Corporate Strategy

This course deals with understanding the value created by managing multiple lines of businesses under the ownership of one corporate umbrella—that is, a diversified firm. The ultimate goal is to create what we call a corporate advantage by anticipating the challenges a firm faces in managing its diverse businesses, assessing its future performance, and developing alternative strategies. The recognition, development, and deployment of resources across these diverse businesses play a key role in corporate strategy formulation. Limits to firm growth are recognized, specifying boundary conditions of corporate strategy. Business portfolio methodologies are applied to define strategic business units, determine their fit within the corporate parent, allocate resources among them, and influence their corporate development approach. Mergers and acquisitions, decision making, and transformation are also covered as critical issues in corporate strategy.