We study state-of-the-art knowledge on alliances and M&As in terms of both academic contributions and more practitioner's oriented knowledge. M&As and alliances are discussed from various theoretical perspectives. Students learn to combine these concepts and confront them with empirical findings.

This course discusses firm alliances and mergers and acquisitions (M&As) from a strategy and innovation perspective. It aims at providing a better understanding of the purpose of alliances and M&As and the process of setting up these specific forms of organization. In what way can alliances and M&As help to source new knowledge and create competitive advantage? What are the advantages but also challenges that come with this type of organizational structure? A special focus is put on how to form, manage, and reap benefits of broader alliance networks. The course aims in particular at studying M&As and alliances from various theoretical perspectives but also from a more practitioners-oriented lens. Students learn to combine these different approaches and confront them with empirical findings.

Academic material

This course has been cancelled.

The following rule applies to students who started one of the following programmes/specialisations prior to academic year 2020/21
* Master Business Research - No specialisation (Note: only if you are taking "Strategy and Innovation" disciplinary courses!)
* Master International Business - Strategy and Innovation
TRANSITIONAL REGULATION (EBC4043):
You can EITHER do the exam/resit of EBC4043 OR replace it with "Knowledge, Innovation and Technological Change" (EBC4269).