Strategy, Partnerships and Internationalization

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable – the course is an introduction to corporate strategy and law. Therefore, there are no specialized technical prerequesites.

Teaching Methods

Classes combine oral presentation with learn-by-doing approaches. The contents are lectured in a practical and interactive way, with basis on case-study analysis and practical challenges. Also, methods include project-base learning (group work).

Learning Outcomes

The main objective of the course is to provide students with a knowledge framework on strategic thinking and analysis. A special focus is put on partnerships and internationalization.

 

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

i) Analyze the current and future competitive business environment and to identify main strategic challenges;

ii) To apply concepts and methods for the formulation of corporate and business strategies;

iii) Analyze and implement business partnerships;

iv) Plan the entry in new markets.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

MODULE A – STRATEGY

Business environment: trends, market forces, industry forces, and macro-economic forces

Resources and capacities

Competitive advantages and strategic positioning

Competitor analysis and value chain analysis

Business startegy: differentiation, cost leadership, and blue ocean

Corporate strategy: diversification, vertical integration

Implementation and control

MODULE B - PARTNERSHIPS

Partnership establishment and management

Partnership purpose and looking for collaborting partners

Introduction to construction law

Types of partnerships and partnerships agreements

Joint-venture, consortium, etc.

Public tenders

Public-private partnerships

MODULE C – INTERNATIONALIZATION

Motivations for international expansion

Globalization and international markets

Launching international business

Managing international business.

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

[1] Rothaermel, F.T. (2018). Strategic Management. New York, US: McGraw-Hill Education.

[2] Marcondes, F. (2019). Direito da Construção no Ambiente Internacional. Almedina Brasil.

[3] Valles, E. (2007). Consórcio, ACE e outras figuras. Coimbra, Portugal: Almedina.

[4] Daniels, J.D., Radebaugh, L.H. & Sullivan, D. (2019). International business: environments and operations. Harlow, UK: Pearson Education.