390031 DK PhD-M: Research Seminar: Topics in Strategy & Innovation 2 (2020W)

This is a survey course ‐ an introduction to important theories of strategy.
1. Strategy research can be seen as a matrix of theories and phenomena. The structure‐conduct‐performance paradigm, game theory, resource based theory, theories of organizational knowledge and learning, transaction cost economics and evolutionary economics are all widely known and used theoretical lenses in strategy content research. The phenomena these theories are applied to include industry concentration, diversification, vertical integration, organization design, knowledge transfer and management, acquisitions and alliances etc. I have consciously chosen to provide a survey organized by theories rather than phenomena, given the importance that theory building, testing and development will play in your future lives as academics (perhaps in the field of strategy).
2. As we typically spend about 1.5 sessions on a theoretical framework, this will hardly make you a master of that theory. That's what a survey course is about – think of it as a trailer that gives you some sense of the main attraction. Many of the theories we cover in one session could be the topic of a whole doctoral seminar by themselves! The reading list for each session will give you additional "below the line" references to readings that will point the way in terms of deepening your expertise in a particular theory.
You might also consider additional elective coursework as a means to drill deeper into a particular theory. It is your own responsibility to do follow up work to deepen you knowledge of a theory and its associated literature.