UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON
College of Business Administration – Department of Management
Summer 2008
MANA 4322 – Section 004
Syllabus
Textbook: Strategic Management, Dess, Lumpkin & Eisner. McGraw-Hill Irwin; Third Edition; ISBN # 0-07-326720-1
Textbook Website: http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0073124575/student_view0/index.html
Prerequisites: This capstone course is designed for seniors in their graduating semester. Students should have completed all of their required business core courses including but not limited to accounting, business finance, business law, economics, marketing and statistics.
Course Overview: The course integrates all areas of business management and requires students to utilize the skills learned in their business core courses to study and analyze business problems faced by senior managers from a strategic management perspective.
Classes will consist of lectures, case analyses, videos, and discussions. Students are expected to read the assigned materials before coming to class in order to participate in class discussions. We will cover a large amount of material in our 8-week class schedule; therefore, students should come prepared to move quickly through the chapters.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, students will:
-- understand that strategic management is directed at overall organizational goals, includes multiple stakeholders, incorporates both short- and long-term perspectives, and recognizes that there are trade-offs between effectiveness and efficiency.
-- understand that there are three major strategic management processes: strategy analysis, strategy formulation, and strategy implementation and know how they each relate to corporate decisions and actions.
-- understand how the concepts of corporate governance and stakeholder management are interrelated.
-- understand how globalization, technology, and intellectual capital have changed the playing field for managers in today’s business environment.
-- understand how to analyze the internal and external environments of business organizations and to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis).
-- apply problem-solving processes to various types of business situations.
-- formulate a strategy for an organization at a corporate, business, and functional level as well as implement and evaluate results.
Case Studies: Part of the course grade will be the group presentation of a case study analysis. Depending on the number of students enrolled, the lecturer will assign 4-5 students to each group. Group assignments will be made by the second week of class and the instructor will make every effort to include students from varying majors within the COBA in each group. Groups may select a case from the text on a first-come, first-served basis. Cases covered in class are exempt from students’ selections.
Each group will choose a leader who will be responsible for scheduling group meetings outside of class as needed. The instructor will allow some class time for group meetings as time permits. Groups will be required to submit a written report (10 and 15 single-spaced pages before references and exhibits) and prepare an oral presentation of no more than 30 minutes. Groups observing the presentations will be asked to read the case before class as each student will evaluate the presenting group. These evaluations, along with the lecturer's evaluation, will be part of the student's final grade. Questions from the audience are encouraged and will count toward each student’s participation grade.
Class Presentations: Groups may choose any method of class presentation including Power Point, visual aids, and handouts. Presentations should be no more than 30 minutes followed by 10 to 15 minutes of class questions and discussions. Groups are strongly encouraged to watch their time as points will be deducted for presentations that are more than 30 minutes in length. It is up to each individual group to decide whether or not all group members will present to the class. Students should prepare their presentations as they would for a “real world” business meeting. Professional dress and conduct is suggested for class presentations.
Written Reports: The written case report must be turned in at the beginning of class on the date indicated on the schedule. No electronic copies will be accepted. Each written report should be composed as follows:
Title Page
Table of Contents
Executive Summary (1 page or less)
Introduction of the Case (1 page or less)
External Analysis (Porter’s 5 Forces, Stakeholder Analysis, Critical Success Factors, Industry Attractiveness, Opportunities and Threats, etc.)
Internal Analysis (Company Structure, Culture, Identification of Core Competencies, Strengths and Weaknesses, etc.)
Description of the Present Strategies of the Company (mission, vision, objectives, and corporate, business and functional strategies, etc.)
Identify and Evaluate Strategic Alternatives
Plan of Action (either no changes or recommended changes with detailed action plan)
Conclusion
References and Exhibits
Case Write-Ups: Three cases (McDonald’s, Wal Mart, and Johnson & Johnson) will be discussed in class on the dates indicated on the class schedule. To facilitate class discussions, each student will be given a list of questions to be answered and turned in for a grade. Case write-ups should be no more than 1 to 2 typed pages and should be completed individually.
Exams: There will be three exams covering the chapters indicated on the class schedule. The first 2 exams will consist of 50 multiple choice and true-false questions. The final exam will be 100 multiple choice and true-false questions and will be comprehensive with emphasis on Chapters 9-12.
Make-Up Exams: In case of emergency, a student may make up an exam only if the instructor is notified prior to the exam.
Attendance and Participation: Students are expected to attend and be prepared for all classes. If a class must be missed due to illness or other emergency, students should email the instructor immediately. Frequent absences will lower a student’s participation grade. Class participation will be determined as follows:
100% - Student contributed to every class period’s discussion by actively listening to class discussions and providing relevant comments and questions.
95% - Student contributed to most class period’s discussion by actively listening to class discussions and providing relevant comments and questions.
85% - Student contributed to some class period’s discussions by actively listening to class discussions and providing fairly relevant comments and questions.
75% - Student listened to discussions, but comments and questions were few and far between.
Group Work / Individual WorkCase analysis and presentation 20% / Case write-ups (class case studies) 10%
Written case analysis 20% / 2 exams 20%
Final exam 20%
Participation 10%
Total 40% / Total 60%
Grading
A - 90 - 100
B - 80 - 90
C - 70 - 80
D - 60 – 70
F - 0 - 60
Cell Phones and Laptop Computers: Cell phones should be turned off prior to entering the classroom. Sending/receiving text messages in class is a distraction to the instructor and the other students and should be avoided. If a student must respond to an emergency message or call during class, please leave the classroom to avoid disturbing your classmates. There is no wireless connection in TCC’s classrooms, so unless students plan to use their laptops for note-taking, computers should be closed during class discussions.
Class Schedule
Day/Date / Chapters / AssignmentsWeds/ May 28 / Course Introduction / Read Chapter 1 (for Mon. 6-2)
Mon / June 2 / Chapter 1; Form Groups for Case Analyses / Read Chapter 2
Weds/June 4 / Chapter 2 / Read Chapter 3
Mon/ June 9 / Chapter 3; Group Meetings / Read Chapter 4 and McDonald’s Case Study (Dess, pp. 692-698) and complete case write-up.
Weds/June 11 / Chapter 4; McDonalds Case Study; Review for Exam 1
Mon /June 16 / Exam 1 – Chapters 1-4 (50 M/C – Bring Scantron) / Read Chapter 5
Weds/June 18 / Review Exam 1; Chapter 5 / Read Chapter 6
Mon/ June 23 / Chapter 6 / Read Chapter 7
Weds/June 25 / Chapter 7; Group Meetings / Read Chapter 8 and Wal Mart Case Study (Dess, pp. 676-690)
Mon/ June 30 / Chapter 8; Wal Mart Case Study; Review for Exam 2
Weds/July 2 / Exam 2 – Chapters 5-8 (50 M/C – Bring Scantron) / Read Chapter 9 and 10
Mon/ July 7 / Chapters 9 and 10 / Read Chapter 11
Weds/July 9 / Chapter 11; Group Meetings / Read Chapter 12 and Johnson & Johnson Case Study (Dess, pp. 750-755)
Mon/July 14 / Chapter 12; Johnson & Johnson Case Study
Weds/July 16 / Group Case Presentations
Mon/July 21 / Finish Group Presentations; Final Exam Review
Email Peer Evaluations By 10:00 pm
Weds/July 23 / Final Exam – Comprehensive with Emphasis on Chapters 9-12 (100 M/C - Bring Scantron)
Note: As the semester progresses, it may be necessary to make adjustments to the schedule. I will let you know in advance of any change.
Drop Policies
It is the student's responsibility to complete the course or withdraw from the course in accordance with University Regulations. Students are strongly encouraged to verify their grade status before dropping a course after the first withdrawal date. A student who drops a course after the first withdrawal date may receive an “F” in the course if the student is failing at the time the course is dropped.
Student Support Services
The University supports a variety of student success programs to help you connect with the University and achieve academic success. They include learning assistance, developmental education, advising and mentoring, admission and transition, and federally funded programs. Students requiring assistance academically, personally, or socially should contact the Office of Student Success Programs at 817-272-6107 for more information and appropriate referrals.
Americans with Disabilities Act
The University of Texas at Arlington is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation; reference Public Law 92-112 - The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. With the passage of federal legislation entitled Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), pursuant to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, there is renewed focus on providing this population with the same opportunities enjoyed by all citizens.
As a faculty member, I am required by law to provide "reasonable accommodations" to students with disabilities, so as not to discriminate on the basis of that disability. Student responsibility primarily rests with informing faculty of their need for accommodation and in providing authorized documentation through designated administrative channels. Information regarding specific diagnostic criteria and policies for obtaining academic accommodations can be found at www.uta.edu/disability. Also, you may visit the Office for Students with Disabilities in room 102 of University Hall or call them at (817) 272-3364.
Academic Integrity
It is the philosophy of The University of Texas at Arlington that academic dishonesty is a completely unacceptable mode of conduct and will not be tolerated in any form. All persons involved in academic dishonesty will be disciplined in accordance with University regulations and procedures. Discipline may include suspension or expulsion from the University.
"Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts." (Regents’ Rules and Regulations, Series 50101, Section 2.2)
Policy on Nonpayment Cancellations
Students who have not paid by the census date and are dropped for non-payment cannot receive a grade for the course in any circumstances. Therefore, a student dropped for non-payment who continues to attend the course will not receive a grade for the course. Emergency loans are available to help students pay tuition and fees. Students can apply for emergency loans by going to the Emergency Tuition Loan Distribution Center at E. H. Hereford University Center.
COBA Policy on Bomb Threats
Section 22.07 of the Texas Criminal Law states that a Class A misdemeanor is punishable by (1) a fine not to exceed $4,000, (2) a jail term of not more than one year, or (3) both such a fine and confinement. If anyone is tempted to call in a bomb threat, be aware that UTA has the technology to trace phone calls. Every effort will be made to avoid cancellation of presentation/ tests caused by bomb threats to the Business Building. Unannounced alternate sites will be available for these classes. If a student who has a class with a scheduled test or presentation arrives and the building has been closed due to a bomb threat, the student should immediately check for the alternate class site notice which will be posted on/near the main doors on the south side of the Business building. If the bomb threat is received while class is in session, your instructor will ask you to leave the building and reconvene at another location. Students who provide information leading to the successful prosecution of anyone making a bomb threat will receive one semester's free parking in the Maverick Garage across from the Business Building. UTA's Crimestoppers may provide a reward to anyone providing information leading to an arrest. To make an anonymous report, call 817-272-5245.
TCC NE Campus Evacuation Plan
Important phone number: 817-515-8911 (Campus Police)
When evacuation of a building is necessary because of a fire, bomb threat, or hazardous materials accident, alarm may sound or a person may give orders to evacuate. The following procedures apply:
1. Immediately leave the building through the doorways marked by exit signs. (Check out alternate routes the first day of each class, in case an entrance is blocked or is on fire during an evacuation).
2. Exit the building in an orderly manner, without running or crowding. Do not use elevators. Evacuate the building immediately, resisting the temptation to locate personal belongings or asking for details about the situation. Remember, things can be replaced…people can’t be.
3. Assist the disabled or others who may need help.
4. Fire alarms and smoke detectors are to alert building occupants only; they are not connected to the fire department. It is necessary to call for help.
5. If smoke or fire is detected, call the campus police from a campus phone at ext. 8911 or (817)515-8911 from an outside phone.
6. Whenever possible, activate the nearest fire alarm and close the door upon leaving a room.
7. If an exit is blocked or impassable, be prepared to use alternate routes.
MANA 4322-004 Summer 2008 (updated 5/01/08) Page 6