b a c kn e x t h o m e GBA 687/8 Fall 2009 A Brief Overview Dr. Stan Abraham MHR Dept.

b a c kn e x t h o m e Same Old, Same Old... n Most courses on strategic management teach you ABOUT the topic and how companies fare using different strategies n The textbook costs up to $120 n You’re tested on this knowledge in a mid-term and final exam –You forget everything a week later

b a c kn e x t h o m e This Course’s Focus n To learn what is involved in doing a strategic analysis n To acquire the skill of doing a strategic analysis and presenting the results to a critical audience n Take that skill with you when you finish the course and program –You won’t forget it in a hurry –You’ll enjoy it more

b a c kn e x t h o m e What Do You Think?

b a c kn e x t h o m e What We Will Do Today n See who’s here – take roll n Discuss syllabus and expectations (this presentation) n Introduce ourselves to each other n Form groups (for final project) n Take photographs n Choose books for review

b a c kn e x t h o m e The Other Ten Class Sessions 2. Learn about strategic analysis— long lecture, so plan to stay late 3, 10. In-class time to work with Prof. 4, 6, 8. Practice on the three cases in class (interactive) 5, 7. Discussion about other views about strategic planning 9. Discussion on strategic thinking 11. Demonstrate your ability—Final group presentations

b a c kn e x t h o m e What Happens OUT of Class n Read the Abraham book, become familiar with SAM tw, and use SAM tw on cases and the final project n Prepare each of the cases as scheduled n Do a group-strategy project on a real company –Give a final presentation in class –Write a case study for future classes n Choose a strategy-related book and write a book review (GBA 688)

b a c kn e x t h o m e The Net Result n There’s lots to do in a short quarter n You must take a lot of responsibility for your own learning n The more you do and the harder you try, the more you will learn and the more I will help you n You should ask lots of questions all the time –the one thing that will enhance your learning the most

b a c kn e x t h o m e My Roles n To create a learning environment n To facilitate class discussions n To provide help and feedback both in class and out –In person (after class) –By phone and seven days a week

b a c kn e x t h o m e How to Reach Me n Campus office is Room n Campus extension is 2420 n Campus is scabraham n Home is n Home telephone number is (310) –Don’t call after 10 PM (or after 8 PM on Sunday) –Don’t ask for feedback the day before or day of a presentation

b a c kn e x t h o m e Grading n A necessary evil, but… n Try to earn as many points as you can in GBA 687 –Leading case phases 15 ea) = 30 points –Participation = 20 points –Group project presentation = 25 points –Group written case study = 25 points n The 50 “group” points (blue) are subject to modification by your GCRF n The one-unit book review for GBA 688 is graded separately

b a c kn e x t h o m e Participation Grade (20 points) n For class attendance, 5 points n For participating in general discussions and asking questions after others’ presentations, 15 points –Only my perception counts, beginning in week 3 n More than one unexcused absence will adversely affect your participation grade n Four unexcused absences earns an automatic ‘F’ in the course n Five absences of any kind will also get an automatic ‘F’ in the course

b a c kn e x t h o m e Required Books (only one) n Abraham book and companion CD- ROM –Keys to doing a strategic analysis –Read Parts 1 and 2 within the first four weeks –Familiarize yourself with SAM tw (CD- ROM) n De Kluyver/Pearce book is optional –Complements my book

b a c kn e x t h o m e Any Questions?