Professor: Christian Turbé (CFM Ag)
Description : By confronting practical experience gained in advising many corporates in their strategy formulation with corporate strategy theory, the aim of this course is to provide the students with:
− An understanding of the concepts of Corporate Strategy
− A definition of corporate strategy as a permanent process within the firm
− A set of practical tools and an analytical framework allowing them to elaborate a strategy and its implementation
Required prerequisite :
− Basic knowledge of management theory; at least one training in a firm is a plus
− Key concepts of Corporate Finance
− Motivation and open-mind
− Active participation for experience sharing
What will the students be able to do at the end of the course?
− Understand the key concepts of corporate strategy
− Formulate a corporate strategy, or participate in the process of its formulation, and develop a corresponding strategic plan
− Raise awareness of the emergence of new strategies and business models thanks to new technologies
− Critically assess a corporate strategy as materialized in a Strategic Business Plan
Key concepts : Corporate strategy, strategic thinking, strategic planning, industry, value chain, cost leadership, competitive advantage, differentiation, segment focus, positioning
Summary :
1. Introduction:
− Why a strategy?
− Defining corporate strategy: plan, process or position?
− Brief history of the concept of corporate strategy
2. Formulating a strategy: from positioning the firm to strategic intentions:
− Positioning the firm: The firm as a complex system
− Key tools: their characteristics and limitations
− From positioning to intentions
3. Generic Strategies:
− Porter’s strategies
− Impact of new technologies: how they allow for new strategies and business models
4. Strategic planning: from intentions to actions:
− The concept of strategic planning: strategic planning vs strategic thinking
− Avoiding the planning trap: inserting planning in the management cycle of the firm
5. Conclusion:
− Factors for a successful elaboration and implementation of a strategy
Montparnasse
English 
French