Course Syllabus
Welcome to the course Strategic Management at Chalmers University of Technology. We look forward to seeing you and discussing the facets of strategy.
The purpose of this course is to train students in strategy analysis. Strategy analysis deals with the identification of problems, options, and solutions that improve firm performance. The course will discuss fundamental strategy theories/models and illustrate their use through case discussions.
In line with the teaching in this course, we follow case seminars structure. We would like to remind you to buy the the course book ASAP – you will need it first week of classes. Grant, R.M. (2024/2025). Contemporary Strategy Analysis. Wiley, 12th edition.
Looking forward to meet with you,
Best regards,
Kamilla Kohn Rådberg and Anmar Kamalaldin
Course code: TEK 017
Level: Advanced
Credits: 7.5 ECTS
Period: LP2, Fall semester 2026
Department: Department of Technology Management and Economics
Examiner and Course Leader: Kamilla Kohn Rådberg (kamilla@chalmers.se)
Responsible teachers: Anmar Kamalaldin (anmar.kamalaldin@chalmers.se); Kamilla Kohn Rådberg (kamilla@chalmers.se)
Scheduled sessions: Block schedule A - Mondays and Wednesdays starting 2026-11-02. Check the schedule for exact hours (and Canvas for updates and changes).
Office hours: Please approach us directly after class sessions and during scheduled contact hours (Q&A and supervision sesssions).
Purpose and course overview
The purpose of this course is to train students in strategy analysis. Strategy analysis deals with the identification of problems, options and solutions that improve firm performance. The course is concerned with decisions and actions that shape the future of firms by establishing, sustaining and enhancing the basis for their competitive advantage. The course will discuss fundamental strategy theories/models and illustrate their use through case discussions. The ultimate aim of the course is to help students work more effectively and successfully in their professional careers.
Learning outcomes
After completion of the course, the student should be able to
- Apply tools and theories of strategy analysis
- Analyze and devise plans for how business units create and sustain competitive advantage (i.e., business strategy)
- Analyze and define the scope of the firm (i.e., corporate strategy)
- Participate in strategic decision-making
- Convey insights from strategy analysis
Organization
The course is delivered with both synchronous and asynchronous elements. The course consists of individual preparations, study group sessions, class sessions, supervision sessions and project work focusing on the learning outcomes. The individual preparation is based on readings, and a set of case questions. You will work in a study group (self-selective groups of 5 students - sign-up on Canvas), where you will discuss and prepare for the class sessions. These groups will also function as project groups (hence, the same group constellations) for the project assignment.
Literature
Grant, R.M. (2024/2025). Contemporary Strategy Analysis. Wiley, 12th edition.
The book is available at Chalmers Store. Please make sure that you have the correct edition (i.e., 12th). Other editions do not include all/updated cases.
Examination
The examination consists of (a) a written closed book exam, (b) written project work and participation at the final presentations, (c) individual preparation, and (d) participation in the class sessions.
(a) Written final exam (max. 100 points):
Date: 13 January 2027. The exam will be a closed-book exam. To pass, students must acquire at least 40% on the written final exam as well as pass on the team project. For re-exams where there are 5 or fewer students, the final exam may be an oral exam. Registered students will be informed.
(b) Project work (pass/fail):
Project work to be completed in groups of 5 students (study group). Information can be found in: Project work
(c) Individual preparation:
Students must have conducted all the mini-case assignments. For detailed information, see the Canvas session pages.
(d) Class session participation:
Class session attendance is mandatory. In brief:
- We follow a "grace policy" and allow students to miss up to two case seminars (out of six) without penalty. If you miss more, you will need to do compensation task(s). If you have a question on this, please email: anmar.kamalaldin@chalmers.se
- Compensation task for missing more than two case seminars: you need to record a video (where we see your face) answering all of the case questions and discussing them in relation to the literature. The number of videos you need to record and submit depends on how many case seminars you miss. For example:
- If you miss only 2 case seminars: no compensation task is needed.
- If you miss 3 case seminars: you need to record a video for one of the case seminars you missed (answering all questions for that case).
- If you miss 4 case seminars: you need to record videos for two of the case seminars you missed (answering all questions for that case); and so on.
- You are NOT allowed to miss session 7 (final presentations). If you miss it, 2 points will be deducted from your score. If you have a valid reason for absence, send proof (e.g., doctor’s note) to anmar.kamalaldin@chalmers.se and you will be assigned a compensation task.
Grades:
Grades are allocated in the following way:
5: total number of points ≥ 80%
4: total number of points ≥60% and < 80%
3: total number of points ≥40% and < 60%
Fail: total number of points < 40%
Class sessions
The class sessions are focused on literature and cases. Information about literature and cases is provided in the Canvas Modules, and summarized in the below table.
Individual preparation:
Before each case seminar (1-6), the student must conduct an individual case preparation. The student selects one question per case and writes half a page to one page of text to address the question. Hand-in through Canvas the day before class at 23.59PM at the latest – no exceptions. See the modules for information on which case is discussed in which class session, together with the case questions. All cases are found in the course book.
Study group preparation:
The study group discusses all the questions provided for the case. This is a scheduled activity before the class session. Alternatively, the study group plans and discusses the questions at another time, but before the class session.
House rules for class sessions:
- Be on time
- Be prepared
- Be active
Academic honesty
Students are expected to familiarize themselves with Chalmers’ guidelines for academic honesty and integrity and adhere to them. Information can be found: https://www.chalmers.se/en/education/your-studies/rights-and-obligations/academic-integrity-and-honesty/
A summary of class sessions and required readings
|
Class session |
Reading |
Case |
|
Chapter 1 – The Concept of Strategy |
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Chapter 2 – Goals, Values, and Performance |
Case 2 – Kering S.A.: Probing the Performance Gap with LVMH |
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Chapter 3 – Industry Analysis: The Fundamentals Chapter 4 – Industry Analysis: Dynamics of Industry and Competition |
Case 4 – The Lithium-Ion Battery Industry |
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Chapter 5 – Analyzing Resources and Capabilities |
Case 5 – Streaming Wars: Netflix Versus Disney |
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Chapter 7 – The Sources and Dimensions of Competitive Advantage |
Case 7 – Starbucks Corporation: Sustaining Competitive Advantage |
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Chapter 10 – Vertical Integration and the Scope of the Firm |
Case 10 – Zara: Agility Through Vertical Integration |
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Chapter 12 – Diversification Strategy Chapter 13 – Implementing Corporate Strategy: Managing the Multibusiness Firm |
Case 12 – Google Is Now Alphabet – But What’s the Corporate Strategy? |
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Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|