Strategic Management - Gary May Clayton State University

Catalogue Course Description:

A capstone course to integrate the knowledge and skills gained in a student's program of study. It is an opportunity for a student to formulate an overall business policy and strategy. To be taken during last two semesters before graduation; last semester is strongly preferred. Admission to School of Business and Senior Standing required

Required Course Materials:

Ireland , Hoskisson, & Hitt (2006). Understanding Business Strategy: Concepts. Thomson South-Western. ISBN 0324317735 ( CSU bookstore: $127.60)

Subscription to Foundation^®; and Comp-XM^®; from Capsim, Management Simulations, Inc. ($ 49.99)

Subscription to Wall Street Journal ($19.95 - subscription info will be provided first day)

Required Computer Competencies:

MGMT 4750 requires extensive use of WebCT Vista, Microsoft Word ^®; , and PowerPoint Ã’ . Exams are WebCT based. Each CCSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program.

Course Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:		Assessment Method
Know, comprehend, and apply the three parts of the strategic management process: Establishing Vision and Leadership Analyzing Environments Evaluating external opportunities and threats Evaluating internal strengths and weaknesses Selecting a Strategy Developing business-level strategies Developing multiproduct strategies Acquiring and integrating businesses Competing across borders		Exams with embedded questions keyed to knowledge, comprehension, and application for each of component of the strategic management process.
Apply the strategic management process and integrate knowledge from previous coursework by running a company as part of a management team, competing against other companies in a simulated business environment		Team ranking from analyst report of ten business performance measures
Demonstrate business judgment and analytical skills by managing a company individually for four simulated years, competing against three computer-managed companies		Individual "balanced scorecard" with exam questions keyed to simulation results
Demonstrate interpersonal skills and appreciation for diversity by leading and managing collaborative activities and working effectively in teams that have a diverse membership (Note: This is a B.B.A. program learning outcome.)		Web-based intra-group peer evaluation assessing team skills related to task and process. Pre- and post-course questionnaire assessing appreciation for diversity and teamwork.

In addition to the primary course outcomes, this course will support other BBA program learning outcomes by enhancing students' ability to:

• Demonstrate written communication skills and critical thinking skills by writing clear, concise, and grammatically correct analyses of current business situations related to strategy.
• Demonstrate oral presentation skills by designing and delivering a "Board of Directors" presentation based on the results of the business simulation.
• Use basic computer technology appropriately in a business context (e.g., e-mail, Web-based discussion boards, PowerPoint ^®; and library data-bases).

Course Requirements and Expectations:

Note: Grading criteria will be included with the instructions for each course requirement. Instruction documents are posted on WebCT under Course Requirements.

• Class and Team Participation : Class sessions will focus on application of concepts and skill building. The delivery will be experiential, with a minimum of lecture. Students are expected to complete the required reading, chapter quiz, and pre-class assignment prior to each class according to the course schedule. Regular, punctual class attendance and active participation in class and team activities will be essential to the learning experience. Participation will be assessed through a peer evaluation process.
• Weekly Quizzes: Knowledge of concepts from the weekly chapter reading assignments will be assessed by graded quizzes administered through WebCT. The quizzes will be "open book" and timed. Quizzes will expire on Mondays at 11:59 p.m. preceding the Tuesday class discussion on the assigned chapter.
• Course Content Exams: There will be two scheduled exams during the semester. Exams will be closed book and will include assigned text chapters and material covered in class. Each exam will assess knowledge, comprehension, and application of key concepts. Exam dates are firm. If the exam will be missed, the student must notify the professor in advance and provide written documentation for the absence. An excused absence for medical reasons requires a written excuse from a doctor's office. The professor reserves the right to exercise his personal judgment in allowing make-up exams and deducting points for exams taken after the published exam date.
• Real-Time Application Memos (R-TAMs) : Drawing from current articles in the Wall Street Journal , students will produce weekly one-page memos linking one or more concepts from the current week's chapter to a selected company's business situation. R-TAMs will be due in class as assigned on the course schedule.
• Foundation Ã’ Business Simulation : Students will apply the strategic management process and integrate knowledge from previous coursework by running a company as part of a management team, competing against other companies in simulation. Most Thursday classes will be devoted to working in teams reviewing results of the simulation, making decisions related to strategy, and executing tactics.
• Team Presentation to Board of Directors: Management teams will review their business simulation results, explain their decisions, and propose a future strategy.
• Comp-XM Ã’ Business Competency Exam : At the end of the semester, students will be required to demonstrate business judgment and analytical skills by managing their own company for four simulated years, competing against three computer-managed companies. This exam is a component of the School of Business Assurance of Learning process.
• Major Specific Exit Exam : During the final exam period, students will take an exam designed to assess core knowledge in their respective majors. This exam is a component of the School of Business Assurance of Learning process.
• Personal Interview : All students must schedule a 20-minute structured interview with the professor during the first 10 weeks of the course to discuss career strategy. Appointments will be made through the WebCT calendar. Completion of a pre-appointment assignment will be required. This interview is not optional and will be a graded activity.

Grading System, Scale, and Policies:

Component	Points
Class and Team Participation (Peer Evaluation)	50
Weekly Chapter Quizzes (8 @ 20 points ea.)	160
Course Content Exams (2 @ 100 points ea.)	200
Real-Time Application Memos (8 @ 30 points)	240
Business Simulation Results (Team Rankings)	100
Team Business Presentation to Board of Directors	50
Comp-XM Business Competency Exam	50
Major-Specific Exit Exam	50
Personal Interview	100
Total Course Points	1,000
Available Bonus Points	30
Total Possible Points	1,030

Grading Scale (based on 1,000 points):

A = 900 points and above

B = 800 to 899 points

C = 700 to 799 points

D = 600 to 699 points

F = Less than 600 points

W = Withdrawal from the course on or before midterm withdrawal deadline

WF = Withdrawal from the course after midterm withdrawal deadline

The point scores earned are absolute. There will be no "rounding up" to the next grade.

See the University Web site for the official school calendar and withdrawal dates. See the University catalogue for the policies on withdrawal.

Course Administration: WebCT Vista

This course will be administered though WebCT Vista. All communication for MGMT 4750 will be handled through the course Web site. The WebCT Class Bulletin Board will be used for general class communication between class sessions. WebCT E-mail will be used for one-to-one communication. Therefore it is essential that students access WebCT Vista on a daily basis.

The CSU policy concerning children in classes and on-campus:

• Children are not permitted in classrooms. 
• Faculty will not allow children to be present in their classrooms.  If a student brings children to class, the student and children must be told to leave the classroom.
• Unattended children will not be permitted on-campus (in hallways, the gym, the library, outside of buildings, etc.).
• Public Safety (678-466-4050) will be notified if unattended children are observed on campus.  If faculty or staff observe unattended children on-campus, they are responsible for informing Public Safety.  The campus police will take any unattended children to the classroom of the parent, and will get the parent out of class.  The parent will not be permitted to bring such children into the classroom.
• Parents are referred to Campus Life (UC Room 258, 678-466-5422) for information concerning childcare facilities off-campus.

Academic Integrity:

Academic integrity is of paramount importance at Clayton State University . Students are expected to abide by the Student Code of Conduct as outlined in the University's official Student Handbook.

Student Policies:

Students are expected to abide by all policies in the University Catalog, Student Handbook, and the list of Basic Student Responsibilities posted on the Registrar's Web site.

Special Accommodations:

Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations or obtain this document in an alternative format, please contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center.

Other Information:

Please observe good classroom etiquette: cell phones and pagers off, computers closed unless being used in a classroom assignment.

• Please feel free to seek individual assistance from the professor.
• Be sure to check the School of Business Web site for academic and career advisement:

http://business.clayton.edu/advisement/default.htm

Our Mission 

The Mission of the School of Business is to: 

• Prepare a diverse student body for business and professional careers by providing a quality education.
• Provide a student-centered environment, using technology to enhance student learning.
• Support faculty in applied and instructional research and service to the profession.
• Serve primarily the metropolitan Atlanta area.

Course Schedule:

The following course schedule provides a detailed checklist of topics and assignments by week. This syllabus / course outline provides a general plan for the course. The professor reserves the right to make periodic changes to content, requirements, and schedule to accommodate the needs of the class and to fulfill the goals of the course.

MGMT 4750: Strategic Management

Course Schedule and Checklist

Spring Semester, 2008

Week of January 7 (Week 1)

In Preparation for Class on Tuesday, 1/8 (Topics: Orientation / Syllabus Review)

• Preview MGMT 4750 course layout on WebCT ( https://clayton.view.usg.edu )
• WebCT will be available by Friday, January 4, 5:00 p.m.
• Note: The course site will not be available to drop/add students until after files have been synchronized with the DUCK on Thursday, January 10, 5:00 p.m.
• Print, read, and bring to class the Syllabus / Course Schedule (see WebCT 4750 course page).
• Prepare a one-minute presentation for the class, introducing yourself and explaining why you should be selected by your classmates as a CEO to lead a team in the Foundation business simulation. CEO ballots will be issued this class.
• For Class on Thursday, 1/10 (Topics: Business Simulation Introduction / Vote for Team CEOs)
• Bring your completed CEO ballot to class.
• Print, read, and bring to class the following documents (WebCT: Course Requirements):
• Quiz Ground Rules
• Real-Time Application Memos (R-TAMs): Instructions
• Personal Interview: Instructions
• By Sunday, 1/13
• Complete Orientation Quiz (20 bonus points).
• Make an interview appointment on the WebCT calendar.

Week of January 14 (Week 2)

For Class on Tuesday, 1/15 (Topic: Introduction to Strategic Planning)

• Read and study Chapter 1 ( Understanding Business Strategy by Ireland , Hoskisson, & Hitt).
• Complete Quiz C-1 (20 points).
• Complete R- TAM C-1 (30 points).

For Class on Thursday, 1/17 (Team Selection Interviews)

• Important : Bring six copies of your resume to class.

Foundation:

• Follow the instructions in the Foundation Getting Started Checklist (WebCT: Course Requirements) to register for the simulation and to begin the pre-work (view introductory lesson and take quiz at the end of the video)

Week of January 21 (Week 3)

For Class on Tuesday, 1/22 (Topic: Leading Strategically)

• Read and study Chapter 2.
• Complete Quiz C-2 (20 points).
• Complete R- TAM C-2 (30 points).
• For Class on Thursday, 1/24 (Team Formation / Team Building / Role Assignments)
• Foundation:
• Continue work on Foundation Getting Started Checklist (study Student Guide).
• Print, read, and bring to class the following document: Peer Evaluations.

Week of January 28 (Week 4)

For Class on Tuesday, 1/29 (Topic: Analyzing the External Environment)

• Read and study Chapter 3.
• Complete Quiz C-3 (20 points).
• Complete R- TAM C-3 (30 points).

For Class on Thursday, 1/31 (Team Time - Situation Analysis / Strategy Selection)

Foundation:

• Important: Complete the Foundation Getting Started Checklist (including the Rehearsal Simulation - 4 rounds, by 3:00 a.m. Wednesday 1/30).
• Listen to audio / PPT lecture on Peer Evaluation and complete the peer evaluation quiz by 3:00 a.m. Wednesday 1/30 (5 bonus points).

Week of February 4 (Week 5)

For Class on Tuesday, 2/5 (Topic: Analyzing the Firm)

• Read and study Chapter 4.
• Complete Quiz C-4 (20 points).
• Complete R- TAM C-4 (30 points).
• Print and bring to class the document Exam Study Guide.
• Bring laptops for short practice exam (5 bonus points - you must have your laptop)

For Class on Thursday, 2/7 (Team Time - Debrief Practice Round 1)

Foundation:

• All teams submit Practice Round 1 decisions by 3:00 a.m. Wednesday morning, 2/6.

Week of February 11 (Week 6)

For Class on Tuesday, 2/12 (Exam)

• Exam I: Covering Chapters 1-4 and all class activities (100 points).
• Note: laptop computers will be required.

For Class on Thursday, 2/14 (Team Time - Debrief Practice Round 2 and Peer Evaluation)

Foundation:

• All teams submit Practice Round 2 decisions by 3:00 a.m. Wednesday, 2/13.
• Complete Peer Evaluation # 1 (must be submitted by 3:00 a.m. Wednesday, 2/13).

Note: Foundation will be reset to zero year during class.

Week of February 18 (Week 7)

For Class on Tuesday, 2/19 (Topic: Business Level Strategy)

• Read and study Chapter 5.
• Complete Quiz C-5 (20 points).
• Complete R- TAM C-5 (30 points).

For Class on Thursday, 2/21 (Team Time - Debrief Competition Round 1)

The Competition Begins!

• All teams submit Round 1 decisions by 3:00 a.m. Wednesday, 2/20.

Week of February 25 (Week 8)

For Class on Tuesday, 2/26 (Topic: Multi-Product Strategies)

• Read and study Chapter 6.
• Complete Quiz C-6 (20 points).
• Complete R- TAM C-6 (30 points).

For Class on Thursday, 2/28 (Team Time - Debrief Round 2)

The Competition Continues

• All teams submit Round 2 decisions by 3:00 a.m. Wednesday, 2/27.

Note: Friday, Feb. 29 is the deadline for midterm withdrawal .

SpringBreak March3 - 9

Week of March 10 (Week 9)

For Class on Tuesday, 3/11 (Topic: Acquisitions)

• Read and study Chapter 7.
• Complete Quiz C-7 (20 points).
• Complete R- TAM C-7 (30 points).

For Class on Thursday, 3/13 (Team Time - Debrief Round 3 / Peer Evaluation)

The Competition Continues:

• All teams submit Round 3 decisions by 3:00 a.m. Wednesday, 3/12.
• Complete Peer Evaluation # 2 (submit by 3:00 a.m. Wednesday, 3/12).

Week of March 17 (Week 10)

For Class on Tuesday, 3/18 (Topic: Competing across Borders)

• Read and study Chapter 8.
• Complete Quiz C-8 (20 points).
• Complete R- TAM C-8 (30 points).

For Class on Thursday, 3/20 (Team Time - Debrief Round 4)

The Competition Continues:

• All teams submit Round 4 decisions by 3:00 a.m. Wednesday, 3/19.

Note: This week is the deadline for all personal interviews.

Week of March 24 (Week 11)

For Class on Tuesday, 3/25

• Exam 2: Covering Chapters 5 - 8 and all class activities (100 points).
• Note: laptop computers will be required.

For Class on Thursday, 3/27 (Team Time - Debrief Round 5)

The Competition Continues:

• All teams submit Round 5 decisions by 3:00 a.m. Wednesday, 3/26.

Note: The decision schedule will accelerate for Week 12: Be alert!
Week of March 31 (Week 12)

For Class on Tuesday, 4/1 (Team Time: Debrief Round 6)

The Competition Continues:

• All teams submit Round 6 decisions by 3:00 a.m. Monday, 3/31.

For Thursday, 4/3 (Team Time - Debrief Round 7)

The Competition Continues:

• All teams submit Round 7 by 3:00 a.m. Wednesday, 4/2.
• Complete Peer Evaluation # 3 (submit by 3:00 a.m. Wednesday, 4/2).

Week of April 7 (Week 13)

For Class on Tuesday, 4/8 (Team Time: Debrief Round 8 / Peer Evaluation)

The Competition Ends!

• All teams submit Round 8 decisions by 3:00 a.m. Monday, 4/7.
• Print and bring to class the following document: Presentation Instructions.

Note: The EBI Student Satisfaction Survey will be administered this class

For Class on Thursday, 11/29 (Team Time - Prepare Presentations)

• Teams will working on preparing presentations.

Important: Instructor and Course Evaluations are available on the DUCK this week.

Week of April 14 (Week 14)

For Class on Tuesday, 4/15 (Presentations)

• Presentations by the following companies (teams):
• Andrews
• Baldwin
• Andrews / Baldwin team members complete Peer Evaluation # 4 by 3:00 a.m. Tuesday, 4/15.
• Andrews / Baldwin bring completed Peer Evaluation Score Card to class.

For Class on Thursday. 4/17 (Presentations)

• Presentations by the following companies (teams):
• Chester
• Digby
• Chester / Digby team members complete Peer Evaluation # 4 by 3:00 a.m. Thursday, 4/17
• Chester / Digby bring completed Peer Evaluation Score Card to class.

Week of April 21 (Week 15)

For Class on Tuesday, 4/22 (Presentations)

• Presentations by the following companies (teams):
• Erie
• Ferris
• Erie / Ferris team members complete Peer Evaluation # 4 by 3:00 a.m. Tuesday 4/22
• Erie / Ferris bring completed Peer Evaluation Score Card to class.
• Note: Comp-XM exam guides will be issued at the end of this class.

CAPSTONE FINAL EXAMS

Comp-XM Business Competency Exam

The Comp-XM exam opens Wednesday, 4/23, 8:00 a.m. and closes Wednesday 4/30 at 11:55 p.m.

Major-Specific Exit Exam

• Date / Time: University assigned final exam period (TBA)
• Location: Testing Center (lower level of the library)