Strategy Formulation Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview: This course provides a comprehensive introduction to strategy formulation, designed for beginners with an interest in strategic management. Over approximately 16 hours of content, learners will explore both external and internal strategic analysis, understand global strategic considerations, and apply their knowledge in a practical final project. The flexible structure makes it ideal for working professionals seeking to enhance their strategic thinking skills and advance their careers in business and management.
Module 1: Introducing Strategy Formulation
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Foundations of business strategy
- Understanding competitive advantage
- Value creation in organizations
- Introduction to strategic planning processes
Module 2: Industry Analysis
Estimated time: 3 hours
- Assessing industry attractiveness
- Porter’s Five Forces framework
- Competitive dynamics in markets
- Analyzing market structure and profitability
Module 3: Resources and Capabilities
Estimated time: 3 hours
- Evaluating internal organizational resources
- Identifying core capabilities
- Strategic strengths and weaknesses
- Resource-based view of the firm
Module 4: Global Strategies and the Multinational Corporation
Estimated time: 3 hours
- Formulating strategies for global operations
- Challenges of multinational corporations
- Global market entry approaches
- Strategic positioning in international contexts
Module 5: Strategic Decision Making
Estimated time: 3 hours
- Processes of strategic choice
- Factors influencing strategic decisions
- Aligning strategy with organizational goals
- Avoiding common pitfalls in strategy development
Module 6: Final Project
Estimated time: 3 hours
- Apply strategy frameworks to a creative industry case
- Analyze industry and internal capabilities
- Formulate a coherent business strategy
Prerequisites
- Familiarity with basic business concepts
- Understanding of organizational structures
- No prior strategy experience required
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Understand foundational concepts of business strategy, including competitive advantage and value creation
- Analyze industry structures using frameworks like Porter’s Five Forces
- Evaluate internal resources and capabilities to identify strategic strengths and weaknesses
- Formulate coherent business strategies aligned with organizational goals
- Recognize and avoid common pitfalls in strategy development