Competitive Strategy (MSB260)
The course focuses on key economic concepts and provides students with the tools to develop a sound business strategy. Armed with general principles and based on a game-theoretic mindset, students learn about the fundamental laws of business gravity and competition. This enables them to analyze and develop organizational and tactical strategies to adapt their company's business strategies to the demands of the ever-changing environment. Whether it's pricing, product portfolio design, or advertising campaign planning, a competitive advantage is only sustainable if it can survive in a dynamic competitive environment and integrate competitor reactions into the strategic planning process.
Course description for study year 2023-2024. Please note that changes may occur.
Course code
MSB260
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
10
Semester tution start
Autumn
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Autumn
Language of instruction
English
Content
Examples of typical subject areas covered are:
- Fundamental concepts of managerial economics
- Demand analysis and estimating demand
- Business and economic forecasting
- Industry analysis
- Competitors and competition
- Positioning and competitive advantage
- Production and costs
- Product differentiation and quality decisions
- Pricing techniques and analysis
- Advertising optimization
- Strategic behaviour and game theory
- Linear Regression
Learning outcome
Knowledge
On completion of the course, students will gain knowledge in:
- Utilizing fundamental statistical concepts, methods, and data to gain insights
- Basic game theory
- Basic proficiency in Excel
Skills
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Determine a demand function through linear regression
- Perform basic profit-optimization in Excel
- Apply basic concepts of managerial economics to real business problems
- Understand and apply basic pricing strategies
- Optimize advertising tactics and budgets
- Perform industry analysis
- Determine competitive advantage
- Apply basic game theoretic concepts to analyse competitive dynamics
- Use Excel to run a basic methods of business analytics
Required prerequisite knowledge
Exam
Term paper and school exam
Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
---|---|---|---|---|
Term paper in groups | 45/100 | 1 Semesters | Letter grades | |
School exam | 55/100 | 4 Hours | Letter grades | None permitted |
The final grade is based on a group project and a final individual exam. No re-sit. The term paper (45%): work in group of 3-4 students. Due at the end of the term.Individual digital written exam (55%).
Coursework requirements
The assignments are given in forms of individual practice questions or group work.
80% attendance