MG4B1 Half Unit
Corporate Strategy
This information is for the 2024/25 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Jordi Blanes I Vidal MAR 6.08
Availability
This course is available on the CEMS Exchange, Global MSc in Management, Global MSc in Management (CEMS MIM), Global MSc in Management (MBA Exchange), MBA Exchange, MSc in Management (1 Year Programme) and MSc in Management and Strategy. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
This course may be capped/subject to controlled access. For further information about the course's availability, please see the MG Elective Course Selection Moodle page (https://moodle.lse.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=3840).
Pre-requisites
Students will need to have some understanding of microeconomics and knowledge of basic statistical methods would be an advantage
Course content
This course is an introduction to the strategic management of modern diversified firms. It studies how the firm’s portfolio of products and its internal organisation can be designed to maximise corporate performance.
The course addresses the following questions facing modern managers: what products and activities should the firm focus on? Which tasks should be subcontracted and which should be carried out inside the firm? How should the firm be organised internally in order to coordinate and motivate employees, managers and other stakeholders? How should the firm’s scope and internal organisation adapt to changes in the environment?
Teaching
30 hours of lectures in the WT. 2 hours of lectures in the ST.
Students on this course will have a reading week in Week 6, in line with departmental policy.
In its Ethics Code, LSE upholds a commitment to intellectual freedom. This means we will protect the freedom of expression of our students and staff and the right to engage in healthy debate in the classroom.
Formative coursework
Students will be required to undertake the analysis of two Corporate Strategy problems which will be marked and handed back with feedback.
Indicative reading
Corporate Strategy, Tools for Analysis and Decision-Making, Phanish Puranam and Bart Vanneste, First Edition, Cambridge University Press, 2016.
Assessment
Exam (80%, duration: 2 hours) in the spring exam period.
Class participation (20%).
Key facts
Department: Management
Total students 2023/24: 28
Average class size 2023/24: 30
Controlled access 2023/24: Yes
Value: Half Unit
Course selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.