88-255 Strategic Decision Making

9 units, Carnegie Mellon University

How do people navigate social interactions when their goals are in conflict? When should a person cooperate and when should a person pursue self-interest in an ongoing social interaction? How can a business establish strategic partnerships that create value and at the same time battle with competitors to take advantage of the value they create? Strategic decision making requires a framework to think through the implications of cooperation and of competition. This course gives you a systematic approach to understanding how people, firms, or countries interact with one another to achieve their own goals. We focus on the practical application of theory-based strategic principles and on their behavioral validity (whereas traditional game theory courses usually focus on formal modeling techniques). Readings will focus on real-life stories accompanied by a full analysis of the principles involved. The class will be organized as a seminar, centered around discussion, not lecture. Students will also be placed in the role of strategist in occasional simulations in class.

Prerequisites: none listed

Offered: Spring 2027, Spring 2026

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