Course Syllabus

Course Information
Course Number/Section BA4305-503
Course Title Strategic Management
Term Spring 2011
Days & Times Tuesday, 7:00 – 9:45pm, SOM 2.804

Professor Contact Information

Professor Maria Hasenhüttl, PhD
Office Phone 972-883-5898
Email Address maria.hasenhuttl@utdallas.edu
Office Location SOM 4.411
Office Hours Tuesday 5:30 – 6:30pm
Friday 3:15 – 4:00pm
Also by appointment
Other Information Please email through eLearning

Course Pre-requisites, Co-requisites, and/or Other Restrictions

Co-requisite: BA 4371, Prerequisites: BA 3341, BA 3351, BA 3352, BA 3361 and BA 3365.

Course Description
This is a capstone-level course requiring integration of all fields of business. Students will draw on their
broadened awareness of various environmental influences (social and political) to solve business
problems. Management alternatives will be examined with an ethical perspective relating policy trends to
the strategic planning mode.

The Strategic Management course has been designated a capstone course in business at the University of
Texas at Dallas. The purpose of a capstone course is to integrate the learning achieved in individual
business courses taken to earn a business degree. The knowledge acquired in finance, accounting,
operations, MIS, marketing, and organizational behavior classes will be utilized to study the strategic
management of the firm as well as the responsibilities of the general manager. Students will participate in
a simulation that requires taking into account multiple decision-making factors while balancing all sectors
of the firm’s environment. This is an extremely intense course, which requires a substantial time
commitment.

Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes

1. Students will be able to complete an external and internal analysis of a firm.

2. Students will be able to identify the strategic problems of a firm.
3. Students will be able to develop solutions to a firm’s strategic issues.
4. Students will be able to integrate skills acquired in finance, accounting, marketing, production, and
MIS courses to create a successful firm strategy.

Course Syllabus – BA 4305-503 Spring 2011 Dr. Maria Hasenhüttl

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Required Textbook and Materials

1. G.G. Dess, G.T. Lumpkin, and A.B. Eisner. Strategic Management Theory. Text and Cases. 2010.
5th Edition, McGraw-Hill Irwin. ISBN: 978-0-07-353041-3

2. Management Simulations (Smith, D.C.). CAPSTONE and Comp-XM.(Simulation Guide is

distributed in class). You are required to pay for and register at http://www.capsim.com for the
simulation. The Industry ID for this class is: C41597_000. With questions regarding the technical
aspects of the simulation, please call the following toll free number during working hours: 877-
477-8787.

3. Use the website

http://www.umuc.edu/prog/ugp/ewp_writingcenter/modules/plagiarism/start.html to complete
your plagiarism tutorial and quiz, and hand-in to instructor on assigned date.

4. Refer to the MLA style guide at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/06/ to write your

individual case papers.

5. eLearning will be used throughout the semester. eLearning allows you to receive information from
instructors, submit most assignments electronically, and monitor your grades. Be sure that your
grades have been recorded correctly. Report any discrepancies within three weeks of the day the
grade was posted.

Suggested Course Materials

Range of journals through McDermott Library (www.utdallas.edu/library/resources/journals.htm).

Assignments & Academic Calendar

The following course schedule provides a detailed checklist of topics and assignments by week. This
course outline provides a general plan for the course. I reserve the right to make periodic changes to
content, requirements, and schedule. All changes will be announced in class. Notice that there may be
times when you have more than one assignment due on a particular day. You will need to plan ahead so
that you do not fall behind or miss a grade. Readings and assignments are to be completed before class.
All assignments are due at the beginning of the assigned class period, unless otherwise noted below.

Course Syllabus – BA 4305-503 Spring 2011 Dr. Maria Hasenhüttl

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Date Topic Reading/Case Discussion Assignments Due
Jan 11 Course Introduction, Syllabus review,
Requirements Capsim discussion
Introduction to Capstone
Simulation

Jan 18 Strategic Management Chapter 1 Submit Case 1: Robin Hood

Generic Strategies Case 1: Robin Hood Printout of completed
plagiarism tutorial
Situation Analysis Chapter 8 of Student Guide Read student guide
Registered for simulation
Viewed introductory lesson
and completed the quiz on-
line
Printed Capstone Courier
for Round 0
Printed Industry Condition
Report
Rehearsal Simulation
completed
Completed homework
assignments # 1 Getting
Started and # 2 Rehearsal
simulation on capsim.com
Jan 25 Strategic Leadership & Chapter 11 Submit Case 3 Skeleton
Ethics Case 3: Skeleton 3 practice rounds completed
Case Analysis Chapter 13 (completed homework
assignment # 3 Practice
Rounds on capsim.com)
Cost Leadership Strategy
Simulation (Jan 25 – Feb 8)
Feb 1 External Environment of Chapter 2 Submit Case 35 Nintendo
firm Case 35 Nintendo Wii Wii
Simulation Quiz

Feb 8 Internal Environment of Chapter 3 Submit Case 17 Pixar

firm Case 17: Pixar Simulation 1 Paper (Cost
Leadership Strategy)
Differentiation Strategy
Simulation (Feb 8 – Mar 8)
Feb 15 Internal Environment of Chapter 3 continued Completed financial
firm continued analysis of Macy’s and
JcPenney
Course Syllabus – BA 4305-503 Spring 2011 Dr. Maria Hasenhüttl
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Feb 22 Intellectual Assets Chapter 4 Case Paper 1 ( Case 14
Case 27 SW Airlines McDonalds)
Submit Case 27 SW
Airlines

Mar 1 Exam 1 Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 11

Mar 8 Business-Level Strategy Chapter 5 Simulation 2 Paper
Case 39: Ann Taylor (Differentiation Strategy)
Submit Case 39 Ann Taylor
Focus Strategy Simulation
(Mar 8 – Mar 29)
Mar 15 No class – Spring break
Mar 22 Corporate Level Strategy Chapter 6 Case Paper 2 (Borders &
Case 18: Johnson & BN)
Johnson Submit Case 18 Johnson &
Johnson
Mar 29 International Strategy Chapter 7 Simulation 3 Paper (Focus
Case 20: Lenovo Strategy)
Submit Case 20 Lenovo
Apr 5 Innovation and Corporate Chapters 8 and 12 Submit Case 19 Samsung
Entrepreneurship Case 19: Samsung
continued
Apr 12 Strategic Control and Chapter 9 Case Paper 3 (Case 33
Corporate Governance Case 4: Incentive plans Readers Digest)
Submit Case 4 Incentive
Plans
Apr 19 Organizational Design Chapter 10 Start CompXM
Course Re-cap Case 15: Procter & Gamble Submit Case 15 P&G
Review for Exam, Q&A
Apr 26 Exam 2 Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
12
May 6 CompXM completed by CompXM completed by
11:00pm 11:00pm
May 18 Grades posted

Course Syllabus – BA 4305-503 Spring 2011 Dr. Maria Hasenhüttl

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Grading Policy

Capstone
1. 3 Simulation papers 15%
2. COMP-XM 15%
Individual Assignments
3. 3 Individual Case Papers 30%
4. 2 Exams 20%
5. Participation 10%
6. 1-page written case 10%
discussions

100%

A+: 97 and up A: 94-96 A-: 90-93

B+: 87-89 B: 84-86 B-: 80-83
C+: 77-79 C: 74-76 C-: 70-73
D+: 67-69 D: 64-66 D-: 60-63
F: 59 and below

Descriptions of Course Assignments

Capstone Simulation
1. Simulation Papers (individual or teams of maximum three)
2. Comp-XM (individual)

The Capstone simulation will be conducted with students working individually or in groups of maximum
three. You will represent separate firms within an industry. Every firm begins from the same starting
point, but will compete based on various decisions made within your group. We will begin with some
practice rounds first against the computer. Then, we will run with specific strategies for 5 rounds each. As
the simulation continues, each firm will keep a record of decisions made, and the specific strategic
reasons for those decisions. Simulations are fun, but take the competition seriously – there are winners
and losers in this game.

You will run 3 separate simulations of 5 rounds each (the minimum), each time using a different strategy.
You will be playing against the computer. To succeed, you must practice the game multiple times. You
will be allowed unlimited resets of the game. For reset requests, send an e-mail through eLearning,
include your company name and the specific round(s) you would like to have reset. Notice that after each
deadline, the simulation will be reset und you will begin again with a different strategy, which we will
discuss in class.

Course Syllabus – BA 4305-503 Spring 2011 Dr. Maria Hasenhüttl

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When each simulation ends, you will submit a report (to be approximately 3 double-spaced, typed pages
of text PLUS tables) that outlines actions taken throughout the 4 rounds of the simulation. Focus on an
overall analysis, NOT a round by round description of your decisions.

The report should include at a minimum (see posted rubric):

1. A competitive analysis – what generic strategies did the competing firms follow?
2. A financial analysis of your firm including benchmarking.
3. Evaluation of your firm’s successes and failures. What decisions were correct? What should have
been done differently? Explain!
4. A printout of the Capstone Courier for the 5th round, Select Financial Statistics, and Financial
Historical Summaries.

These 3 sets of simulation rounds will prepare you for the Comp-XM, which will occur during the last
weeks of the semester as a take-home individual assignment. Each student will play rounds against the
computer, based on their most successful earlier experience with the simulation. There are no resets in
COMP-XM. COMP-XM also includes a series of questions based on the simulation results. You will
receive a grade for the Comp-XM.

CAPSIM Support
Each student is expected to carefully read the manual and consult CAPSIM support 877-477-8787
regarding all technical aspects of the simulation.

3. Individual Case Papers

You are assigned 3 cases. Each paper must be a minimum of 3 pages of text PLUS exhibits. Each case
will have its own specific content requirements. Review the posted rubrics before starting to work on
these papers.
Case paper format & rules:
- You must follow the requirements. This assignment involves the ANALYSIS PROCESS.
- For each paper you will be turning in a hard copy as well as uploading to the turnitin link on
eLearning (for a plagiarism check) and the appropriate link under the assignment tab in eLearning.
- Assignments submitted via Turnitin in eLearning allow you to get a plagiarism ―originality‖
assessment. There will be two links (Test and Final) for each of the papers in order to help you
avoid accidental misquoting of sources without proper referencing. You should review your paper
submitted to the Test link carefully if your originality index is above 15%, before you submit it to
the Final link. Small matches, etc. have been excluded to make these evaluations more helpful to
you.
- Late papers will not be accepted.
- Use the MLA Handbook and follow the rules of format for papers regarding references, citations,
spacing, headers, etc.
- You will use each textbook case as a starting point, then update with additional information
through research.

Course Syllabus – BA 4305-503 Spring 2011 Dr. Maria Hasenhüttl

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 - You must list references - just using the text book is not enough. I expect you to use the extensive
on-line library resources. The Internet may be used but only along with other sources. If your
paper has only Internet sources, it is an automatic zero! This includes Wikipedia.
- Word processing programs have spelling and grammar checking capabilities – use them!
- Visit the Writing Lab BEFORE you hand in any papers if you feel you need help – they are
extremely helpful. SOM Writing Lab: room 1.218, e-mail: somwritinglab@gmail.com.

Plagiarism Tutorial & Quiz:

Use the website
http://www.umuc.edu/prog/ugp/ewp_writingcenter/modules/plagiarism/start.html to complete your
plagiarism tutorial and quiz. Review the tutorial and retake the quiz as many times as is necessary to earn
a grade of 100% correct on the quiz. Print your quiz results and submit your print-out on the assigned
date.
You must complete the tutorial and quiz successfully in order to be allowed to submit any papers.

1. Case Paper 1: Case 14 McDonalds

Due: Feb 22

Complete the following analysis:

i) General external environment
ii) Five-Forces analysis
iii) Stakeholder analysis
iv) What ethical issues are involved?

2. Case Paper 2: Borders Group and Barnes&Noble (financials from Mergent)

Due: March 22

Complete financial analyses of both firms & determine if one has a competitive advantage over
the other. Use 3 Tables as the basis for your evaluations (tables will be handed out in class).

3. Case Paper 3: Case 33 Readers Digest

Due: April 12

Identify strategic problems, using any two of the following tools:

Financial Analysis
Value Chain Analysis
Stakeholder analysis
5 Forces Analysis
External Environment Analysis

Make recommendations for solutions to the problems identified.

Course Syllabus – BA 4305-503 Spring 2011 Dr. Maria Hasenhüttl

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 4. Exams

a. Two non-cumulative exams focusing on the assigned readings, cases and lecture material will be
given to assess your mastery of the material in each section of the course. Exam format will be
essay, based on materials from the readings, cases, lectures, videos, and class discussions.
b. Preparing for an exam is an important part of the learning process—it takes weeks of preparation,
not days or hours. Learning and understanding the material are the best preparation for the exams.
Keeping up with the readings pays off. Plan to spend at least 6-8 hours per week outside of class
on the simulation, reading and writing assignments for this course.
c. Policy regarding Make-up exams: If you might miss an exam, notify me immediately via e-mail
through eLearning. I must hear from you before the scheduled time of the exam Make-up exams
will be given only if: (a) you were seriously ill and have verifiable documentation from a
physician, or (b) you made arrangements prior to the exam to attend an urgent family or business
affair. If you do not show up for your makeup exam at the scheduled time, you will receive 0
points (you get one chance to make up the exam). Beware, make-up exams are designed to be
more difficult to compensate for having more study time.

5. Participation

The success and value of this course depend on class participation. We all have experiences that will
enrich the topics and direction of discussion in this course. This means that you need to be fully
acquainted with the readings for a given session. It is my expectation that you will have read the assigned
material and cases and be prepared to participate in class discussions and activities. I will periodically
collect information on your participation in in-class activities.

6. 1-page written case discussions

In preparation for discussing the case that is scheduled for a given class, you are expected to write a brief
(around 1 page) long case analysis that answers to questions that I will specify in the previous class. The
written case analyzes are to aid you during the class discussions. You are required to hand in 6 individual
1-page written case discussions. Three of these you need to submit before Exam 1. You need to submit
these cases under the assignment tab in eLearning, as well as hand in a hard copy in class.

You must attend class & participate in discussions for this portion of the grade. You will see these cases
again on exams!

Course Syllabus – BA 4305-503 Spring 2011 Dr. Maria Hasenhüttl

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Course & Instructor Policies

Assignments:
All assignments are due at the beginning of the class period for which they are assigned. All written work
is to be typewritten, double spaced, stapled, and follow expected standards of clarity, organization and
grammar. Note: visit the writing lab BEFORE submitting papers if you think you would benefit.
Late assignments will not be accepted.
To get the most benefit from your time in this class, read the material to be discussed before we discuss it
in class. You will find classes to be much more interesting and involving if you come prepared to discuss
each day's topic.
Notice that there may be times when you have more than one assignment due on a particular day. You
will need to plan ahead so that you do not fall behind.

Class attendance:
Class attendance and participation are an important indication of your commitment and professionalism,
and are critical to your success in this course.
This course is your course – your input will determine your outcomes. There will be a sign-in sheet at
each class period. You are allowed 2 excused absences. After that, each absence results in a reduction of
3% of your total grade. Please let me know in advance if you need to miss a class. Keep in mind that
written assignments must still be handed in on the due date.

Missed Classes
It is the individual student’s responsibility to acquire missed lecture notes, assignments, handouts and
announcements from a class member – not the Instructor. Each student is responsible for all information
given in class. This includes any changes to the syllabus, content and format of exams, and details given
regarding assignments.

Classroom citizenship:
Students are expected to behave professionally as college learners, and not distract others or interfere with
their learning. Remember:
Arrive on time, and don’t leave early
Take good notes
Silence all cell phones
Use of laptops is NOT permitted, unless instructed to conduct research related to the topic of
discussion

Etc.
No folders and cover pages! Keep a copy of every paper and assignment you submit for a grade.
Plan to spend at least 6-8 hours per week outside of class on the simulation, reading and writing
assignments for this course.
It is your responsibility to READ THE SYLLABUS thoroughly and to keep track of all the important
dates and requirements.

Course Syllabus – BA 4305-503 Spring 2011 Dr. Maria Hasenhüttl

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Policies and Procedures for Students
The University of Texas at Dallas provides a number of policies and procedures designed to provide
students with a safe and supportive learning environment. Brief summaries of the policies and procedures
are provided for you at http://go.utdallas.edu/syllabus-policies and include information about technical
support, field trip policies, off-campus activities, student conduct and discipline, academic integrity,
copyright infringement, email use, withdrawal from class, student grievance procedures, incomplete
grades, access to Disability Services, and religious holy days.

Avoiding Plagiarism

[Adapted from Duke University's guidelines for writers; added July 2010]

Take time to make careful choices among--and learn to use--the research tools available to you. You will
probably find that your favorite web search engine is not adequate by itself for college-level research.
Consult with your professor or a librarian. You may need to use specialized research tools, some of which
may require learning new searching techniques.

Expect to make trips to the library. While you can access many of the library's resources from your home
computer, you may find that you need to make several trips to use materials or research tools that are not
accessible remotely. Of course, you will be seeking the best information, not settling for sources simply
because they happen to be available online.

Allow time for gathering materials that are not available at UT Dallas. The InterLibrary Loan Office can
borrow articles and books from other libraries, but this process takes additional time.

Allow time for reading, rereading, absorbing information, taking notes, synthesizing, and revising your
research strategy or conducting additional research as new questions arise.

Sloppy note-taking increases the risk that you will unintentionally plagiarize. Unless you have taken note
carefully, it may be hard to tell whether you copied certain passages exactly, paraphrased them, or wrote
them yourself. This is especially problematic when using electronic source materials, since they can so
easily be copied and pasted into your own document.

Identify words that you copy directly from a source by placing quotation marks around them, typing them
in a different color, or highlighting them. (Do this immediately as you are making your notes. Don't
expect to remember days or weeks later what phrases you copied directly.) Make sure to indicate the exact
beginning and end of the quoted passage. Copy the wording, punctuation and spelling exactly as it
appears in the original.
Course Syllabus – BA 4305-503 Spring 2011 Dr. Maria Hasenhüttl
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Jot down the page number and author or title of the source each time you make a note, even if you are not
quoting directly but are only paraphrasing.

Keep a working bibliography of your sources so that you can go back to them easily when it's time to
double-check the accuracy of your notes. If you do this faithfully during the note-taking phase, you will
have no trouble completing the "works cited" section of your paper later on.

Keep a research log. As you search databases and consult reference books, keep track of what search
terms and databases you used and the call numbers and URLs of information sources. This will help if
you need to refine your research strategy, locate a source a second time, or show your professor what
works you consulted in the process of completing the project.

You must cite direct quotes.

You must cite paraphrases. Paraphrasing is rewriting a passage or block of text in your own words. If you
paraphrase, you must still cite the original source of the idea.

You must cite ideas given to you in a conversation, in correspondence, or over email.

You must cite sayings or quotations that are not familiar, or facts that are not "common knowledge."
However, it is not necessary to cite a source if you are repeating a well known quote or familiar proverb.
Common knowledge is something that is widely known. For example, it is widely known that Bill Clinton
served two terms as president; it would not be necessary to cite a source for this fact.

These types of sources should be cited as well. Printed sources: Books, parts of books, magazine or
journal articles, newspaper articles, letters, diaries, public or private documents; Electronic sources: Web
pages, articles from e-journals, newsgroup postings, graphics, email messages, software, databases;
Images: Works of art, illustrations, cartoons, tables, charts, graphs; Recorded or spoken material: Course
lectures, films, videos, TV or radio broadcasts, interviews, public speeches, conversations.

Course Syllabus – BA 4305-503 Spring 2011 Dr. Maria Hasenhüttl

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