Strategy Beyond Markets (PACT-441-0)
Many business models are hostage to laws and regulations (Uber, AirBnB, Facebook, fracking, ...). Other business models cater specifically to existing regulations (electric vehicles, e.g.). These laws and regulations represent the "rules of the competitive game."
These rules of the game favor some business models over others, but they are not fixed: they are subject to change. Uber, for example, is able to gain a license to operate by changing the rules of the competitive game in a given jurisdiction. The rules of the game also vary significantly across countries.
This class will teach you: who makes the rules of the competitive game, whether they can realistically and ethically be changed, and how to know whether the existing rules of the game are favorable to your business model.
The analytical framework for beyond-market strategy goes beyond that of traditional competitive strategy. Beyond-market strategy is an emerging discipline which combines elements of competitive strategy, political science, and game theory.
The grading is based on in-class group assignments, an individual mid-term exam, and a final group project due before the end of finals week. There is no final exam.
