Strategic Management & Sustainability

Department

International Program

Course unit code

IFLV6581

Number of ECTS credits allocated

3.0

Name of lecturer(s)

Dr. Degischer Daniel

Mode of delivery

face-to-face

Recommended optional program components

none

Recommended or required reading

- Johnson, G., Whittington, R., Scholes, K., Angwin, D., & Regner, P. (2020). Fundamentals of Strategy (5th ed.). Pearson.
- Laasch, O. (2021). Principles of Management: Practicing Ethics, Responsibility, Sustainability. Principles of Management, 1-700.Additional readings will be provided during the lecture

Level of course unit

Bachelor

Year of study

Spring 2025

Semester when the course unit is delivered

1

Language of instruction

English

Learning outcomes of the course unit

The course Strategic Management & Sustainability is an introductory level course on the broad topic of strategic management. While in traditional views on strategic management, the term sustainability often refers to “sustainable competitive advantage”, this course expands the notion of sustainability to a contemporary view beyond merely financial measures. Specifically, it emphasizes the evaluation of the impact of strategy in the broader context of the economy, society, and the environment.

Students acquire a basic understanding of strategic management, especially strategy analysis, strategy process, content, and context. They acquire the competencies to distinguish different strategic approaches, concepts, and models. Moreover, they establish the ability to develop, plan and implement strategies to effectively consider environmental trends and explore opportunities. Accordingly, they acquire the ability to evaluate the impact of strategy on the broader organizational context by critically reflecting on established concepts and acknowledging the paradigm shift toward sustainability.

Course contents

Fundamentals of strategic management and situation analysis:

• Key concepts and strategic architecture
• External analysis, and strategic context
• Sustainability paradigms
• Internal Analysis: Sustainability practices for competitive advantage Strategy formulation and implementation:
• Corporate/business-level strategy for sustainability
• Strategic action: Sustainable strategy implementation

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course comprises an interactive mix of lectures, discussions, and individual and group work.

Work placement(s)

none