ALS 456: Advanced Strategy Knowledge Advantage from Networks
Course Number: ALS 456
Course Name: Advanced Strategy Knowledge Advantage from Networks
Year: Second-year
Semester: Spring
No. Units: 1
Description
Designing a strategy for superior performance is particularly challenging in fast-paced industries where uncertainty is high. In such environments, part of, the general manager's job is to position the firm so that it quickly learn and discovers the best strategy. This course examines the role of networks within industries and within firms in allowing some companies to outsmart and outperform others. The first part of the course examines the role that a firm's position in its industry plays in shaping its learning and competitive interactions. It also examines the performance implications of these interactions. Given this understanding, the course then addresses how managers might alter industry position to enhance capabilities. Part II of the course shifts the focus inside the firm. Just as industry structure may affect firm learning and competitive exposure, a firm's internal network structure may affect the learning and competitive exposure of divisional units. We will consider how to adjust the internal design of an organization so that firms can more effectively develop and harness knowledge within the firm. Through projects and discussions, the course will consider practical implications including which industries and firms can best leverage these concepts.
Course Material
Required readings are drawn from two primary sources: Study.net and Sakai, Claremont University Consortium's course management system. Study.net is the location for most case materials: (https://www.study.net/). Some articles will also be available via this source. Materials available via Study.net are preceded in the syllabus by the abbreviation "SN." In addition, you are required to purchase the following booklet from KGI via Ms. Laura Sturr:
Lastly, you need to purchase the rights to use simulation software that we will use within the course. The cost is $12.50 per student group. After we have formed these groups, you will need to go to the following link to register and complete the transaction: http://forio.com/signup/keck01 .
Topics Covered
The Strategic Problem and Course Framework
Networks & benefiting disproportionately from the knowledge in your industry
Network position and the beneficial aspects of competition between firms
Designing the firm to accelerate T&E learning
Integration
Learning Objectives
- Developing a perspective of strategy-making as an iterative learning process
- Analyze different competitive environments and subsequently determine the desirable mix of knowledge exploration and knowledge exploitation
- Identify how a firm can alter its mix of knowledge exploration and knowledge exploitation by altering its network position in the industry or altering internal networks
- Understand how a firm's exposure to competitive pressure impacts its incentive to create new knowledge
- Formulate tactics for putting competitive pressure to good use by altering a firm's network position in the industry or internal networks
- Obtain practice in analyzing and redesigning the knowledge networks of a firm
Grading
Analysis of Small Networks Homework 10%
Industry article & application 5%
Business Game Write-up 20%
Participation 30%
Final Exam 35%