Ateneo - UPO

The strategy identifies the ultimate determinants of the company's current and future success. Starting from this premise, the mission of the course is to explore the qualifying characteristics of good strategic management. In particular, the course aims to introduce the student to the strategic problems of companies at the level of the individual business (or competitive strategy). The social or sustainability strategy is then presented and the various ways of integrating competitive strategy and social strategy are discussed. The course contents include the definition of the competitive strategy and the business strategy, the analysis of the competitive system, the analysis of the competitive advantage and possible competitive strategies, the definition and characteristics of the social or sustainability strategy, the stakeholder engagement, the relationship between competitive strategy and social strategy.

Robert M. Grant, Contemporary Strategy Analysis,12th Edition, ISBN: 978-1-394-25156-8, Wiley, 2024
Additional course materials include slides, readings, and business case studies, which will be made available on the course page on D.I.R. at: https://www.dir.uniupo.it

Knowledge and understanding
Students will acquire basic knowledge related to the logic of analysis and definition of business strategies. In particular, the student will be able to: recognize the successful (and unsuccessful) competitive strategies implemented by companies; understand the sources of competitive advantage; analyze the competitive context and identify its fundamental elements; explain the relationship between current and future strategies and results (competitive, economic-financial, but also environmental and social) of the company; understand the social responsibility strategy and the relationship with the business strategy, understand the concept of value for stakeholders and identify the categories of stakeholders.
They will also develop awareness of how sustainability, innovation and digital transformation are changing the external and competitive environment, and business strategies.

Applying knowledge and understanding
Students will be able to apply strategic knowledge to the business reality, in particular they will be able to: analyze the impact of competitive strategy choices on the results (competitive and economic-financial) of the company; carry out a sector analysis in order to coherently define the logic and processes for the formation of competitive strategies, apply the tools for analysis and evaluation of the strategy implemented in single-business companies and in the strategic business areas of multi-business companies, integrate social responsibility and sustainability into the company's strategy.
In particular, through the analysis of cases and project work activities, students will learn to link the definition of the corporate strategy to sustainability objectives and the principles of the circular economy.

Making judgements
Students will develop the ability to critically evaluate strategic decisions, identifying and managing the relationships between economy, innovation and social responsibility. They will learn to reflect on the economic, ethical, social and environmental dimensions of the strategy and its impacts, not only in terms of competitiveness and economic performance, but also in terms of environmental and social impacts.

Communication skills
Students will improve their ability to effectively communicate strategic analysis and recommendations, both orally and in writing, using the appropriate technical terminology in English. They will also develop collaboration and communication skills in hybrid and virtual work contexts.

Learning skills
Students will enhance their ability to learn autonomously, integrating theoretical reflection with empirical observation and the use of tools for analysis and strategy formulation. This will make it possible to support lifelong learning and high professional adaptability in constantly changing organizational contexts.

None

The course adopts a blended teaching method that integrates asynchronous online lessons with synchronous and face-to-face sessions.
The online asynchronous activities are mainly dedicated to the transfer of theoretical knowledge, providing students with the main conceptual models, tools and approaches for understanding business and sustainability strategy.
The synchronous and face-to-face sessions are instead aimed at the application and critical discussion of the contents learned, through case studies, simulations and group work.
Students will be involved in practical exercises, collaborative projects and moments of discussion, aimed at developing analytical, communication and teamwork skills. To this end, digital platforms will be used to foster interaction, collaborative learning and integration between individual and collective pathways.
The overall approach of teaching aims to combine flexibility and active participation, encouraging the ability to apply theory to real organizational situations, with particular attention to the issues of competitive strategy, stakeholder engagement and sustainability strategy.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The evaluation of students will be based on a combination of ongoing verification and final exam.
The ongoing assessment will consist of some group project works, in which students will analyze real or simulated business cases, applying the models and theoretical concepts addressed in the course. The projects will be evaluated on the basis of analytical rigor, the ability to apply the theory, the effectiveness of the group work and the clarity of the presentation of the results.
The final exam will include a written exam based on open questions and multiple-choice questions on the topics covered during the course. The multiple-choice questions aim to verify theoretical knowledge and understanding of the main concepts, while the open-ended questions assess the ability to integrate, interpret and critically discuss theoretical content.
The final grade will derive from the combination of the results of the two tests, enhancing continuous participation, collaborative work and the ability to connect theory and practice.

The course presents the qualifying characteristics of good strategic management. The analytical contents are as follows:
Introduction to business strategy.
The concept of strategy.
The tools of strategic analysis.
Objectives, values and results. The sector analysis.
From industry analysis to competitor analysis.
Resources and skills as the basis of the strategy.
The fundamentals of strategy implementation.
Business strategies and the search for competitive advantage.
The sources and dimensions of competitive advantage.
Group strategies.
The analysis of vertical integration. Global strategies and multinational companies.
The diversification strategy
External growth strategies: mergers, acquisitions and alliances.
Current trends in strategic management.
From shareholder value to stakeholder value
Stakeholder identification and stakeholder engagement
The social and sustainability strategy and the relationship with the business strategy.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
• Understand the key theories and concepts of organisational design, recognising how structure, processes, and people interact within organisations.
• Analyse organisational processes and systems and managerial choices in relation to efficiency, innovation, and sustainability, connecting theoretical frameworks with real cases.
• Apply organisational models to interpret and solve practical challenges, including coordination, communication, and change management.
• Critically assess the impact of digital transformation, hybrid work, and inclusion policies on organisational performance and employee wellbeing.
• Collaborate effectively in team-based projects, also using digital tools to communicate and coordinate tasks in hybrid or virtual learning environments.
• Demonstrate professional and ethical awareness in managing organisational complexity, with particular attention to sustainability and responsible management principles.