STRATEGIC ANALYSIS

The course provides a series of theoretical and practical tools for the analysis of competitive dynamics both within the sphere of profit-oriented competition (competition between players in terms of profitability) and in the context of policy decisions (evaluation of the effectiveness of alternative decisions/investments based on policy objectives). In this, the course aims at integrating economic-financial knowledge with the fundamental tools of strategic analysis and multi-criteria decisions. To ensure an adequate coherence with the master program general orientation and the main employment opportunities, the cases proposed as exercise and in the final evaluation process are in the context of public policies.

At the end of the course, students will be acquainted with models and tools for the competitive analysis at the business and industry level, in the perspective of decision support to business strategy and to policymakers.
Specific learning objectives are: a) knowledge of the basic principles and concepts of strategic analysis; b) capability to identify key determinants of competitive dynamics; b) to acquire a critic view of some common comparing tools; c) capability to set up a competitive analysis report; d) capability to identify the most appropriate method and tools for the analysis of specific competitive contexts. A case study based on a real local policy problem will be used during the course as a test field for the skills acquired

For any pre-requisites, students must refer to their study plan:
http://www.unive.it/pag/12900/

1. Basics of strategic analysis
2. Product/business level analysis
3. Characteristics and competitiveness, competitive maps
4. Industry level analysis
5. The business ecosystem, value creation, and business model innovation
6. Sustainability analysis

Readings, slides and other material will be downloadable from the moodle platform.

Exam for the first session

-Students who attend regularly will have the possibility to solve class assignments and/or homework that will be randomly given during the course and that will provide bonus points for the exam.
-Groups of students will be defined among those who attend regularly and have delivered all class assignments. Such groups will receive case-studies to be solved using the tools and concepts learned in class. Such work will provide additional bonus points for the exam.
-At the end of the course, top performers will have the opportunity to present their work in class
-Finally, each student will have to prepare an individual written report (the scheduling for the final paper will be communicated later).
-Students who attend regularly will be evaluated on the basis of a) assignments, b) group work, c) individual paper.

Exam for the other sessions and for non-attending students
For sessions following the first one, the exam will consist of writing a paper to be delivered within 24 hours. The paper will consist of an assignment that will require both case analysis and answering questions.

General evaluation criteria are the following:
- completeness and precision, with respect to the topic assigned;
- the rigorousness of terminology and, in general, professionalism;
- degree of comprehension achieved by the student about the course topic, measured (for instance but not only) through the capability of the student to propose his/he own examples or his/her own way of explaining concepts and theories;
- correct application of the tools and concepts explained in the course;

Specific evaluation criteria will depend on the assignment.

Lectures, class discussion and case-study development

English

Accessibility, Disability, and Inclusion
Accommodation and support services for students with disabilities and students with specific learning impairments

Ca’ Foscari abides by Italian Law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) regarding support services and accommodation available to students with disabilities. This includes students with mobility, visual, hearing and other disabilities (Law 17/1999), and specific learning impairments (Law 170/2010). If you have a disability or impairment that requires accommodation (i.e., alternate testing, readers, note takers or interpreters) please contact the Disability and Accessibility Offices in Student Services: disabilita@unive.it.

written and oral

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Climate change and energy" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development