About the Course
In this course, we will explore the underlying theory and frameworks that provide the foundations of a successful business strategy. We will develop your ability to think strategically by providing you the tools for conducting a strategic analysis. Strategic analysis is critical for analyzing the competitive context in which an organization operates and for making reasoned and reasonable recommendations for how that organization should position itself and what actions it should take to maximize value creation. Aspiring managers, entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs, analysts, and consultants all may find value in mastering these fundamentals.
About the Instructor(s)
Professor Lenox teaches at the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business where he coordinates and teaches the core MBA strategy course. He also serves as Associate Dean and Executive Director of Darden's Batten Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. In 2009, he was recognized as a Faculty Pioneer by the Aspen Institute and as the top strategy professor under 40 by the Strategic Management Society. In 2011, he was named one of the top 40 business professors under 40 by Poets & Quants.
Prior to joining Darden in 2008, Professor Lenox was a professor at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business where he served as the area coordinator for Fuqua’s Strategy Area and coordinated and taught the core MBA strategy course and was runner-up for the Chrysler faculty teaching award on multiple occasions. He received his Ph.D. in Technology Management and Policy from MIT and the degrees of Bachelor and Master of Science in Systems Engineering from the University of Virginia. Professor Lenox has also served as an assistant professor at New York University's Stern School of Business and as a visiting professor at Harvard University, Oxford University, and IMD. Finally, he is President of the Alliance for Research on Corporate Sustainability (ARCS), a consortium of schools and institutes at major universities that share a strong commitment to research on business and sustainability.
Course Syllabus
Week One: We will introduce the concept of strategic analysis plus explore the impact that competitive markets have on business success. Will include a case discussion of Google.
Week Two: We will explore how industry structure impacts competitive outcomes and learn how to analyze industry forces. Will include a case discussion of the microbrew industry.
Week Three: We will learn how to analyze firm capabilities and how they may provide competitive advantage. Will include a case discussion of Apple.
Week Two: We will explore how industry structure impacts competitive outcomes and learn how to analyze industry forces. Will include a case discussion of the microbrew industry.
Week Three: We will learn how to analyze firm capabilities and how they may provide competitive advantage. Will include a case discussion of Apple.
Week Four: We will learn how to analyze competitive dynamics; the interplay between businesses as industries evolve. Will include a case discussion of the game player industry.
Week Five: We will combine our learnings to date to determine how an organization best positions itself competitively to create value. Will include a case discussion of Pepsi.
Week Six: We will extend our analysis to consider how businesses compete in multiple markets and will learn how to analyze firm scope. Will include a case discussion of Disney.
Recommended Background
No background is required; all are welcome!
Suggested Readings
Although the lectures are designed to be self-contained, we recommend, but do not require, that students refer to the book The Strategist's Toolkit, which was created specifically for this course.
Course Format
The class will consist of video lectures, which are between 10 and 15 minutes in length. Each video will conclude with a short quiz. Each week, we will also discuss a business or industry to illustrate points in the lectures. The course will culminate in the submission of a brief strategic analysis of an assigned firm. This will serve as your final exam.
FAQ
The University of Virginia is not offering a certificate at this time.
For this course, all you need is an Internet connection, copies of the cases (which can be obtained for free), and the time to read, discuss, and analyze business strategy.
The ability to think strategically about leading businesses as well as organizations that you may be involved.
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