Courses Master Display 2016-2017

Course Description To PDF
Course title International Competitive Analysis and Strategy
Course code EBC4044
ECTS credits 6,5
Assessment Whole/Half Grades
Period
Period Start End Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
1 5-9-2016 28-10-2016 X/E X/E
Level Advanced
Coordinator Iwan Bos
For more information: i.bos@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Language of instruction English
Goals
The objectives of the course are:
1. To develop understanding of the economic principles underlying industry structure and strategy.
2. To develop skills in analysing the drivers of the competitive environment and in identifying sound corporate strategies.
3. To develop the ability to apply theory to real world cases and to find solutions to real world cases in theory.
4. To develop skills in searching for, and making good use of, publicly available information on firms and industries, and carry out basic research.
5. To develop teamwork and presentation skills.
Description
This course explores the overlapping areas of industrial economics and strategic management. Its focus is on the external environment of the firm and how this environment is affected by strategic decision making of companies. The course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the economic principles underlying strategy formulation. Based on an analysis of the factors shaping the industry, firms assess their positioning relative to their rivals, and formulate strategies in order to achieve a durable competitive advantage. In choosing between strategies, firms have to take into account the possible reactions of rivals to their strategic decisions.

The course provides students with the tools to analyse the positioning and performance of firms in different industry environments. These tools mainly rely on economic theories (e.g., theories of industrial organisation, basic concepts of game theory, transaction cost theory). The course covers various topics in strategy formulation, such as product positioning and differentiation, vertical integration, pricing, strategic commitment and entry deterrence. By combining theory and cases, the course focuses on strategy formulation by multinational firms.
Literature
Textbook
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of microeconomics.
Exchange students need to have obtained a bachelor's degree with a major in business and need to major in strategy in their master.
Teaching methods (indicative; course manual is definitive) PBL / Presentation / Assignment / Papers / Groupwork
Assessment methods (indicative; course manual is definitive) Written Exam
Evaluation in previous academic year For the complete evaluation of this course please click "here"
This course belongs to the following programmes / specialisations
Master Business Research IB Electives
Master Business Research Track OR IB Electives
Master Human Decision Science Electives
Master International Business Track Accountancy Electives
Master International Business Track Controlling Electives
Master International Business Track Entrepreneurship Electives
Master International Business Track Finance Electives
Master International Business Track Organisation Electives
Master International Business Track Strategy and Innovation Electives
Master International Business Track Strategy and Innovation Strategy
Master International Business Track Sustainable Finance Electives
SBE Exchange Master Master Exchange Courses
SBE Non Degree Courses Master Courses