This course will begin by examining strategy in established companies. What is strategy? What are the components of good strategies? How is internal and external strategic consistency achieved? Who sets strategy, and how? With answers to these questions in hand, we will turn to how strategy is different in start-ups. How do founders set strategy when the future direction of the company is still uncertain? Finally we will look briefly at the strategic management of not-for-profit organizations. The course will be taught mainly by the case method, with active class participation. Often the protagonist of the case will join as a guest. Preparation for each class is essential. Every class will require a short write-up of the preparation assignment questions. Two of those will receive a numerical grade. The class grade will be based on class participation, completion of the assignments, the two assignment grades, and an in-class final. This course may not be audited but may be taken pass/fail. Please fill out this application to apply: https://forms.gle/7r9TU3SPSYNwj1S18.
3 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit
This course will begin by examining strategy in established companies. What is strategy? What are the components of good strategies? How is internal and external strategic consistency achieved? Who sets strategy, and how? With answers to these questions in hand, we will turn to how strategy is different in start-ups. How do founders set strategy when the future direction of the company is still uncertain? Finally we will look briefly at the strategic management of not-for-profit organizations. The course will be taught mainly by the case method, with active class participation. Often the protagonist of the case will join as a guest. Preparation for each class is essential. Every class will require a short write-up of the preparation assignment questions. Two of those will receive a numerical grade. The class grade will be based on class participation, completion of the assignments, the two assignment grades, and an in-class final. This course may not be audited but may be taken pass/fail. Please fill out this application to apply: https://forms.gle/7r9TU3SPSYNwj1S18.
Offered in Autumn 2025, Spring 2026 at Stanford University.