Specialized block MSc
Master of Science
MSc Strategic Management
The second block of study is specialized block and consists of three educational modules which the student completes within his/her specialization. The specialization is taught in one course day. Students choose a specific date from a wide range of dates directly in the student section.
List of Specialized Modules
Organisational Management and Strategic Thinking
Contemporary managers are either in a familiar or an unfamiliar space. The known space is characterized by decision-making for certainties and for risks. In contrast, the space of the unknown is a space of decision-making under uncertainty and indeterminacy. In the unknown space are the top managers, the managers in charge of the strategic management of the organization. That is why we have the principles of strategic thinking to help us define an appropriate strategy in an environment of the unknown. What do we mean by strategic thinking? Henry Mintzberg views strategic thinking as a synthetic process, using creativity and intuition. The result of this process is an integrated view of the organization. Strategic thinking is the process that determines the way managers think, evaluate, imagine and shape the future of the organization. Strategic thinking is manifested in the ability to plan for the future (define strategies), to cope with the turbulent environment of the present.
Strategic Management Phases and Processes
Strategic management is a vital aspect of ensuring a company’s success. The decision on the company’s strategy is dependent on a quality strategic analysis, on the basis of which it is possible to establish the right procedures, phases and processes that, in the context of other elements such as available resources, vision and goals, the external and internal environment of the company, will enable the success of the strategic management of the company. Understanding the process of strategic management of a company in the broad context of trends of social, political, economic and technical development, especially trends related to the development of knowledge, multicultural and information society is in the current market environment, an indisputable basis for the competitiveness of a company.
Strategic Techniques and Analysis
In terms of the functioning and development of an organization, strategic management is an important component and the success or possible failure of an organization is dependent on appropriately chosen strategic techniques. The initial tool is a strategic analysis, whose main task is to find out information from the internal and external environment of the organization, assess it, compare the information with other sources, evaluate the situation and create a structured output solution from this data, which will correspond with the planned strategic management procedures. The basic phase of the AFI model – Analysis, Formulation, Implementation – is strategic analysis and its tools and techniques, including PESTLE, SWOT, financial analysis, TQM and others. Since the environment in which strategic management practices are implemented is subject to dynamic changes, it is advisable to continuously respond to these changes and update the planned strategic management process through strategic analysis.
