand what strategic management is.You will learn about different types of strategic choices.You will learn to recognize contextual and organizational factors that influence strategizing.Bridging Theory and Practice You will learn to apply your knowledge of strategy and strategic management to practice working on specific case studies. You will learn to identify strategic issues and analyze current situations using conceptual and analytical models, and to make informed value judgements.

Course Content

Strategic Management of Organizations comprises an introduction to concepts and various theoretical approaches that are common within the field of Strategic Management. In this course, you will study how an organization’s strategy can contribute to its long-term viability and success and develop a sense of 'worthwhile shared purpose'. Two organizational processes are central here: (a) the dynamic alignment of the organization to its environment; (b) the ability of the organization to formulate and implement a robust strategy to create and maintain competitive advantage. Strategy is concerned with envisioning the future of organizations, as well as imagining and anticipating the possible changes in the business and broader environment that can impact on the realization of this envisioned future. Decision-making and difficult choices are therefore at the heart of strategy-making in organizations. The processes of strategy formulation (strategizing, missioning, visioning), reflecting on the organization’s internal workings, sensing the broader context, seizing or creating business opportunities through value innovation strategies, all play an important role in organizational success. In addition, it has become increasingly important to also think beyond the confines of an industry, for example by paying attention to strategy in ecosystems, and to reflect on the needs of a broad range of societal stakeholders by developing Corporate Social Responsibility policies. In short, in this course, the student will become acquainted with basic theories of strategic management and how the various accompanying models and analytic tools are applied in practice.

Teaching Methods

The main teaching method used is interactive lectures and case analysis in the class. The course is split into two parts: First, interactive lectures that will give an overview of the main course concepts. Second, a case study day, where students apply the concepts and models to a case and present their work. The case study day will be prepared through two prior lectures. Active and critical input is expected from the students, as well as readiness to work in groups. In addition, guest speakers can be invited to present current complex strategy issues and examples they have encountered during their work lives.

Method of Assessment

The course has two methods of assessment: (1) a closed-book written exam with multiple-choice and open questions; (2) group presentations at the strategy case study day.

Literature

In this course we use selective reading from the Course Textbook: ‘Strategy: An International Perspective’ by Bob de Wit 2020 (7th edition) and a selection of academic published articles and real-world business case study examples.

Target Audience

Students registered for the BACHELOR BESTUURS
- EN ORGANISATIEWETENSCHAP

Explanation Canvas

Canvas is used to make course announcements, include knowledge clips or lecture recordings, make available relevant readings to the students as well as other resources and course developed material.