‫كلية االقتصاد واإلدارة‬
Faculty of Economic & Business
Syllabus
Strategic Management (BUS 420)
1st Semester 2014-2015
Mrs. Sebba Matuq
Lecturer at the department of Business Administration
Class Details: Monday, Wednesday Section BAR from 8 to 9:20, Building 5, Room 502
Contact Details:
Email: m00n_eye@hotmail.com
Building/Office: 2/2209.
Office Hours: S.Tue.T 8-10 & 12-1or by appointment by an email to make an appointment)
Course Description: With the advent of the (global) marketplace becoming more and more
dynamic and tough due to an ever-intensifying competition, a key determinant/antecedent of the
firms’ survival (let alone their success and/or superior performance) has become their ability to
ensure a continuous adaptation with the changes taking place in their environment. In such a
scenario, the managers/organizations, in order to be successful, need to exhibit a profound
understanding of the dynamics of their industries, the changes/trends in other aspects of their
firms’ external environment and the firms’ internal strengths and weaknesses. They must be able
to think creatively (with a strategic-orientation) in crafting effective strategies to exploit their
firms’ strengths while taking on the opportunities available to overcome their firms’ weaknesses in
order not to be adversely affected by the threats being posed by the external environment. This
course aims at exposing the students to the topics relevant to managing (in fact leading) the
businesses strategically in turbulent environments. The primary objective of this course is to
familiarize them with the nature and dynamics of the strategy formulation and implementation
processes as they occur in the contemporary organizations.
The course centers on elaborating upon the avenues for superior business performance through
identifying the possible means to create and leverage sustainable competitive advantage. The
students are induced to think critically in identifying strategic issues and design appropriate
courses of action in order to take on the opportunities available in the (real and/or contrived)
business settings.
Course Objectives:
 Develop critical thinking/reasoning skills
 Develop an experiential understanding of the strategic management process
 Practice strategic thinking and decision making processes in the executive leadership and
management role Enable students to:
o Conduct a situational analysis including both internal and external influences
o Analyze various business strategies and create a strategic business plan
o Explore the interrelatedness of key functional areas within organizations
o Help others to promote a long-term, positive, friendly, and supportive class atmosphere by
discussing issues, exploring alternatives and reaching consensus in a team environment.
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Course Topic Outline: * (this is a tentative schedule only and may be subject to change.)
Assignment*
Course Topic
Introduction to strategic management
Environmental Scanning and Industry Analysis
Chapter 1
Chapter 4
Internal Scanning: Organizational Analysis
Mid Term Exam
Strategy Formulation: Situation Analysis and
Business Strategy
Strategy Formulation: Corporate Strategy
Strategy Formulation: Functional Strategy and
Strategic Choice
Implementation of the Strategy
Chapter 5
20 Points
Evaluation and Control over the Total Strategic
Management Effort
Final Exam
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 11
40 Points
Note: There will be some case studies given during the course and it will be determined later.
Required Text Book:
Wheelen, T.I. and Hunger, D (2012). Strategic Management and Business Policy (13th Edition).
NJ: Pearson.
Grading and evaluation:
The overall performance of the student(s) will be assessed while using the following criteria;
Mid Term Examination
Final Term Examination
Project
1st Quiz
2nd Quiz
Total
20 points
40 points
25 points
5 points
10 points
100 points
Final grades will be based on the following scale:
Marks
Grade
95-100%
90-94%
85-89%
80-84%
75-79%
70-74%
65-69%
60-64%
0-59%
A+
A
B+
B
C+
C
D+
D
F
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THE PROJECT ASSIGNMENT:
The purpose of the project is to provide the students with the opportunity to examine the nature
and dynamics of strategic management efforts being undertaken by the contemporary
organizations. The students will be working in (self-managed) teams of 3-4 students for this
project. They may opt to work on any one of the following (two) projects;
Project Option I
The team(s) will choose compare and contrast the strategic issues faced by two
competitors in the same industry. Identify two companies that are operating in the
industry you have studied. Preferably, choose two that have very different performances in
the recent past. Divide the team into two subunits, and each unit will focus on one firm.
1.
Each team subunit should identify the current strategy of the firm and
appraise its internal resources and capabilities. How is the current strategy
incorporating these competencies and helping the firm compete within the
industry?
2.
Evaluate the current performance of the firm. How successful has the
strategy been in generating an above average financial performance for the firm
over time and relation to the industry and competitors?
3.
Compare the two firms. Faced with the same industry environment,
examine how and why the firms pursued the strategies they did.
4.
What are your recommendations for these firms? How would you change
their strategies? What recommendations do you have for implementation?
Project Option II
The team(s) will scan the local business environment of Jeddah; the team will set up a
business concern and develop a strategic plan for it. The entity selected for this purpose
could be anything like a restaurant, amusement park, fitness studio (may be for females),
sports center, hospital, or business school etc. In addition, the company may be small,
medium, or large and could operate in either the for-profit or nonprofit sector. The team
must be able to visit the offices and plants, and be able to meet with and interview at least
one company official. In the report, the elements constituting the external environment
and the opportunities and threats posed by this external environment have to be as factual
and logical as possible.
Examinations: Exams will consist of short answer questions, multiple choice questions, true and
false etc., reflecting material presented in the textbook, outside readings, class lectures,
discussions, and videotapes.
Attendance: It is important that you attend all class sessions, as exam questions will reflect
material presented in both the text and during lecture/discussion. I value class participation. Your
presence and participation during each and every class period contributes to everyone's overall
learning. Persistent absence, tardiness or chatting in class will harm your grade. If you must be
absent for any reason, you are still responsible for any materials covered or assignments given
during the session you missed. Please notify me in advance of your absence (including for work
assignments), so we can make arrangements for make-up work/exams, if necessary.
Keeping in touch with me: First, ask questions in class (it helps you and may help others).
Alternatively, visit me during my posted office hours or send me an e-mail.
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