SYLLABUS
GM 170 - Fundamentals of Business Strategy
Spring 2013
(Tuesday/Thursday 4:30PM – 5:45PM)
INSTRUCTOR:
OFFICE:
PHONE/FAX:
E-MAIL:
CONFERENCE HOURS:
Dr. Jeff Niu
TAH 2023
(916) 278-6939
niuk@csus.edu
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 covers essential 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
3. 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.
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California State University, Sacramento
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:
Mini Case/Assignments (2 @ 100 points with Peer Evaluation)
Multiple Choices Exams (3 @ 100 points each)
Term Case Analysis (With Peer Evaluation)
100
200
300
200
Maximum Points Possible
800
Note: You Earn Your Grades. The points will be assigned Fairly based on your
performance.
Point Scale:
NOTE: Your individual grade 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
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California State University, Sacramento
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.
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California State University, Sacramento
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
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California State University, Sacramento
2. Next, the individuals’ participation (peer evaluation) grade is computed
3. 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:
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 appropriate and required graphs, 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
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California State University, Sacramento
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.
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.
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California State University, 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 26 & 28
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
GM 170
Dr. Niu Spring 2013
California State University, Sacramento
Ch. 1 – 9
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Date
Topic
May 16
Term Case Analysis Report Due
Reading/Activity/Assignment
* Schedule is subject to change.
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Dr. Niu Spring 2013
California State University, Sacramento
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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).
Total (100%)
Group # / Name
Overall value to team (20%)
Section:
Met deadlines (20%)
Course:
Quality of work (20%)
Signature:
Attendance at team meetings (20%)
Your name:
Carried fair share of team assignments (20%)
Peer Evaluation Form (Mini Case 1)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
GM 170
Dr. Niu Spring 2013
California State University, Sacramento
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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).
Total (100%)
Group # / Name
Overall value to team (20%)
Section:
Met deadlines (20%)
Course:
Quality of work (20%)
Signature:
Attendance at team meetings (20%)
Your name:
Carried fair share of team assignments (20%)
Peer Evaluation Form (Mini Case 2)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
GM 170
Dr. Niu Spring 2013
California State University, Sacramento
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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).
Total (100%)
Group # / Name
Overall value to team (20%)
Section:
Met deadlines (20%)
Course:
Quality of work (20%)
Signature:
Attendance at team meetings (20%)
Your name:
Carried fair share of team assignments (20%)
Peer Evaluation Form (Term Case )
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
GM 170
Dr. Niu Spring 2013
California State University, Sacramento
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