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edu/coloradosprings

Course Syllabus BUSN 6200 Strategy and Competition Course

Please Note: Students must notify the office if they wish to DROP or WITHDRAW from a course. It is not sufficient to tell your instructor. Cancellation of an enrollment is subject to Tuition Refund Deadlines and Policies as outlined in the Graduate Studies Catalog.

Term/Date

Instructor

Spring 2, 2010 Thursday, 5:30pm-9:30PM Class begins: March 18, 2010 Location: Metro Campus Name: Dr. Ray Pabilonia Phone: Work (719-554-5130) Email: rpabilonia37@webster.edu The student examines the conceptual and practical aspects of business policies and policy decision making by utilizing all the concepts, theories, and tools that were presented in the previous courses. The student should be able to analyze and recommend a comprehensive and workable approach to the situation. The course should cover current business issues and developments. All other core MBA courses The student will:

Catalog Description

Prerequisites Course Level Learning Outcomes

Outcome 1. Students understand the important facts, terminology, concepts, principles, and theories in the area of Strategy

Expectations

Students can discuss the results of research that links strategic variables to firm performance (e.g. The PIMS findings). Students can describe the various models and methods used to conduct external and internal analysis (e.g. SWOT, BCG, Porter, etc.) Students can prepare a written analysis of a business situation, including market structure, within the parameters of the Porter 5 Forces Model or standard Economic Market Structures to assess market conditions. Students can determine the relative well-being of the firm and identify specific performance problems (e.g. inventory management, debt load, etc.) based on financial statements. Students can determine whether the financial condition of the firm will

2. Students can conduct industry analysis to assess the relative market position of a firm or product division.

3. The student will be able to use accounting and financial information to assist in their strategic analysis.

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2 allow the firm to pursue a desired strategy. 4. The MBA will be able to use Students can discuss quantitative tools quantitative tools to assist in the that can be used to assess competitive analysis of the strategy of the position and strategy. firm. Students can identify situations when these quantitative tools can be helpful in the analysis. They can apply the tools and interpret the results. 5. The MBA can address The MBA will, when faced with an unstructured business problems unstructured business situation that span multiple functional (through a case or simulation), be able areas. to identify the key factors driving problem or situation, the additional information needed to understand the situation, and to set priorities for decision and action.

Materials

Thompson, A. A., Strickland, A. J., & Gamble, J. E. (2008). Crafting and Executing Strategy: The Quest for Competitive Advantage - Concepts and Cases th (17 ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. (ISBN: 0-07-338124-1) Please make sure you purchase the correct Concepts and Cases edition. Earlier editions are inappropriate for this course Capstone Business Simulation, 2006 by Management Simulations, Inc. Pick up copy of the game text at the Webster Office. Be prepared to pay game fees of approximately $40 on-line (credit card) and exam fees of approximately $15 to gain access to simulation. Go to www.capsim.com and click on New Students. Cases and additional material to be given out in class Required: APA must be used for all papers. Prior APA Style Manuals are permitted. Students who do not own prior APA Style Manuals may order the current edition below: o American Psychological Association. (2009). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. ISBN: 978-1-43380561-5. May be ordered from order@apa.org

Options for Ordering Textbook: Textbooks are available about four weeks before the start of classes and may be ordered from Webster Universitys bookstore, MBS Direct. To place an order call toll-free: 1-800325-3252 or visit http://bookstore.mbsdirect.net/webster.htm

Grading

Grades for this course are based on a straight grade percentage. No curves will be used. The grade point structure for letter grades is as follows. Students earning the following points will be awarded the appropriate letter grade, or a letter grade with + or - emphasis:

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Points Earned 94 - 100 = 90 93.99 = 87 89.99 = 83 86.99 = 80 82.99 = 70 79.99 = Below 70 = Incomplete = Letter Grade A AB+ B BC F I

The Graduate catalog provides these guidelines and grading options for graduate degrees. Grades in the program are A, A-, B+, B, B-, C, F, I, ZF and W. Grades reflect the following standards: Letter Grade A/AB+/B/BC F I ZF Performance Standard Superior Graduate Work Satisfactory Graduate Work Work that is barley adequate as graduate-level performance Work that is unsatisfactory Incomplete work An I that is not completed within one year of the end of the course is automatically converted to a ZF. A ZF is treated the same as an F or NC for all cases involving GPA, academic warning, probation and dismissal. Withdrawn for the course

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Activities The student will review various case studies in this course. Particular emphasis will be placed on the formulation of business policies and strategy.

The following table defines the course evaluation criteria used to measure the students knowledge and progress and the points earned in determining their course grade. Evaluation Area Class Participation Homework Assignment Simulations CAPSIM Exam Final Written Assignment Final Presentation Total Points 10% 10% 20% 25% 20% 15% 100% Points Earned

Class Participation is defined as: . Attendance and coming prepared with notes on case reading, problems sets, etc. . Asking thoughtful and meaningful questions. . Sharing workplace experiences as appropriate. . Maintaining an open mind to opinions of other classmates. . Actively participating in class and small group discussions. Homework assignments (2) each assignment will require a 5 page APA research based paper. Simulation (Capstone): Grading of the simulation will fall into four categories: homework assignments related to the simulation (10%), participation in tutorials and practice rounds before the course and performance relative to competitive rounds (20%) and the CAPSIM Exam (25%) CAPSIM Exam will be open notes and open book. Final Written Assignment - a 20-25 APA research based paper on a business topic of your choice. Final Presentation a ten slide presentation discussing the results of your business strategy for your business topic. Late Work: Students who miss a class must still turn their assignment in via e-mail by the start of class. Failure to do so will result in the assignment marked late. Any assignment turned in late will receive maximum letter grade of B- in fairness to students who meet the stated schedules. After one week, late assignments will not be accepted and the resulting grade for the assignment will be a zero. Case Analysis: The class makes extensive use of case analyses. A case will be covered most classes and students should be prepared to discuss case. In addition, students must come to class having analyzed the case study and be prepared to take a quiz prior to class discussions. All written assignments will adhere to APA rules. Your writing should demonstrate critical thinking insight about the issues with a clear and precise understanding and use of concepts, comments and examples. Grading will based on the following . Completeness of assignment - meets objective of assignment - 20%. . Course content - incorporates learned concepts and theories into the assignment - 25%. . Organization - logical sequence of fact-based arguments and/or subject matter 10%. . Critical thinking - presents objective analysis and/or personal perspective of

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issues/concepts based upon an understanding of the course material 15%. . Composition skills - grammar, spelling, punctuation, readability, language skills, paragraph and sentence structure, use of proper headings 15%. . APA Format outline, appropriate citations and references 15%. WARNING: THIS IS A VERY WORK LOAD INTENSIVE CLASS. STUDENTS WHO HAVE TAKEN THIS COURSE OFFER THE FOLLOWING ADVICE: 1) DONT TAKE THE COURSE COMBINED WITH OTHER CLASSES IF AT ALL POSSIBLE; 2) FOCUS ON THE GAME DURING THE PRACTICE ROUNDS AND LEARN HOW IT WORKS (INCLUDING DOING ALL TUTORIALS). A critical learning tool for this class is the Capstone Business Simulation. You must actively participate. Get registered before the start of class and take the simulation for a test drive. Support is available for you on our toll free number (888) 472 7554, Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Central time, as well as via Email (support@capsim.com) DETERMINATION OF GRADES IS BASED THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: Minimum Requirements: Products (papers, case studies, projects) must be on time, in the correct format, corrected for spelling and grammar, appropriate materials included and referenced to-the-point and on topic and conclusions must be supported. Examinations must be complete, accurate, neat, evidence clear thought, and exhibit concise and to-the-point responses. Behavior in class discussions and group activities should be responsible, should exhibit open communication, be constructive, and helpful. Mastery Level (Grade of B): Professional Achievement Products must meet the requirements stated above for minimum requirements and additionally meet professional criteria. For example, documentation should be included to support research papers, the APA format should be used consistently throughout the paper, and substantially more than the minimum number of references should be included. Presentations should be logical, organized, and comprehensive.

Examinations should be organized, in depth, comprehensive, logical and complete, and evidence thorough understanding of the subject /topic through application of principles. Classroom behavior should exhibit very focused activity and thought on the subject at hand, be motivated, and assist in discovery of new insights and relationships concerning the subject/topic of discussion. Mastery Level Plus (Grade of A): Creative Achievement Products must meet all requirements stated above and additionally meet creative criteria. These criteria include unique topic or subject selection, synthesis of ideas, evaluation of subject matter and positions found in the literature, be creative in approach, establish new relationships with ideas and provide new insights. Examination responses indicate insightfulness of understanding, a synthesis of information and unique ideas, and rationale for application of principles following careful analysis. Classroom behavior should exhibit very focused activity and thought on the subject at hand, be motivated, and assist in discovery of new insights and relationships concerning the subject/topic of discussion. The grade of A represents the best work of students, accomplished in a unique and professional manner.

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Policy Statements: University Policies

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University policies are provided in the current course catalog and course schedules. They are also available on the university website, www.webster.edu. This class is governed by the universitys published policies. The following policies are of particular interest: Academic Honesty The university is committed to high standards of academic honesty. Students will be held responsible for violations of these standards. Please refer to the universitys academic honesty policies for a definition of academic dishonesty and potential disciplinary actions associated with it. Drops and Withdrawals Please be aware that, should you choose to drop or withdraw from this course, the date on which you notify the university of your decision will determine the amount of tuition refund you receive. Please refer to the university policies on drops and withdrawals (published elsewhere) to find out what the deadlines are for dropping a course with a full refund and for withdrawing from a course with a partial refund. Special Services A Registered student with a documented disability and are entitled to classroom or testing accommodations, please inform the instructor at the beginning of the course of the accommodations you will require in this class so that these can be provided. Disturbances Since every student is entitled to participate in class without interruption and disruption in class by inconsiderate behavior is not acceptable. Students are expected show dignity and respect for every class member, especially in cases where a diversity of opinion arises. Students who engage in disruptive behavior are subject to disciplinary action, including removal from the course. Student Assignments Retained From time to time, student assignments or projects will be retained by The Department for the purpose of academic assessment. In every case, should the assignment or project be shared outside the academic Department, the student's name and all identifying information about that student will be redacted from the assignment or project. Contact Hours for this Course It is essential that all classes meet for the full instructional time as scheduled. A class cannot be shortened in length. If a class session is cancelled for any reason, it must be rescheduled

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Course Policies a. The student is expected to independently and within team arrangements, read and comprehend class materials and submit assignments on time. b. The student must be capable of effectively expressing their ideas through written communications.

c. Course policies on E-Mail protocols: E-mail may be used to turn in some assignments and to share problem solutions with fellow students. As a result, class members may have one anothers e-mail address. This makes us vulnerable to virus attacks. THE FOLLOWING PROTOCOLS MUST BE USED WHEN SHARING E-MAILS: . The subject line of all e-mails related to this class must start with Webster. What comes after Webster is up to you. Failure to include Webster may delay your getting a response. . You MUST sign your e-mails with your first and last name. . Attachments you send MUST have your last name as part of the file name. For instance, if I were sending problem 3 from Chapter 5, I might name my file Pabilonia_Homework_1. All files must be in Word format. d. Course Attendance: Students are expected to attend all class sessions of every course. In the case of unavoidable absence, the student must contact the instructor prior to class. The student is subject to appropriate academic penalty for incomplete or unacceptable makeup work, or for excessive or unexcused absences. Generally, a student who misses more than one four-hour course period (per course) without a documented military or medical excuse and advanced permission from the instructor should withdraw from the class. e. Grades will be posed on line and the professor may chose to e-mail a grade advisory individually to students upon completion of the course. f. The student is strongly encouraged to use Passports, which is Eden-Webster Library's WWW site. It integrates Internet resources and academic on-line databases for student and faculty research. Passports is accessible from campus, home, or office (as appropriate for security), providing 24 hour access. Go to http://library.webster.edu/, you will need to use your student ID to access the resources. g. Most course material and exams will be distributed to students using the Webster University E-Reserves page at: http://ereserves.webster.edu. The instructor will provide the access code for this course during the first lesson. h. The student is advised that Turn-it-In - an automated on-line tool that Webster Faculty may use to assess student research submissions for potential plagiarism may be used. Instructor may request students to submit their papers, or the instructor may submit the papers. Students who are discovered cheating or committing plagiarism will be awarded a failing grade for the course, and may be subject to discipline or dismissal. i. Grade reports are found by visiting "academics" on Webster's web page at http://www.webster.edu/. After clicking on "academics" proceed to "registration and services online" then click on the BLUE "Student Logon" button where you will enter your student ID number and your password. (Note: your password was mailed to you in a letter from the Registrar's office). Weekly Schedule Week 1 Students must read the Capstone Student Guide and case assignment prior to the first class meeting, register for the simulation on line, and play a rehearsal simulation. THIS WILL COUNT TOWARDS YOUR CLASS PARTICIPATION THE FIRST NIGHT. Get registered for Connections through Webster and access this class to download a Powerpoint presentation on the Capstone Simulation (Capstone Introduction)

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General Introduction. MBA Review. Course Overview. Assignments. Case Analysis requirements and procedures. Familiarization with Webster computer lab requirements and mode of operation. Chapter 3 and 5 Read section on Strategic Group Mapping (Chapter 3 pages 86 - 89) and Chapter 5 Competitive Strategies and Case # 1. Discuss CAPSIM Business Simulation and review Strategic Group Mapping and Competitive Strategies MBA Review Intro Discuss Case # 1: Whole Foods Market in 2008: Vision, Core Values, and Strategy. Begin CAPSIM Practice Rounds Week 2 Readings: Chapter 1 What is Strategy and Why is it Important and Case # 2. Discuss Case #2: Costco Wholesale in 2008: Mission, Business Model, and Strategy Continue Practice Round of Capstone Simulation Class Exercise Week 3 Readings: Chapter 2 and 3 Leading the Process of Crafting and Executing Strategy and Evaluating a Companys External Environment and Case # 3. Discuss Case # 3: JetBlue Airways: A Cadre of New Managers Takes Control Complete Practice Rounds Begin Competition Rounds Class Exercise Week 4 Readings: Chapter 4 and 5 The Five Generic Company Strategies: Which one to Employ? And Evaluating Companys Resources and Competitive Position and Case #6. Discuss Case # 6: Dell, Inc. in 2008: Can It Overtake Hewlett-Packard as the Worldwide Leader in Personal Computers Review Simulation Complete Rounds 1 & 2 of Capstone Simulation Student Paper Assigned and due at the start of class for Week 5 Week 5 Readings: Chapters 6 and 7 Supplementing the Chosen Competitive Strategy: Other Important Business Strategy Choices and Strategies for Competing in Foreign Markets and Case # 7 and #8. Discuss Cases # 7: Apple, Inc. in 2008 and # 8: Panera Bread Company Complete Rounds 3 & 4 of Simulation

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Week 6

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Readings: Chapters 8 and 9 Diversification: Strategies for Managing a Group of Businesses and Diversification: Strategies for Managing a Group of Businesses and Case #13. Discuss Case # 13: Corona Beer: From a Local Mexican Player to a Global Brand Complete rounds 5 & 6 of Simulation Student Paper Assigned and due at the start of class for Week 7 Week 7 Readings: Readings: Chapter 10 and 11 Strategy, Ethics, and Social Responsibility and Managing Internal Operations: Actions That Promote Good Strategy Execution and Case # 14. Discuss Case # 14: Googles Strategy in 2008 Complete Competitive rounds of Simulation Commence CAPSIM Exam Rounds Week 8 Readings: Chapter 12 Corporate Culture & Leadership: Keys to Good Strategy Execution and Case # 22. Case Video: Case Analysis Discuss Cases # 22 Wal-Mart Stores Inc. in 2008. Managements Initiatives to Transform the Company and Curtail Wal-Mart Bashing Continue CAPSIM Comp Exam Week 9 (May 11, 2008) CAPSIM & Course Debrief Turn-in Final Written Assignment Final Presentation Complete CAPSIM Comp Exam