733333 Strategic management


Type
Project course
Semester hours
3
Lecturer (assistant)
Organisation
Offered in
Wintersemester 2022/23
Languages of instruction
Englisch

Content

To persist, farms need to cope with a rapidly changing environment. To effectively deal with change, farmers need to acquire skills in strategic management. These include the ability to read change in the external environment, define and redefine organizational purpose, as well as handle the complex trade-offs between demand by customers, resource constraints, and shifting relationships (on- and off-farm) while taking into account path-dependency. Thus, strategy formulation involves understanding the dynamics in the economic, social and natural environment, assessing the possible impacts of technological and regulatory change, recognizing opportunities, all the while taking into account the preferences of various family members. Farmers thus need to develop the ability to compete (e.g. on markets) as well as to cooperate (e.g. with regional partners) in an environment subject to unpredictable changes.

In the Wintersemester 2022/23 we will focus on strategic management within the pork value chain, given that this sector is currently facing many uncertainties and a new strategic reorientation is required.

Please download the Syllabus (see 'additional information' below) for further information (on deadlines, grading, etc.). Please note that attendance at the first class is compulsory.

Previous knowledge expected

Students must have completed their Bachelor-studies and must have completed some classes related to management or to agricultural economics, i.e. be familiar with the basic principles of neoclassical economics.

Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

Upon completion of the course, students can:
+ distinguish different approaches and understandings of 'strategic management' and apply it in the farming context;
+ present a convincing argument, using of carefully selected scientific texts and evidence;
+ write a text that is well-structured and concise, using exact and clear wording;
+ reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of their work habits.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.