MAN 655: Corporate Strategy – Sustainable value-creation in multi-business firms
Contents
In this course, we will critically reflect upon the role of corporate centers of multinational companies (MNCs). A particular emphasis will be placed on the challenges faced by corporate centers and their opportunities for value creation in their quest to turn a conglomerate discount into a conglomerate premium.
Learning outcomes
Students will acquire and demonstrate expert knowledge in the specific subject area of corporate strategy (i.e. about the challenges and value creation opportunities faced by corporate centers of MNCs).
Students will be able to apply and critically reflect upon contemporary theories, models and tools utilized in strategy research and practice (i.e. the repertoire of analytical tools applied by corporate centers to fulfill their “parenting” role).
When analyzing fictitious or real-life business cases, students will be able to identify key issues, derive appropriate solutions, and have good understanding of their impact on strategic decision outcomes.
Necessary prerequisites
–
Recommended prerequisites
Knowledge in strategic management
| Forms of teaching and learning | Contact hours | Independent study time |
|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 SWS | 9 SWS |
| ECTS credits | 4 |
| Graded | yes |
| Workload | 120h |
| Language | English |
| Form of assessment | Written exam (60 min) |
| Restricted admission | yes |
| Further information | – |
Examiner Performing lecturer |  | Prof. Dr. Matthias Brauer Prof. Dr. Matthias Brauer |
| Frequency of offering | Spring semester |
| Duration of module | 1 semester |
| Range of application | M.Sc. MMM, M.Sc. Bus. Edu., M.Sc. Econ., M.Sc. Bus. Inf., LL.M., MAKUWI |
| Preliminary course work | – |
| Program-specific Competency Goals | CG 1 |
| Literature | Müller-Stevens, G., & Brauer, M. (2021): Corporate Strategy – Nachhaltige Wertsteigerung in diversifizierten Unternehmen (2nd ed.). Stuttgart: Schäffer-Poeschel. Goold, M., Campbell, A., & Alexander, M. (1994): Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value in the Multibusiness Company. New York: John Wiley and Sons. The set of compulsory and optional readings in form of research articles is continuously updated and will be announced at the start of the course. |
| Course outline | The course is structured along the Corporate Management Model (Müller-Stewens/Brauer 2021). It highlights ten drivers that top executives of diversified companies should consider to create long-term value for their firms and their respective business units. Introduction to Corporate Strategy Corporate Strategy: Strategy Review & Corporate Management Model Corporate Concept Configuration Corporate Structure & Style Coordination Normative Frame |