Building on the content of ISM 1, International Strategic Management 2 briefly introduces the basics of strategic management and strategic analysis. The focus of the course, however, lies on strategy formulation. In this regard the key areas of business as well as corporate strategy are covered. The course further explores the tools and concepts of diversification, vertical integration, acquisitions, alliances and global strategy. Eventually, the important area of strategy implementation is discussed.

Students who have passed this course successfully are able to:

• explain the nature and purpose of strategic management 
• describe the two generic business strategies and understand their differences
• discuss potential implications of diversification and vertical integration on firm performance
• explain the main differences between acquisitions and alliances
• identify drivers that shape global strategies 
• name and describe forces which influence firms' ability to compete in a global market
• explain the most important factors of successful strategy implementation

Apart from these skills, students further develop their social skill-set through demanding group assignments. By the end of the course, students are able to systematically solve in-depth case studies and provide solutions to strategic problems and assess their impact on firm performance.    

The course International Strategic Management 2 involves different teaching methods including in-class discussions, case studies, reading assignments, group assignments and oral presentations. The content and structure of the course is closely tied to the book "Strategic Management" by Frank T. Rothaermel and covers the most important aspects of modern international strategic management.  

All students must attend the first class!

Attendance in all four block-sessions is required! You are only allowed to miss one half of a session. Unexcused absence results in failing the class. The last two hour session in the schedule constitutes the final exam. If you know that you will have conflicts with other classes, please register for another one of the three remaining International Strategic Management classes.

ann-kathrin.herfeld@wu.ac.at, thomas.maidorfer@wu.ac.at

If you have any questions concerning this course content please feel free to contact us.