Applied Strategy and Organization: Strategies for international Corporations

The module consists of one lecture in which a board member of a major German company provides students with practical insights into the field of strategic management. Applied Strategy and Organization: Internationalization Strategies in Companies and Transformation through Digitalization Prof. Dr. Axel Stepken (Chairman of the Board of Management of TÜV SÜD AG) covers internationalization strategies in companies and the topic of transformation through digitalization in his lecture. Drawing on theoretical foundations and his own practical experience, he provides students with vivid insights into internationalization and digitalization strategies for companies. His lecture addresses factors relevant to internationalization processes, including growth drivers, strategies, corporate cultures, leadership, organizational complexity, and knowledge transfer. These factors are particularly discussed in the context of changing business conditions due to digitalization.

After successfully completing the module: Students are familiar with the key strategies employed by international technology corporations to address the challenges of the global economy in times of globalization and digitalization. Students are able to compare and contrast various theories and methods from strategic management. Students understand the factors relevant to internationalization processes. Students are capable of discussing different theories and methods of strategic management in the context of real-world scenarios. Students can articulate how leaders should make strategic decisions. Students are able to analyze how decision-making processes in international technology corporations have been carried out in the past, e.g., regarding market entry decisions, cost calculations for internationalization strategies, business development plans, and global technological trends.

The module examination consists of an exercise component, conducted as an e-test in Moodle (60 min.). Single-choice, multiple-choice, and drag-and-drop questions assess the extent to which students are familiar with the strategies of international technology corporations, particularly regarding internationalization and digitalization. Additionally, the test evaluates their understanding of various theories and methods of strategic management, key factors influencing internationalization processes, and strategic decision-making processes. By answering questions related to hypothetical and practical scenarios, students demonstrate their ability to apply the learned theories and methods to real-world decision-making processes in businesses. The test allows students to earn a total of 90 points.

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In the lecture, theoretical foundations and concepts are initially presented and subsequently illustrated through case studies. By combining lectures and case studies, students learn both the key strategies of international technology corporations and the theories and methods of strategic management. Additionally, they acquire the ability to discuss the presented theories and methods in the context of real-world scenarios and to understand the strategic decision-making processes of leaders in international technology corporations. . Supplementary literature enables students to review and deepen the content of the lecture slides and case studies.