Students will develop an understanding of the economics behind business strategy.
Students will apply knowledge to solve real business problems
Students will develop their communication skills in terms of writing and presenting
Students will develop their group work and research skills through the strategy project

This course provides students with a thorough understanding of the economic principles underlying strategy formulation. Based on an analysis of the factors shaping the industry environment, firms assess their positioning relative to their rivals, and formulate strategies in order to achieve a durable competitive advantage. The course provides students with the tools to analyse the positioning and performance of firms in different industry environments, drawing on economic theories, such as industrial organisation theory, basic game theoretical analysis, transaction cost theory, and the resource based theory of the firm. The course covers topics such as product positioning and differentiation, diversification, vertical integration, pricing, strategic commitments and entry deterrence. Primarily through the choice of cases, the course has a focus on the economics of strategy formulation by the multinational firm and international aspects of competition.

textbook: Besanko, David, 2010, Economics of Strategy, 5th Edition, New York: John Wiley & Sons
journal articles

Basic knowledge of microeconomics -
Courses and workload are very demanding for all IB Master courses. Exchange students need to have obtained a bachelor degree with a major in Business. Exchange students need to major in strategy in their Master.
An advanced level of English.