INSTRUCTOR:Dr. Jeff Niu

SYLLABUS

OFFICE:TAH 2023

PHONE/FAX:(916) 278-6939

E-MAIL:

CONFERENCE HOURS:T/TH 10:30AM – 12:00PM, or by appointment

INTRODUCTION

GM 170, Fundamentals of Business Strategy, explores the analysis of strategic decisions an organization is facing. The course coversessential strategy topics such as competitive advantage and sustainability as well as modern game theory models of competition. The central idea is to anticipate the response of other players in the industry and recognizing that often an organization’s performance depends on the actions of other firms. Therefore, understanding the building blocks of a business strategy will help organizations systematically and structurally react and respond to the external threat as well as strengthening internal features.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course has been structured to help you achieve 3 major objectives. At the end of the course you will,

1.Appreciate the value of taking a holistic view of the firm

2.Learn to synthesize your thinking around a strategic framework which includes the following elements:

-Strategy and Organization

-Environment

-Resources

-Strategic Leadership and Reward

GM 170

Dr. Niu Spring 2013

CaliforniaStateUniversity, Sacramento

Understand how functional areas interact to influence firm performance

REQUIRED TEXT

Essentials of Strategic Management, ISBN: 9781111525194, Cengage Learning.This textbook is required for this class so make sure you have it.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION AND GRADING

Your grade in this course will be determined by your performance on assignments, multiple choice exams, team projects, a comprehensive final exam, your participation in classroom and team-specific activities. The points-distribution will be as follows:

Participation/Quiz: 100

Mini Case/Assignments (2@ 100 points with Peer Evaluation) 200

Multiple Choices Exams (3 @ 100 points each) 300

Term Case Analysis (With Peer Evaluation) 200

Maximum Points Possible 800

Note: You Earn Your Grades. The points will be assigned Fairly based on your performance.

Point Scale:

NOTE: Your individualgrade on each case will be computed based on the team grade and the peer evaluation grade that you receive. It means if you did not do your job and contribute fully, your teammates have the authority to lower your grade. Thus, please make sure that you are prepared and willing for team works.

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION

Classes in the course will be conducted using discussions, exercises, articles and cases. Both PowerPoint slides and Hand writing will be used in this class. Discussions will be used to elaborate on and extend the content of the readings, developing conceptual ideas and applying them to business situations. Articles and cases will deal with issues related to the strategic management framework and business integration. Recognize that each article/case is simply a record of an issue faced by business executives. It is not to be construed as portraying either correct or incorrect behaviours. Instead, these articles/cases contain the facts, opinions and prejudices upon which executive decisions have been made. As such, they will provide the basis for in-depth examination of particular issues and concepts.

For this method of instruction to work effectively, you must have read and analysed all assigned material before coming to class. A good rule of thumb is to spend as much time analysing and preparing the material as you do reading it. Another good rule of thumb is to commit to spend about six hours per week (outside class) preparing for this course.

CLASS PARTICIPATION/QUIZ:

Various discussion techniques will be used in class. For these techniques to be effective, you must do the following:

Attend every class, arriving on time so that it can start promptly. More than 2 absences will result in a Failing (F) grade in the class.

Prepare for every class so that you can contribute to the discussion and also appreciate what is being said. Adequate preparation requires more than simply reading the assigned material. Rather, you should have analysed all the important issues, taken a position on them, and be prepared to support them. If you have been unable to prepare adequately let me know before the class. This will help you avoid being embarrassed inadvertently.

Participate in every class. You are responsible for making sure that you do. Participation can take many forms, including making a comment, questioning what has been said, and synthesizing what has been said. If a fellow student makes a point you disagree with, do not let it go unchallenged. Otherwise I will assume you concur, possibly to your peril. In order to successfully complete the course, the followings are needed:

Hard work
Strong responsibilities for team work
Creative and innovative ways of thinking
Positive attitude toward class participants
Courtesy: respect for others

Keep in mind that the amount of knowledge you gain from this course depends directly on your level of preparation and participation: you cannot participate if you do not attend class, and you cannot participate effectively if you have not prepared. Furthermore, the skills you develop through participation are as valuable as the techniques you learn in the course.

Participation is evaluated on the basis of your readiness to become involved, the usefulness of your contribution, and the depth/effectiveness of your argument. In addition, the consistency of relevant contributions and degree of improvement over the semester will be noted. Please note that I will utilize the entire scale in grading participation. Quiz will be randomly administered in class and it is for participation purpose.

SEPCIAL NOTE ABOUT LAPTOP AND CELL PHONE REGULATION:

No electronic equipment of any kind is allowed in class. Using electronic devices will not be tolerated in my class. You will be thrown out the class and receive and F for the course.

ASSIGMNMENTS AND CASES:

During the semester, there will be three assignments: two individual assignments and one team assignment. Assignments must be typed using MS Word or equivalent software. Late submission will not be accepted. The two assignments are based on 2 mini cases which are to be determined.

The Term Case Analysis will be administered in the second half of the semester. As a team, you are required to perform a through and holistic analysis on the case subject.

The grading criteria for your mini cases and term cases include but not limited to the following:

Relevance -- does the comment bear on the subject at hand? Comments that do not link up with what the discussion is focusing on can actually detract from the learning experience.

Causal Linkage -- are the logical antecedents or consequences of a particular argument traced out? Comments that push the implications of a fact or idea as far as possible are generally superior.

Responsiveness -- does the comment react in an important way to what someone else has said?

Analysis -- is the reasoning employed consistent and logical?

Evidence -- have data from the case, from personal experience, from general knowledge been employed to support the assertions made?

Importance -- does the contribution further our understanding of the issues at hand? Is a connection made with other cases we have analyzed?

Clarity -- is the comment succinct and understandable? Does it stick to the subject or does it wander?

The mini case/assignments will be completed as team. Dr. Niu will assign teams for you. Team peer evaluation will be in effect when assigning individual points of the three cases.

The following is an example of the calculation used for determining an individual’s grade:

1. First, the team’s case is graded

2.Next, the individuals’ participation (peer evaluation) grade is computed

The individual’s grade is then computed as follows:

Individual’s project grade = Team’s Grade x Individual’s Participation Grade

Sample Computations for an individual’s grade from Mini Case #1:

The overall team’s project grade = 80 points (out of 100 points)

2.The individual’s participation grade given by other teammates = 80 %,

3. The individual’s project grade = 80 x 80 % = 64 points(out of 100 points)

The written report should be twelve point font, double-spaced, utilize the American Psychological Association (APA) citation format, and generally should be 25 - 40 pages in length (excluding exhibits, tables and appendices). A professional report that (a) demonstrates a command and understanding of the issues involved in the case and their interrelationships, (b) uses sound presentation logic and well thought through justifications, and (c) displays a liberal use of appropriateand requiredgraphs, charts and tables, is expected. The written assignments must be submitted in class on the day they are due. Late submissions will not be accepted.

MULTIPLE CHOICES EXAMS:

The 3 exams are “knowledge-acquisition” oriented. That is they are designed to test your knowledge of basic strategic-management concepts and theories, certain key concepts or analytical tools – in particular, those associated with the core concept of this class. The objective is to ensure that all students “are on board” and are “staying up-to-date” with the instructor and the rest of the class.

ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOR:

Your individual grade on two applications and the integrated project will be based on the team score and peer evaluations. Therefore, contributions must be useful and timely. Individuals will engage in pro-social behaviors, and attendance at team meetings is strongly encouraged. See attached grading explanation.As to teamwork, you have to respect each other.

ADA COMPLIANCE

THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION COMPLIES WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT IN MAKING REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR QUALIFIED STUDENTS WITH DISABILITY.

IF YOU HAVE AN ESTABLISHED DISABILITY AS DEFINED IN THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT AND WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST ACCOMMODATION, PLEASE SEE ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. MY OFFICE HOURS AND OFFICE NUMBER ARE SHOWN ON THIS SYLLABUS.

GM 170

Dr. Niu Spring 2013

CaliforniaStateUniversity, Sacramento

NOTE: UNIVERSITY POLICY REQUIRES THAT STUDENTS NOTIFY THEIR INSTRUCTOR WITHIN THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASS THAT AN ACCOMMODATION WILL BE NEEDED.

SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY POLICY

The CSUS Code of Student Conduct and Discipline provides penalties for misconduct by students, including academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty includes cheating and plagiarism.

The term “cheating” includes, but is not limited to, (1) use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests or examinations; (2) dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; or (3) the acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a faculty member or staff of the university.

The term “Plagiarism” includes, but is not limited to, the use, by paragraph or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials. (Source: Code of Conduct and Discipline at the Sac State University.)

If you engage in academic dishonesty and any behavioural misconduct related to this class, you will receive a failing grade on the test or assignment, and a failing grade in the course. In addition, the case will be referred to the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Program, Dr. Seung Bach for appropriate disciplinary action. This policy is intended to protect the honest student from unfair competition with unscrupulous individuals who might attempt to gain an advantage through cheating.

GM 170

Dr. Niu Spring 2013

CaliforniaStateUniversity, Sacramento

GM105 STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS*

Date / Topic / Reading/Activity/Assignment
Jan 29 / Course Introduction and Orientation / Enrolment Auditing
Jan 31 / The Nature of Strategic Management / Exercise: Alaskan Gold Mine Problem
Feb 5 & 7 / The Strategy Making Process / Ch. 1
Feb12 & 14 / Stakeholders, Mission, Governance and Business Ethics / Ch. 2
Feb 19 & 21 / External Analysis / Ch. 3
Feb 26 & 28 / Building Competitive Advantage / Ch. 4
March 5 / Exam 1 / Ch. 1 - 4
March 7 &12 / Business Level Strategy / Ch. 5
March 14 & 19 / Strategy in Global Environment / Ch. 6
March 21 Apr 2 / Corporate Level Strategy / Ch. 7
Mar 2628 / Spring Break
Apr 4 & 9 / Strategic Change / Ch. 8
Apr 11 / Exam 2 / Ch. 5-8
Apr 16 & 18 / Organizational Design / Ch. 9
Apr 23 & 25 / Introduction to Term Case Analysis
Apr 30 & May 2 / Team Meeting in Class
May 7 & 9 / Team Meeting in Class
May 14 / Final Exam / Ch. 1 – 9
May 16 / Term Case Analysis Report Due

* Schedule is subject to change.

GM 170

Dr. Niu Spring 2013

California State University, Sacramento

Peer Evaluation Form (Mini Case 1)

Your name:Signature:

Course:Section:

Group # / Name Date:

Please rate your fellow team members (excluding yourself) with respect to the five listed attributes. Please be honest, reasonable, and fair. Each student can receive a maximum of 100%.
Team members’ names (excluding yourself). / Attendance at team meetings (20%) / Quality of work (20%) / Carried fair share of team assignments (20%) / Met deadlines (20%) / Overall value to team (20%) / Total (100%)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Peer Evaluation Form (Mini Case 2)

Your name:Signature:

Course:Section:

Group # / Name Date:

Peer Evaluation Form (Term Case )

Your name:Signature:

Course:Section:

Group # / Name Date:

GM 170

Dr. Niu Spring 2013

California State University, Sacramento