About Course
The Introduction to Corporate Strategy module focuses on the strategic challenges faced by multi-business firms. Unlike business-level strategy, corporate strategy is concerned with the scope of the firm and the decisions that determine which industries, markets, and geographies a company should compete in, as well as how value is created across a portfolio of businesses.
The course examines how corporate-level decisions regarding diversification, vertical integration, acquisitions, divestitures, and resource allocation shape long-term firm performance. Emphasis is placed on understanding how corporate headquarters can create value beyond what individual business units could achieve independently.
Introduction to Corporate Strategy — Overview, Aims & Learning Outcomes
Course Aims & Purpose
- Develop understanding of corporate strategy in multi-business firms.
- Examine how firms define their scope through diversification, integration, and divestment.
- Analyse how corporate headquarters create parenting advantage across business units.
- Build the ability to evaluate long-term strategic trade-offs in complex organisations.
- Strengthen strategic judgement relevant to senior management and executive roles.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify the central strategic challenges facing CEOs of multi-business firms.
- Analyse how firms choose which businesses, markets, and geographies to enter, grow, or exit.
- Evaluate decisions regarding firm boundaries, including ownership and outsourcing choices.
- Assess how corporate headquarters create value vertically and horizontally across divisions.
- Apply corporate strategy frameworks to real organisational problems and case contexts.
- Formulate and justify strategic recommendations for complex corporate-level decisions.
Teaching & Learning Methods
- Guided pre-readings and pre-class preparation tasks.
- Lectures focusing on key strategic concepts and decision frameworks.
- Case-based learning using real firms, managers, and strategic dilemmas.
- Application of tools and frameworks to simulated strategic decision-making.
- Use of academic research, practitioner sources, and business media.
Students are encouraged to engage critically with competing theories and perspectives in corporate strategy and to remain informed about developments in the global business environment.
Study Hours
At least 26 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities are delivered online or in person, supported by independent and guided study. These hours are indicative, and students are expected to reflect on their own learning needs and study strategies.
Assessment
- Coursework (individual and group assignments) — 50%
- End-of-course written examination — 50%
To pass the course, students must achieve an overall mark of at least 50%.
Key Learning Resources
- Puranam, P. & Vanneste, B. (2016 or later). Corporate Strategy: Tools for Analysis and Decision-Making. Cambridge University Press.
- Supplementary readings from leading academic journals and business publications.
- Case materials provided by TECJIN and partner institutions.
Course Content
Foundations of Corporate Strategy
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Introduction to Corporate Strategy
Value Creation, Synergies & Governance
Corporate Scope & Portfolio Choices
Firm Boundaries & Make-or-Buy Decisions
Organising the Multi-Business Firm
Corporate Development & Inter-Firm Relationships
Consolidation, Review & Assessment
Student Ratings & Reviews
