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, information and data on firms and industries and carry out basic research.
5. To develop teamwork and presentation skills.

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 sustainable 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 supply and demand, theories of industrial organisation, basic concepts of game theory). The course covers various topics in strategy formulation, such as product positioning and differentiation, vertical integration, pricing and strategic commitment. By combining theory and cases, the course focuses on strategy formulation by multinational firms.

Textbook + Articles

This course is in transition for the master Business Research.
See the Master Education and Examination Regulations for more information.

The following rule applies to master Business Research students who started the programme prior to academic year 2024-2025.
TRANSITIONAL REGULATION (EBC4044):
The master Business Research has been discontinued.
Courses of the Business Research master’s programme will continue to be offered until and including academic year 2025-2026 with exam opportunities running until and including 2026-2027.


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.