STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT THEORY

The course explores the theoretical foundations and current research frontiers in strategic management. It aims to develop students' critical thinking, research skills, and ability to contribute original knowledge to the strategic management field. The course will delve into key theoretical perspectives, emerging research areas, and methodological challenges in the field. Students will especially engage with contemporary research, fostering a deep understanding of the field's future directions
This syllabus is a sample and may be adjusted based on the specific interests and needs of the students and the instructor emerging during the course

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of most relevant theories and concepts in strategic management.
• Critically evaluate and synthesize existing research in various domains of strategic management.
• Identify and analyze emerging research trends and opportunities in the field.
• Develop and articulate original research questions and theoretical frameworks.
• Apply advanced research methodologies to address strategic management issues.
• Effectively communicate complex ideas and research findings through written and oral presentations.
• Develop skills in peer review and constructive critique.

no previous knowledge of strategic management is required

- Introduction and Foundations of Strategic Management
• Overview of the field, its evolution, and key research paradigms.
• Discussion of seminal works and foundational theories.
• Resource-based view, dynamic capabilities, and sources of competitive advantage.
• Organizational learning theories, knowledge creation, and absorptive capacity.
- Strategic Problem Formulation
• Problem Solving and Problem Formulation
• How to deal with Strategic Problems
Innovation and Technology Strategy
• Exploration of technological innovation and disruptive innovation.
• Open Innovation and Platform Innovation.
- Digital Strategy and AI
• Exploration of the digitalization processes, opportunities and challenges.
• AI and Strategy
- Strategic Partnerships
• Analysis of interorganizational relationships.
• Discussion of network theory and social capital.
- Strategy and Impact
• The increasing relevance of social impact within strategic management.
• Corporate social responsibility, sustainability, hybrid organizations.

A selection of seminal articles and contemporary research papers from top-tier journals (e.g., Strategic Management Journal, Academy of Management Journal, Organization Science).

Evaluation:
• Evaluation will be based on the quality of student participation, presentations, research proposal, and peer reviews.
• Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking, analytical rigor, and originality of ideas.
Academic Integrity:
• Students are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity.
• Plagiarism, unallowed use of AI, and other forms of academic misconduct will not be tolerated.

written and oral

The items composing the final evaluation for the course are:
• Active Participation: Students are expected to READ THE ASSIGNED MATERIAL IN ADVANCE, attend all sessions, actively participate in discussions, and contribute insightful comments and questions.
• Reading Presentations: Each student will lead discussions on assigned readings, presenting critical analyses and identifying key contributions and limitations.
• Research Proposal: Students will develop a detailed research proposal on a topic of their choice, demonstrating their ability to formulate original research questions, develop theoretical frameworks, and outline appropriate methodologies.

The course will be highly interactive, emphasizing student participation and discussion. Each session will involve in-depth analysis of assigned readings, presentations by students, and critical discussions. Students will be expected to actively contribute to the learning environment

English

none

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Circular economy, innovation, work" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development