Strategy for Competitive Advantage

Unit Code: HBS688

Credit Points: 12.5 Credit Points

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Related Course/s:

This unit is no longer available.

Aims & Objectives:

The underlying theme of this unit is 'application', i.e. combining students' own experiences with the knowledge they have gained in the MBA subjects completed so far and applying that combination to a real-life situation. This approach will give students an appreciation of the strategy drivers of their organisation, as well as their sensitivity in relation to establishing competitive advantage. It should also help students to understand competitive advantage as it relates to their careers.

Teaching Methods:

Seminar Approach, combining Lecture and Discourse

Assessment:

Individual Assignment 65%; Group Assignment 35%

Content:

• The world tomorrow: What trend breaks can we expect in the future? Are the students as well as their organisations fit for the future? If not, what actions should they take to rectify the situation?
• Competitive advantage through a demand/customer rather than a supply-driven approach. In a world full of turbulence a pro-active (opportunities) rather than a reactive (solving existing problems only) approach is required.
• Competitive advantage through rethinking the way we execute. It deals with the question: 'Is there a totally different way to execute, to do business?'
  
  

Underpinning each of these topics is a need for students to develop a capacity for breakthrough thinking, i.e. a capacity to rethink strategy in a more creative/entrepreneurial way.

Textbooks: