Strategic Analysis of the Business Environment (5 cr)

Objective

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to apply various macro-level perspectives to the analysis of social, economic and political aspects of the business environment. The student will be able to apply various micro-level tools to the analysis of specific business environment-related dimensions that relate to strategy.

The student understands the relationship between business and politics and the significance of economic and social trends.

Content

* Theoretical perspectives
* The interface of business, economics and politics
* Analytical tools for strategy development
* Case studies
* Risk management
* Economic and social trends
* The role of the state

Location and time

The course takes place during the autumn semester of 2023 on Monday evenings at 17:00 until 20:00, unless otherwise notified. The location is room MMC304 in Myyrmäki campus.

Materials

The lecturer will provide a set of reading materials for each lecture topic.

Although there will not be a formal textbook used for this course, advance reading can be done with the help of the following recently published reference:

Rana Foroohar, "Homecoming: The Path to Prosperity in a Post-Global World", New York: Crown, 2022.

Various themes covered by this book will be featured extensively in the course.

Teaching methods

The course will use a variety of methods, including formal lecture, discussion, role play, video presentation, and provision of reading materials.

Employer connections

The ability to think strategically and to develop strategy has never been unimportant, but in recent times it has become very much more challenging, due to a rapidly evolving global situation. This course will be especially relevant for those working with international stakeholders, including suppliers and customers in foreign countries. Understanding the domestic impact of international events will also be a part of the syllabus.

Exam schedules

Assignments will be conducted online and will be organised during the study period.

International connections

As already stated, this course takes account of international developments and employs theoretical perspectives that enable more precise use of analytical tools commonly employed in strategy development.

Student workload

Students are expected to spend 130 hours in total on this course, of which approximately 20 hours comprise class lectures, discussions and other organised activities. All topics covered are supported by an extensive selection of readings, and it is strongly recommended that students would devote sufficient time to reading and especially to the study of those topics that are of particular personal interest.

Interactivity will be encouraged via the use of facilities available in the OMA workspace.

Content scheduling

Exact dates and details of assignments will be confirmed at the beginning of the semester.

Further information

To gain the full benefit of the course class attendance is advised. Additional supporting materials will be provided by the lecturer, but there is no substitute for active participation.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Sufficient performance: has completed basic requirements to pass the course and has made an attempt to apply and articulate concepts and information both verbally and in writing but has not made enough effort overall. The student has demonstrated little effort, interest and motivation for individual or team activities / assignments and the output is rather weak.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good overall performance: can apply and articulate concepts and information well both verbally and in writing, certain areas of individual or team output require further attention; shows appropriate level of interest and motivation in individual and team activities. Good presentation delivery and analysis.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent performance in all elements of the course: shows interest and motivation in individual and team activities and assignments, fully applies and clearly articulates concepts and information both verbally and in writing. The student is able to support his/her argument with references to the recommended reading and lecture content. Excellent presentation delivery and analysis.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Sufficient performance: has completed basic requirements to pass the course and has made an attempt to apply and articulate concepts and information both verbally and in writing but has not made enough effort overall. The student has demonstrated little effort, interest and motivation for individual or team activities / assignments and the output is rather weak.

Assessment methods and criteria

The grading scale employed in the course is based on the standard Metropolia grading scale:

Grade Percentage/points Explanation

5 90 – 100 Outstanding performance: not only fulfils all standard requirements but demonstrates originality and imagination

4 80 – 89 Excellent performance, fulfilling all tasks in an appropriate manner

3 70 – 79 Strong performance, showing strong understanding of basic concepts and good grasp of techniques, but with certain minor problems still requiring further attention

2 60 – 69 Good performance, demonstrating basic grasp of concepts and techniques but less adept at more advanced application of these

1 50 – 59 Adequate performance, showing just enough understanding of the subject to merit a pass grade but requiring greater effort to achieve a more satisfactory result

0 0 – 49 30 – 49: insufficient to pass but capable of achieving a more satisfactory result if greater effort is made
0 – 29: a result indicating a significant lack of effort on the part of the student, and a clear signal that major improvements are necessary in the organisation of study time

Qualifications

Completed higher education degree (Bachelor level)