Strategic Analysis of the Business Environment (5cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Content scheduling

Exact dates and details of assignments will be confirmed at the beginning of the semester, when the Course Guide will be published.

Objective

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to apply various macro-level perspectives to the analysis of social, economic and political aspects of the business environment. The student will be able to apply various micro-level tools to the analysis of specific business environment-related dimensions that relate to strategy. The student understands the relationship between business and politics and the significance of economic and social trends.

Content

* Theoretical perspectives * The interface of business, economics and politics * Analytical tools for strategy development * Case studies * Risk management * Economic and social trends * The role of the state

Location and time

The course takes place during the first half of the spring semester of 2026 on Monday evenings at 17:00 until 20:00, unless otherwise notified. It is fully online.

Materials

The lecturer will provide a set of reading materials for each lecture topic. Although there will not be a formal textbook used for this course, advance reading can be done with the help of the following recently published reference: Rana Foroohar, "Homecoming: The Path to Prosperity in a Post-Global World", New York: Crown, 2022. Various themes covered by this book will be featured extensively in the course.

Teaching methods

The course will use a variety of methods, including formal lecture, discussion, role play, video presentation, and provision of reading materials.

Employer connections

The ability to think strategically and to develop strategy has never been unimportant, but in recent times it has become very much more challenging, due to a rapidly evolving global situation. This course will be especially relevant for those working with international stakeholders, including suppliers and customers in foreign countries. Understanding the domestic impact of international events will also be a part of the syllabus.

Exam schedules

Assignments will be conducted online and will be organised during the study period. Fuller details will be provided in the Course Guide that will be published at the beginning of the semester.

International connections

As already stated, this course takes account of international developments and employs theoretical perspectives that enable more precise use of analytical tools commonly employed in strategy development.

Student workload

Students are expected to spend 130 hours in total on this course, of which approximately 20 hours comprise online lectures, discussions and other organised activities. All topics covered are supported by an extensive selection of readings, and it is strongly recommended that students would devote sufficient time to reading and especially to the study of those topics that are of particular personal interest. Interactivity will be encouraged via the use of facilities available in the OMA workspace.

Qualifications

Completed higher education degree (Bachelor level)