BUSN 2070:  Management Strategy

 

Required Materials:

Crafting and Executing Strategy: The Quest for Competitive Advantage: Text & Readings  McGraw-Hill, 2007.

Mike's Bikes - Computer Simulation.  http://www.smartsims.com

WebCT: http://webct.ccri.edu  BUSN2070 (Warren) Supplemental Course Materials

Course Description: 

This course is the capstone for the Management Concentration and the Management Certificate programs. Integration of key aspects covered in other management, business and communications courses are utilized. Emphasis is on the formulation, application and justification of managerial strategies through the use of cases and simulation. (Prerequisite: ACCT 1010, BUSN 2050, BUSN 2060. Note: ACCT 1020 strongly recommended) Lecture: 3 hours

"Organizations use the strategic management process to understand competitive forces and to develop competitive advantages. …thus the strategic management process helps organizations identify what they want to achieve as well as how they will do it."  Hitt, Ireland & Hoskisson.  Strategic Management, 6th Edition page xvii

(See my classroom policies and procedures)

Course Objectives:

Learning Outcomes:   Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: 

• Analyze industry structure and environmental trends to assess industry potential

• Assess a firm’s resources for their potential to generate a competitive advantage;

• Explain the elements of the strategic management process

• Apply critical thinking skills through competitive and corporate strategy analysis.

• Communicate effectively through both oral and written presentations

• Conduct research and analyze information by using both human and technological resources

• Work effectively as a team member through group projects, case studies and problem analysis.

Instructional Method:

This is an application oriented course.  While concepts related to Strategic Management will be addressed, they will also be applied in the analysis of cases and the use of a Simulation.  

• Students use cases about actual companies to practice strategic analysis and to gain some experience in the tasks of crafting and implementing strategy.  Students will diagnose, size up the situation described and then recommend specific action steps.
• Mike’s Bikes is a cross-functional business simulation of a bicycle manufacturing firm. Student teams will complete with each other for dominance in the bicycle industry. Throughout the simulation, students will analyze the current situation through data analysis, craft as well as execute a strategy.  The competitive nature of the simulation mirrors the real world and adds excitement to the course. 

 

Expectations:

This class serves as the Capstone for the Management Concentration.  Knowledge gained in previous business classes will be used extensively throughout the course, especially your marketing, management and accounting classes.   

Attendance is mandatory, especially during the simulation.  Your team will make key business decisions during class and each student must participate in the decision making process.  Failure to contribute could result in poor team performance.  Teamwork is critical in this course. Each absence will affect your grade negatively (5 points per absence).   

You can expect to spend on average at least five (5) hours per week outside of class preparing for class discussions, completing assignments and studying the competition within the simulation.  Enroll in this class, only if you can commit to not only yourself, but to your team as well.

 

Evaluation: (See Student Profiles)

 

Grades will be determined based on the following.

"C" Level   Attend class regularly Read Assignments Participate in class activities/simulation decisions Complete assigned quizzes Complete & Participate in Team  Decisions & Assignments Complete Solo Mike’s Bikes Report "B" Level Complete all “C” level requirements Complete 1 Case Analysis "A" Level Complete all “B” level requirements Complete Additional Case Analysis (Total of 2) Attendance Policy:  Attendance is mandatory.  Each absence from class will result in the reduction of ˝ a letter grade (5 points).

Grading:   Mikes Bikes Computer Simulation – Team Activities Strategic Plan 15% Competitor Analysis 10% Final Report – 15% MB Solo Report – 10 % Quizzes – 15 % Case Analysis – 20% Participation – 15%   Extra Credit - 5% Students who have demonstrated a commitment to their own learning, but for some reason have not performed as well as they would like, will have an opportunity to earn extra credit. Students must request this option.  The instructor reserves the right to decline this request. Participate in The Knight Leaders activities and gain extra points!

 

Topical Outline

 

This page developed and maintained by JoAnn Warren. Send comments and suggestions to: jwarren@ccri.edu. © 2006, Community College of Rhode Island.

This page last modified on: January 24, 2008