Jalal Delaram

Assistant Professor of Industrial Engineering

College of Engineering, University of Tehran

Strategic Management


Overview

Strategic Management is a critical discipline that guides organizations in formulating, implementing, and evaluating strategies to achieve long-term success and competitive advantage. In today’s fast-paced and competitive business environment, strategic management is essential for businesses to adapt to market dynamics, technological changes, and evolving customer demands. The field addresses key elements such as market positioning, resource allocation, risk management, and organizational culture, helping leaders make informed decisions that drive business growth. It provides the tools for identifying opportunities, tackling challenges, and ensuring that all aspects of an organization align with its overarching vision and goals, ultimately ensuring sustainability in the long run.
This field emerged as a formal field in the 1960s, influenced by scholars like Igor Ansoff and Michael Porter, who introduced models such as the SWOT analysis and Porter’s Five Forces. These frameworks became foundational to modern business strategies and remain in use today. As businesses continue to face disruptions from digital transformation, globalization, and the rise of new business models, the future of strategic management will likely see a greater emphasis on agility, innovation, and data-driven decision-making. The integration of artificial intelligence, big data, and strategic foresight will revolutionize how businesses assess risks, capitalize on emerging trends, and align their strategies to rapidly changing environments.


Syllabus

Duration: 15 weeks

Objectives:

  • Understand key concepts, models, and theories of strategic management.
  • Analyze external and internal environments using tools like SWOT, PESTEL, and Porter’s Five Forces.
  • Develop strategic decision-making skills to assess market forces and resources.
  • Formulate business and corporate strategies for growth, diversification, and expansion.
  • Learn how to evaluate and implement strategies effectively within an organization.
  • Cultivate leadership skills to manage change and lead strategic initiatives.
  • Examine contemporary challenges in strategic management such as digital transformation and sustainability.
  • Apply strategic tools like the BCG Matrix, value chain analysis, and strategic alliances.
  • Assessment Methods:

  • Attendance: +10%
  • Collaboration: 25%
  • Midterm exam: 25%
  • Final exam: 25%
  • Project: 25%

  • Material

    The reference book of the course:

  • Fred R. David - Strategic Management, 17th edition
  • Thomas L. Wheelen - Strategic Management and Business Policy, 15th edition
  • Rudolf Grünig - The Strategy Planning Process, 3rd edition

  • Schedule & Related Slides

    Below are the slides for each session in the course according to the schedule:

  • Chapter 0: Introduction
  • Chapter 1: The Nature of Strategic Management
  • Chapter 2: Business Vision and Mission
  • Chapter 3: The External Assessment
  • Chapter 4: The Internal Assessment
  • Chapter 5: Strategies in Action
  • To be completed ...

  • Feedback & Activities

    Please consider the following items, as discussed in class:

  • Student Information Form
  • Student Participation
  • Project Format