Strategy Beyond Markets (PACT-441-0)
Many business models are hostage to laws and regulations (Uber, AirBnB, Facebook, fracking, …) Other business models cater specifically to existing regulations (electric vehicles, e.g.). These laws and regulations represent the "rules of the competitive game."
These rules of the game favor some business models over others, but they are not fixed: they are subject to change. Uber, for example, is able to gain a license to operate by changing the rules of the competitive game in a given jurisdiction. The rules of the game also vary significantly across countries.
This class will teach you: who makes the rules of the competitive game, whether they can realistically and ethically be changed, and how to know whether the existing rules of the game are favorable to your business model.
The analytical framework for beyond-market strategy goes beyond that of traditional competitive strategy. Beyond-market strategy is an emerging discipline which combines elements of competitive strategy, political science, and game theory.
The grading is based on in-class group assignments, an individual mid-term exam, and a final group project due before the end of finals week. There is no final exam.
Leadership and Crisis Management (PACT-440-5)
This course was formerly known as KPPI 440-A
In recent decades corporations have increasingly become the dominant source for political and social change. Increased globalization and technological progress have further accelerated this process. Businesses are now held accountable by standards other than legal compliance or financial performance. Successful business leaders have recognized that these challenges are best mastered by a commitment to values-based management. However, simply "doing the right thing" is not enough. Rather, companies increasingly find themselves as targets of aggressive legal action, media coverage and social pressure. Organizations must be prepared to handle rapidly changing environments and anticipate potential threats. This requires a deep understanding of the strategic complexities in managing various stakeholders and constituencies. To confront students with these challenges in a realistic fashion, the class is structured around a rich set of challenging case studies and crisis simulation exercises.
