Modulbeschreibung

Strategizing today differs significantly from the strategic planning approaches of the past. Organizations are increasingly confronted with continuous change and high levels of uncertainty, which require them to constantly question and reassess their strategic position. In this process, new technologies often play a crucial role.

The objective of the module Strategic Thinking and Acting (STTA) is to deepen students’ understanding of how organizations can cope with strategically challenging situations and environmental change. Students learn how to “read” and interpret different patterns of strategic thinking and acting. They develop the ability to understand the diversity, complexity, and ambiguity inherent in strategizing. Against this background, the overarching goal of strategizing is to create, maintain, and protect sustainable competitive advantages.

One core building block of the module is the classification of strategic solutions and tools in relation to specific temporal and environmental challenges. The course adopts a phase-based model of strategic management, which links strategic tools and approaches to particular challenges in an organization’s environment.

Another key component of the module is the discussion and analysis of case studies and real-life company situations. Students examine strategic challenges faced by firms in different contexts and discuss possible ways to address them. In doing so, they apply a variety of strategic tools and critically reflect on their strengths and limitations. The course is designed as an interactive, workshop-based format.

Topics covered in the module include, among others, sustainable competitive advantage, digital platforms, business ecosystems, artificial intelligence, data science and data sharing, disruption, sustainability, open organizations and open strategy, hybrid working models, knowledge management and innovation, business model innovation, strategy under extreme uncertainty, as well as internal and external firm growth. These topics may be subject to change or a selection of topics might be discussed in class.