May 1, 2024
Updated May 10, 2025
20 minute read
Corporate strategy is the overarching plan that guides a company's direction, defining its scope and how it aims to create value across its various businesses and an entire organization. It involves making high-level decisions about which industries to compete in, how to allocate resources among different business units, and what organizational structure will best support its long-term objectives. For individuals intrigued by the prospect of shaping a company's future and tackling complex business challenges, a career in corporate strategy can be both intellectually stimulating and highly impactful. It offers the chance to work closely with senior leadership, influence critical decisions, and drive an organization towards its goals.
The field is dynamic, requiring a blend of analytical rigor, foresight, and the ability to see the bigger picture. Strategists grapple with questions of diversification, market entry, and competitive positioning, often in a global context. This involves not just formulating plans, but also ensuring their successful execution and adaptation in an ever-evolving business environment.
Introduction to Corporate Strategy
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Find a path to becoming a Corporate Strategy. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/topic/zan1l0/corporate
Reading list
We've selected 13 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Corporate Strategy.
Explores the difference between good and bad strategy and provides a framework for developing a winning strategy. Argues that good strategy is clear, focused, and aligned with an organization's capabilities. Written by a leading expert on strategy. Essential reading for executives and managers.
A practical guide to developing and implementing a winning corporate strategy. Includes a wealth of tools and templates to help you put strategy into action. Written by two of the world's leading experts on strategy. Perfect for executives and managers.
Introduces the concept of blue ocean strategy, which is about creating new market space and making the competition irrelevant. Provides a framework for developing a blue ocean strategy and overcoming the challenges of entering a new market. Written by two leading experts on strategy. An inspiring read for executives and entrepreneurs.
A collection of essays by Ben Horowitz, a successful entrepreneur and venture capitalist, on the challenges of building a successful business. Provides practical advice on topics such as hiring, firing, and fundraising. Written in a conversational style. A must-read for any entrepreneur.
Examines the different types of innovation and how companies can create and sustain successful growth. Argues that companies should focus on disruptive innovation to stay ahead of the competition. Written by two leading experts on innovation. A must-read for executives and managers.
A practical guide to getting your first customers and building traction for your startup. Covers topics such as marketing, sales, and customer development. Written by two experienced entrepreneurs. Ideal for early-stage startups.
Provides a practical guide to selling to high-value prospects. Emphasizes the importance of challenging the customer's assumptions and providing value-based solutions. Written by three leading experts on sales. Ideal for sales professionals and anyone involved in selling.
A unique perspective on startups and innovation from Peter Thiel, a successful entrepreneur and investor. Argues that startups should focus on creating new products and markets, rather than competing in existing markets. Written in a thought-provoking style. A must-read for any entrepreneur or anyone interested in the future of technology.
Examines the challenges of marketing and selling technology products to mainstream customers. Argues that companies must cross a chasm between early adopters and mainstream customers. Provides a framework for crossing the chasm. Written by a leading expert on technology marketing. Essential reading for anyone involved in marketing or selling technology products.
Provides a practical framework for creating a customer-centric enterprise. Emphasizes the importance of customer lifetime value and customer experience. Written by two leading experts on customer relationship management. Ideal for executives and managers.
Examines why successful companies often fail to innovate and adapt to new technologies. Argues that companies should focus on disruptive innovation to stay ahead of the competition. Written by a leading expert on innovation. A must-read for executives and managers.
Provides a practical guide to implementing lean principles in a business setting. Emphasizes the importance of waste reduction, continuous improvement, and customer focus. Written by two leading experts on lean manufacturing. Ideal for executives and managers.
Provides a practical guide to building a successful startup using the lean startup methodology. Emphasizes the importance of testing ideas quickly and cheaply, and iterating based on feedback. Written by a successful entrepreneur and investor. Essential reading for entrepreneurs and anyone interested in innovation.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/zan1l0/corporate
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