The aim of the course is to get students familiar with the main corporate strategy issues. Therefore we define corporate strategy topics and distinguish it from other strategies, like business strategy. Whereas business strategy deals with strategic problems in a certain strategic business unit, e.g. the selection of the right generic strategy (Cost leadership, differentiation etc.), corporate strategy deals with more general issues, which concern the whole corporation. Three main topics will be the center of the course:
- Analysis of the environment
- Analysis of resources and capabilities
- Key issues of corporate strategy, like diversification, portfolio management, vertical integration, cooperation.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to :

- (level 1) define corporate strategy.
- (level 2) describe reasons for the need to change corporate strategy.
- (level 2) distinguish between internal and external strategic drivers.
- (level 3) interpret different industry structures.
- (level 4) analyze the industry life cycle.
- (level 3) apply a market analysis.
- (level 5) formulate a corporate strategy.
- (level 6) compare different corporate strategies.