Course catalogue

Introduction. Definitions, components and methodology of business strategy and information systems strategy. Strategic information systems. Digital Transformation - Design, Implementation, Challenges. Analysis of external macro and industry environment – identification of opportunities and threats. Porter's model - structural analysis of an industry. The role and impact of information and communication technologies. Analysis of internal environment - resources and capabilities – identification of strengths and weaknesses. Value chain and value system. The role of internal-intraorganizational and interorganizational information systems. Strategies for competitive advantage: cost leadership, differentiation, focus, hybrid strategies – ways of supporting each of them with information systems. Products-services portfolio strategies - the BCG method of analysis of products-services portfolio – elaboration for the information technologies sector. Formulation of information systems strategy – methodologies and frameworks. e-Business strategy. The course will include for each of the above chapters the analysis in class of one or more real-life cases.

The main learning outcomes of this course are:

• Understanding the concepts and the components of business strategy, of information systems strategy, of the interconnection between them, as well as of the digital transformation.
• Understanding the basic methodology of business strategy formulation, through the analysis of its external and internal environment, and also the role and the importance of information and communication technologies in shaping them.
• Gaining knowledge on the basic strategies for achieving competitive advantage, and on ways of supporting them with information systems.
• The understanding of the basic methodology for the design and implementation of digital transformation, as well as the main challenges it presents.
• Development of ability to understand the strategy of a firm and identify the required information systems for supporting it, and also for its enrichment and expansion (e.g. with new products and services, new markets, etc.).
• Development of ability to recognize the main information and communication technologies that create opportunities or pose threats to a firm, and to formulate strategies for exploiting/addressing them.

The above knowledge and abilities are quite useful for students’ future careers, since in most firms there is a ‘fragmented’ exploitation of information and communication technologies (without being based on a sound integrated plan), which is not aligned with business strategy (lack of strategic alignment).

Not required.

Final written examination

Preparation and presentation of a strategic business analysis paper

Greek (English for Erasmus students)