Course Description

The objective of the course is to understand key issues that arise when organizing a company to implement strategic goals. Profitable companies distinguish themselves through implementation, and in this class we'll explore the building blocks of successful implementation. We will analyze how organizational realities shape the constraints on and opportunities for creative strategizing. By the end of the class you will recognize important implementation challenges for specific strategic choices, will be aware of common missteps in different areas of implementation, and will have the tools to analyze the implementation choices that create winners and losers across a wide variety of industries.

Class topics include strategic planning, people, culture, structure, and building strategies through relationships. The work of the course is divided between individual work (60% of final grade) and team projects (40%). The course culminates with a project proposing an implementation approach to a strategic issue at a firm of your choice, with comparison to a key rival in the market.