Course Objectives

The traditional purpose of this course is to help you integrate your knowledge of the functional areas of business into a holistic view of the firm and thereby determine and execute proper business level and corporate strategies.

Additionally, the field of strategic management has developed a number of concepts and models unique to a general management view, and designed to provide the tools to analyze the firm and its environment. A second purpose of the course will be to digest this body of knowledge, and explore real life situations in applying its concepts, from the standpoint of the practicing manager.

Any concept, theory or model that you may have learned in other business courses or in life is relevant to the course - if it better helps you understand the firm and its competitive environment. Important objectives of the course are to develop strategic thinking, to appreciate the tools and techniques available, to understand the contexts in which strategic management unfolds, and to go “outside the box” for creative solutions

Specific emphasis will be placed on identifying key drivers and issues that serve as the inputs to developing a strategy; moreover, you will learn to asses the impact on various strategic decisions on the organizations wide array of stakeholders.

You will be introduced to the basic concepts and tools of strategic management and will be given ample opportunity to integrate this structure with your other business disciplines and apply them to real world cases.

My goal is to equip you with a working knowledge of the tools and concepts associated with the strategic management process thereby facilitating your contribution to current and future organizations. You will learn how to conduct various levels of strategic analysis studies depending upon the intended use and audience. You will have a framework that will assist you in both accepting and implementing the strategies we will cover.

Many of our topics will deal with business development. The course addresses several sorts of questions in business development. Which markets should we enter? Do we have the capabilities to enter? If not, can we develop these capabilities, and how? How do we acquire and manage the necessary knowledge? Should we exit some markets and when?

To address these questions, the course material includes market entry strategies, dynamic capabilities for change, strategic alliances, and market exit. The class sessions will include case analyses, student discussion, and lectures. Strong student involvement during the class sessions will be an integral part of the course.

The issues, concepts, and frameworks in the course should be helpful to anyone who deals with strategic issues. General managers, consultants, investment analysts, managers in high-technology companies, investment bankers, strategic planners, and brand managers all face strategic issues of the sort covered in this course.

Course Goals: (What is the point of taking this course?)

A. To understand and apply the basic tools and concepts of strategic planning as they apply to a business and its various stakeholders

B. To learn how to identify the key issues and drivers that determines a company’s focus and strategy, stressing the emergence of a global economy.

C. Integrate and reinforce previous course work, combining an emphasis on independent research and the framework of strategic management provided by the text.

D. Develop a sensitivity and understanding of various “constituencies” of a company and how they influence and are affected by a company’s strategy.

F. Strengthen and refine business writing and presentation skills by simulating a real world business environment.

G. Exercise your ability to separate underlying business problems and issues from the symptoms

H. Develop a logical framework to approach the question “what do you think about this company as a vendor, competitor, potential acquisition or partner”.

I. Develop an appreciation and general understanding of the realities of running a complex organization in a global environment.

Beyond these programmatic objectives, this course also intends to provide a cohesive framework for developing and analyzing strategies and for managing and understanding firms that deliver value across multiple stakeholders in today’s global milieu – economic, social, ethical, political, legal, technological, and the physical environment. Strategic Management is “Global” in terms of understanding organizations as open systems and the world they operate in. As such, it covers the issues and functions involved in managing a global business. This course is also “Strategic” by focusing on being proactive, creative, and leading. A firm’s strategy is its “business model” of how to gain competitive advantage and compete successfully in the global marketplace. As such, it deals with business policy formulation, strategic planning, and integration of the core business activities: identifying markets, industries, and competitive advantages; finding and retaining customers; organizing and using cash and capital; and developing relationships among managers and employees. Taken together, Strategic Management will provide the general manager’s strategic perspective in addressing the types of problems globalization poses to businesses: managing across cultures, local execution of global strategy, coping with different regulatory environments, outsourcing, global expansion, strategic partnering, etc.

The world is flat and it’s a global economy, as a result I will continually stress the implications of a borderless business world and seek to provide students with an understanding of problems and opportunities associated with doing business across country and cultural boundaries and to encourage global business thinking and strategy formulation. Topics include forms of international business involvement; economic, socio-cultural and legal-political environments; national and multinational regulations of international transactions and investments; and global strategies for business operations.

Course Management and Flow

Most class meetings will follow a similar protocol. I will expect you to have read the assigned text chapters and case prior to the class meeting.

I will usually discuss a few key concepts from the case to ensure we all have a common understanding; moreover, that will be the chance to apply those concepts to current business trends and events. Each Chapter will have an assigned case from the text and the syllabus will detail the discussion questions for that case. Each group will have an opportunity to present their case analysis to the class. The group will receive a grade for their work and I will be looking for other class members to challenge or enhance the case discussions with their class participation.

In addition to the text cases, which are primarily domestic in nature, I have provide a series of globally oriented cases that we will cover in class.

Leadership and this Course

The Texas MBA program is designed to develop influential business leaders. The MBA Program has identified four fundamental and broad pillars of leadership: knowledge and understanding, communication and collaboration, responsibility and integrity, and a worldview of business and society.

In this course, you will enhance your knowledge and understanding of the Strategic Management Process and its associated deliverable, the Strategic Analysis. Through class discussion, informal study groups, and formal group projects (written and oral) you will enhance your communication and collaboration skills. You will the various “customers” of a strategic analysis, its use and impact on the organization; moreover, you will become better suited to participate in the strategic management process as you will understand the motivations and goals of this key corporate function.

General Philosophy

In teaching this class, which is one of my very favorites, I will take the approach of assuming that you may work for or with me someday or may work in a company in which I have an investment! Keeping this in mind will pay dividends!

Materials

Required

Strategic Management: Text and Cases, Dess, Lumpkin and Taylor, Fifth Edition, McGraw-Hill, 2010

Supplementary Readings and Exercises - to be posted on Blackboard

Global Case Studies (Supplied)

Additional

You are encouraged to read business periodicals such as Business Week, The Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times. Keeping abreast of current business developments will facilitate your participation in class discussions.

In addition, I strongly recommend you read the following recent publications. You will find the first one listed especially useful in your other courses and throughout your business career.

Friedman, Thomas L. 2006

The World is Flat

New York, NY; The Penguin Group

Pfeffer, J. and Sutton, R. 2006

Hard Facts, Dangerous Half Truths & Total Nonsense

Boston, Massachusetts: Harvard Business School Press

Fiorina, C. 2006

Tough Choices/A Memoir

New York, NY; The Penguin Group

Garten, Jeffrey E.

World View, Global Strategies for the New Economy

Harvard Business Press 2008

Sirkin,Hemerling,Bhattacharya

Globality

Competing with Everyone from Everywhere for Everything

Business Plus New York 2008

Carroll and Mui

Billion Dollar Lessons

Portfolio New York 2008

Ghemawat, Pankaj

Redefining Global Strategy

Harvard Business School Press

Course Requirements and Grading

Your grade in the course will be determined as follows:

Points

Class Participation 300 midterm value of 125

Group Case Presentation 200

Midterm Case 200

Final Case Paper Individual 300

1000

The historical distribution of grades has been roughly as follows: 35% As, 10% below B, remainder Bs. Plus/Minus grading applies to this course.

Description of Requirements

You are expected to come to class fully prepared each week. Read each assigned chapter carefully along with the assigned case (see next section). In addition, outside research relating to the chapter topics or “war stories” from your personal experience is encouraged.

Class Participation: For class participation, quality is preferred over quantity as you will not be graded on “air time”. I will base your grade on perceived preparation, participation in discussions, ability to answer posed questions and peer ratings in conjunction with the group projects.

Group Case Presentation: Each group will sign up to present their analysis of a chapters case in class. Oral presentation.. Guidance and prep questions will be posted on BlackBoard

Midterm: You will form groups of 4-5 individuals (sign up under Assignments in Blackboard) and prepare a written strategic analysis on the company I assign. Details of the paper requirements will be posted on Blackboard

Final Case Paper: Similar to the Group Project but an individual effort..cases to be assigned.

Cases From the Text

For each class session, you should familiarize yourself with the topics covered in the assigned chapter of the textbook and the case for that week. I’ve provided preparatory questions that I will be asking in class to generate discussion. I will select individuals at random to start the discussions, but I expect others to join in and apply course material to the case.

Most general managers spend little time reading and even less time writing reports. The vast majority of their interactions with others are verbal. For this reason, the development of verbal skills is given a high priority in this course. The classroom should be considered a laboratory in which you can test your ability to convince your peers of the correctness of your approach to complex problems, and of your ability to achieve the desired results through the use of that approach. Some of the behaviors that contribute to effective class participation are captured in the questions that follow:

1. Is the participant a good listener?

2. Are the points that are made relevant to the discussion? Are they linked to the comments of others?

3. Do the comments add to our understanding of the situation?

4. Do the comments show evidence of analysis of the case?

5. Does the participant distinguish among different kinds of data (that is, facts, opinions, beliefs, concepts, etc.)?

6. Is there a willingness to share?

Blackboard:

Blackboard will be used extensively for this course as I plan to be as “paperless” as practical. I will post assignments, messages, articles to read, Discussion boards for FAQ’s and course logistics and provide you access to your grades.

You will be responsible for checking the Blackboard course site regularly for class work and announcements. As with all computer systems, there are occasional scheduled downtimes as well as unanticipated disruptions. Notification of these disruptions will be posted on the Blackboard login page. Scheduled downtimes are not an excuse for late work. However, if there is an unscheduled downtime for a significant period of time, I will make an adjustment if it occurs close to the due date.
Blackboard is available at http://courses.utexas.edu. Support is provided by the ITS Help Desk at 475-9400 Monday through Friday 8 am to 6 pm, so plan accordingly.

Course Conduct Rules

No use of laptops during class, as is the case with all strategic management cases. At times, I will allow their use, primarily when in group work mode.

Best way to communicate with me outside of class for routine matters is email, I’m always available during office hours and upon request for one on one discussions

If you have to miss a class, check BB or with a group member to see what you missed. An email to me asking you what you missed will be detrimental to your grade!

Three rules on hats in class..

1) Must be clean

2) Must be work front forward

3) Must be off

McCombs Classroom Professionalism Policy

The highest professional standards are expected of all members of the McCombs community. The collective class reputation and the value of the Texas MBA experience hinges on this.

Faculty are expected to be professional and prepared to deliver value for each and every class session. Students are expected to be professional in all respects.

The Texas MBA classroom experience is enhanced when:

· Students arrive on time. On time arrival ensures that classes are able to start and finish at the scheduled time. On time arrival shows respect for both fellow students and faculty and it enhances learning by reducing avoidable distractions.

· Students display their name cards. This permits fellow students and faculty to learn names, enhancing opportunities for community building and evaluation of in-class contributions.

· Students minimize unscheduled personal breaks. The learning environment improves when disruptions are limited.

· Students are fully prepared for each class. Much of the learning in the Texas MBA program takes place during classroom discussions. When students are not prepared they cannot contribute to the overall learning process. This affects not only the individual, but their peers who count on them, as well.

· Students attend the class section to which they are registered. Learning is enhanced when class sizes are optimized. Limits are set to ensure a quality experience. When section hopping takes place some classes become too large and it becomes difficult to contribute. When they are too small, the breadth of experience and opinion suffers.

· Students respect the views and opinions of their colleagues. Disagreement and debate are encouraged. Intolerance for the views of others is unacceptable.

· Laptops are closed and put away. When students are surfing the web, responding to e-mail, instant messaging each other, and otherwise not devoting their full attention to the topic at hand they are doing themselves and their peers a major disservice. Those around them face additional distraction. Fellow students cannot benefit from the insights of the students who are not engaged. Faculty office hours are spent going over class material with students who chose not to pay attention, rather than truly adding value by helping students who want a better understanding of the material or want to explore the issues in more depth. Students with real needs may not be able to obtain adequate help if faculty time is spent repeating what was said in class. There are often cases where learning is enhanced by the use of laptops in class. Faculty will let you know when it is appropriate to use them. In such cases, professional behavior is exhibited when misuse does not take place.

· Phones and wireless devices are turned off. We’ve all heard the annoying ringing in the middle of a meeting. Not only is it not professional, it cuts off the flow of discussion when the search for the offender begins. When a true need to communicate with someone outside of class exists (e.g., for some medical need) please inform the professor prior to class.

· A general rule of behavior and dress is to assume you are at a Google Board meeting.

Academic Dishonesty

Because quality class participation figures prominently in this course, the GSB Honor Code mandates that you not rely on notes, handouts, or cases from students who have taken this course previously. Thus, and consistent with the previous statement about copyright protection, you should not use duplicated readings/cases/handouts since these are likely to be "marked up" or highlighted according to the judgments of others; a critical job of the strategist is to discriminate between meaningful data and "noise."

I have no tolerance for acts of academic dishonesty. Such acts damage the reputation of the school and the degree and demean the honest efforts of the majority of students. The minimum penalty for an act of academic dishonesty will be a zero for that assignment or exam.

The responsibilities for both students and faculty with regard to the Honor System are described on http://mba.mccombs.utexas.edu/students/academics/honor/index.asp and on the final pages of this syllabus. As the instructor for this course, I agree to observe all the faculty responsibilities described therein. During Orientation, you signed the Honor Code Pledge. In doing so, you agreed to observe all of the student responsibilities of the Honor Code. If the application of the Honor System to this class and its assignments is unclear in any way, it is your responsibility to ask me for clarification.

Students with Disabilities

Upon request, the University of Texas at Austin provides appropriate academic accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) is housed in the Office of the Dean of Students, located on the fourth floor of the Student Services Building. Information on how to register, downloadable forms, including guidelines for documentation, accommodation request letters, and releases of information are available online at http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/ssd/index.php. Please do not hesitate to contact SSD at (512) 471-6259, VP: (512) 232-2937 or via e-mail if you have any questions.

Schedule

September 6^th Introduction

Learning Objectives Course overview

Strategic Analysis Deliverable

Strategic Management Process and Uses

Globalizations Impact on Strategic Management

Book Chapter 1

Global Case Cameron Auto Parts

Preparatory Questions What drove Cameron to his chosen Global Strategy

Was McTaggart a good choice for a licensee?

Was the royalty rate reasonable?

September 13^th

Learning Objectives Stakeholder Role in Strategic Management

Book Chapter 1

Case #1 Robin Hood

Preparatory Questions Will be provided on 7 Sept

Group Formation

Globalization Discussion

September 20^st

Learning Objectives Analyzing the External Environment

Book Chapter 2

Case #31 ~~Horror Show at Cinemapex~~

Preparatory Questions

What trends in the general external environment might make the movie theatre business a “horror”?

What does the structure of this industry say about the potential for profits?

Is there any way to achieve a competitive advantage in this industry?

: Do movie theaters have any alternatives? Is there any way to avoid the “horror”?

Global Case Global Wine Wars

How did the French become dominant?

What led to lose of dominance? Advice to French?

September 27^th

Learning Objectives Assessing the Internal Environment

Book Chapter 3

Case #11 WWE

Preparatory Questions

1. What resources does WWE have and how valuable are they?

2. Evaluate their diversification efforts

3. What are the future prospects for WWE? How should they increase shareholder value?

Oct 4^th

Learning Objectives Recognizing Intellectual Assets

Book Chapter 4

Case #39 Ann Taylor

Preparatory Questions

1. What are key forces in the general and industry environments that affect Ann Taylor’s choice of strategy?

2. What internal resources and assets did ANN have that gave it a competitive advantage?

3.How did ANN compete?

4.What has Kay Krill done to implement strategy, and what challenges remain?

Global Cases Globalization of Cemex

What benefits has Cemex derived from Globalization?

What has led to their success?

What intellectual asset do they leverage?

Oct 11^th

Learning Objectives Business Level Strategies

Book Chapter 5

Case #24 Jamba Juice

Preparatory Questions

1.What are key forces in the general and industry environments that affect Jamba Juice’s choice of strategy?

2.What internal resources and assets does Jamba Juice have that may give it a competitive advantage?

3..How should Jamba Juice compete?

4..How should Jamba Juice manage its growth?

Global Case Jollibee Foods

How was Jollibe able to build dominance in the Phillipines?

Evaluate Kitchners effectiveness

How would you deal with the3 options at the end of the case (pgs 11-13)

Oct 18^th

Learning Objectives Corporate Level Strategies

Book Chapter 6

Case #5 Paragon Tools

Preparatory Questions

Why might Paragon Tool want to pursue acquisition of MonitorRobotics? What are the associated risks?

Are there other options for growth that Paragon Tool should consider?

Is Nicky Anaptyxi pushing for “growth for growth’s sake”?

If Paragon Tool moves to acquire MonitorRobotics, or if they remain as they are, and possibly get out of the services business, what might Paragon Tool need to consider regarding their current structure?

Oct 25^th

Learning Objectives Global/International Strategies

Book Chapters 7

Case #25 Geely Automative

Preparatory Questions

1.What is the strategy for Geely’s international market expansion?

2.What potential obstacles might Geely encounter as it attempts to enter the U.S. market? Can it overcome these obstacles?

3. What role should the involved governments play?

Global Case Bombardier

Why was Adtranz an attractive acquisition target for Bombardier? Arguments against?

How do you make money in the rail equipment industry? What is BT’s business model?

How should Lortie move on the operating decisions he is making? Timing, involvement, implementation?

Nov 1^st

Learning Objectives Entrepreneurial Strategies

Book Chapter 8

Case #2 Edward Marshall Boehm

Preparatory Questions

What should the strategy of Edward Marshall Boehm be?
Is there a certain sequence of actions that would be best to take when developing these strategies?
What roles do goals, and specific policies, rules and limits to decision-making, play in establishing strategy?

Nov 8^th

Learning Objectives Strategic Control and Corporate Governance

Book Chapter 9

Case #7 Automation Consulting Services

Preparatory Questions

1.What strategic issues have the ACS founders currently indentified

2. Does ACS have adequate strategic controls in place? Are they effective?

3. What forms should they identify? Next steps?

P& G in Japan

Why was SK-II successful in Japan, will it translate to other regions?

Describe the theory behind and benefits of their Global organization

Risks??

Nov 15^th

Learning Objectives Organizational Designs to Support Strategies

Book Chapters 10

P& G in Japan (continued)

Nov 29^th

Learning Objectives Strategic Leadership

Book Chapter 11

Case #37 AIG

1. Ethics comes from the top of the organization. How did AIG’s leadership handle the situation?

2. What controls did AIG have in place, and how did those controls affect its corporate behavior?

3. Provide a stakeholder analysis of those affected by the bonus issue. What alternatives are present to prevent or lessen these sorts of events? How effective are external regulations in encouraging ethical behavior?

Global Case Philips vs Matsushita

Compare and contrast the business models?

What were the drivers for these differences?

What role did leadership play?

Dec 6th

Learning Objectives Managing Innovation and Fostering Corporate Entrepreneurship

Book Chapter 12

Case ~~#40~~ Genzyme (not it text..will be supplied)

Preparatory Questions

1. How was Genzyme able to emerge from its marginal position in the high risk biotech business to become a strong global player?

What are its core competencies?

What do you think of Henri Termeers “universal pricing” policy?

Are they socially responsible? Commercially viable? Competitive?

Dec 13th

Learning Objectives Restructuring and Turnarounds

Individual Projects Due:TBD

Mercury Restructuring/NEON Bankruptcy

Honor Code Purpose

Academic honor, trust and integrity are fundamental to The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business community. They contribute directly to the quality of your education and reach far beyond the campus to your overall standing within the business community. The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business Honor System promotes academic honor, trust and integrity throughout the Graduate School of Business. The Honor System relies upon The University of Texas Student Standards of Conduct (Chapter 11 of the Institutional Rules on Student Service and Activities) for enforcement, but promotes ideals that are higher than merely enforceable standards. Every student is responsible for understanding and abiding by the provisions of the Honor System and the University of Texas Student Standards of Conduct. The University expects all students to obey the law, show respect for other members of the university community, perform contractual obligations, maintain absolute integrity and the highest standard of individual honor in scholastic work, and observe the highest standards of conduct. Ignorance of the Honor System or The University of Texas Student Standards of Conduct is not an acceptable excuse for violations under any circumstances.

The effectiveness of the Honor System results solely from the wholehearted and uncompromising support of each member of the Graduate School of Business community. Each member must abide by the Honor System and must be intolerant of any violations. The system is only as effective as you make it.

Faculty Involvement in the Honor System

The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business Faculty's commitment to the Honor System is critical to its success. It is imperative that faculty make their expectations clear to all students. They must also respond to accusations of cheating or other misconduct by students in a timely, discrete and fair manner. We urge faculty members to promote awareness of the importance of integrity through in-class discussions and assignments throughout the semester.

Expectations Under the Honor System

Standards

If a student is uncertain about the standards of conduct in a particular setting, he or she should ask the relevant faculty member for clarification to ensure his or her conduct falls within the expected scope of honor, trust and integrity as promoted by the Honor System. This applies to all tests, papers and group and individual work. Questions about appropriate behavior during the job search should be addressed to a professional member of the Career Services Office. Below are some of the specific examples of violations of the Honor System.

Lying

Lying is any deliberate attempt to deceive another by stating an untruth, or by any direct form of communication to include the telling of a partial truth. Lying includes the use or omission of any information with the intent to deceive or mislead. Examples of lying include, but are not limited to, providing a false excuse for why a test was missed or presenting false information to a recruiter.

Stealing

Stealing is wrongfully taking, obtaining, withholding, defacing or destroying any person's money, personal property, article or service, under any circumstances. Examples of stealing include, but are not limited to, removing course material from the library or hiding it from others, removing material from another person's mail folder, securing for one's self unattended items such as calculators, books, book bags or other personal property. Another form of stealing is the duplication of copyrighted material beyond the reasonable bounds of "fair use." Defacing (e.g., "marking up" or highlighting) library books is also considered stealing, because, through a willful act, the value of another's property is decreased. (See the appendix for a detailed explanation of "fair use.")

Cheating

Cheating is wrongfully and unfairly acting out of self-interest for personal gain by seeking or accepting an unauthorized advantage over one's peers. Examples include, but are not limited to, obtaining questions or answers to tests or quizzes, and getting assistance on case write-ups or other projects beyond what is authorized by the assigning instructor. It is also cheating to accept the benefit(s) of another person's theft(s) even if not actively sought. For instance, if one continues to be attentive to an overhead conversation about a test or case write-up even if initial exposure to such information was accidental and beyond the control of the student in question, one is also cheating. If a student overhears a conversation or any information that any faculty member might reasonably wish to withhold from the student, the student should inform the faculty member(s) of the information and circumstance under which it was overheard.

Actions Required for Responding to Suspected and Known Violations

As stated, everyone must abide by the Honor System and be intolerant of violations. If you suspect a violation has occurred, you should first speak to the suspected violator in an attempt to determine if an infraction has taken place. If, after doing so, you still believe that a violation has occurred, you must tell the suspected violator that he or she must report himself or herself to the course professor or Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Business. If the individual fails to report himself or herself within 48 hours, it then becomes your obligation to report the infraction to the course professor or the Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Business. Remember that although you are not required by regulation to take any action, our Honor System is only as effective as you make it. If you remain silent when you suspect or know of a violation, you are approving of such dishonorable conduct as the community standard. You are thereby precipitating a repetition of such violations.

The Honor Pledge

The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business requires each enrolled student to adopt the Honor System. The Honor Pledge best describes the conduct promoted by the Honor System. It is as follows:

"I affirm that I belong to the honorable community of The University of Texas at Austin Graduate School of Business. I will not lie, cheat or steal, nor will I tolerate those who do."

"I pledge my full support to the Honor System. I agree to be bound at all times by the Honor System and understand that any violation may result in my dismissal from the Graduate School of Business."

For more theory and case studies on: http://expertresearchers.blogspot.com/

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Sunday, 23 February 2014

BA 388T STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT: COURSE OUTLINE

Course Objectives

Leadership and this Course

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