In this course, students will learn to analyze a managerially relevant strategic or organizational research question by conducting an academic literature review as well as an internal and external empirical analysis. They will work in teams and analyze a pre-defined company and relevant topic.

Student teams will learn to conduct an academic literature review by applying readings and templates provided during the course to their specific research question. They will also conduct an organizational and industry analysis by applying tools and frameworks discussed in class.

The course is designed to integrate prior learnings from previous SBWL courses and prepare students to work on real-life business projects.

Typical teaching methods are:

• Academic literature review of a pre-defined strategic or organizational topic
• Analysis of archival data and company reports
• Methods to conduct an internal and external analysis

Students will summarize their findings in a project-specific literature review and a written report. They will receive and learn to integrate feedback into their final presentation. The final results will be delivered in a team presentation.

After completing this course students will have the ability to:

• Manage a strategic / organizational project (i.e., time, responsibilities and roles)
• Conduct an academic literature review
• Collect, analyze, and interpret relevant data to answer strategic or organizational questions
• Critically evaluate and present the project findings

Apart from that, completing this course will contribute to students' ability to:

• Efficiently work and communicate in a team
• Translate their knowledge to practical problems
• Structure and work collaboratively on a project
• Improve their oral and written communication and presentation skills

The course consists of the following sessions, scheduled ahead of time:

• the course kick-off
• the coaching sessions
• In addition, each group will have one additional session to present their final results.

The course is planned as a mixture of offline and online sessions.

Full attendance at all sessions is expected. We require an attendance of minimum 80% of all sessions (both in-person and online, if applicable) in order to successfully complete the course.

If you are unable to attend a session due to unforeseeable circumstances, you need to inform your lecturer before the session takes place.

• Conducting a literature review on a pre-defined topic
• Internal and external analysis of a company and a relevant strategic or organizational question
• Writing a report on the findings from the literature review and analyses
• Feedback from the IOD team
• Presentation of final results that incorporates feedback

All reading materials for the course will be supplied via CANVAS

The final course grade is based upon the evaluation of the following assessment assignments:

• Project-specific Literature Review (35%)
• External and Internal Analysis (35%)
• Final Team Presentation (30%)

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You must be available to attend the course kickoff and final presentation. The course is fast-paced, with minimal opportunity to catch up if you miss a session. Please plan to make yourself available for all required course sessions and group work during these two weeks.