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Instructor : Dr. Moses Acquaah
Office:
Telephone:
Email Address :
Office Hours :
354 Bryan Building
(336) 334-5305 (Office)
(336) 334-5691 (Department) acquaah@uncg.edu
Online Class: send Email for Appointment
Business Policy and Strategy focuses on managing for success through a well-formulated and wellexecuted strategy. As such, in this course we will emphasize the development of a general understanding of the management of an organization, primarily from the perspective of the top management. Our point of view will therefore be strategic, broader than the functional orientation of the specialist. We will be integrating the knowledge you have already acquired from other disciplines such as Accounting,
Economics, Finance, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Information Systems and Supply Chain
Management to provide a ‘macro’ or broader view of how each functional area affects the other parts of the organization and the company as a whole. In addition, we will be examining the organization in its environment and how each is influenced by the other. The problems and issues surrounding the tasks of crafting and implementing a strategy cover the whole spectrum of business and management. Many variables and situational factors must be dealt with at once. Evaluating the pros and cons of one strategy option against another entails a total company perspective and good judgment about how all the relevant factors combine to shape what actions need to be taken.
By the end of the semester, students should be able to:
1. Understand the strategic issues and policy decisions facing businesses and how current management concepts address these issues.
2. Understand and describe the strategic management process and the difference between strategic analysis, strategy formulation and strategy implementation.
3. Acquire an understanding of how to use new and existing knowledge to analyze "real world" cases and by so doing, to understand the complexity of strategic issues.
4. Elaborate on how strategic plans and policies are integrated, implemented and controlled and to comprehend the culture and ethical factors that influence these management activities.

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5. Analyze new knowledge and use existing knowledge to conduct strategic and competitive analysis using various tools (e.g., five forces model, SWOT analysis,
Portfolio matrix models) in a variety of industries.
6. Evaluate the formulation of business and corporate level strategies, the different business and corporate strategic types, alternative actions, and make sound strategic decisions using what-if analysis.
7. Discuss the managerial task associated with implementing and executing company strategies, and the action managers can take to promote competent strategy execution.
8. Assess the role of government policy in creating incentives and disincentives for a variety of competitive condition for both domestic and international competition.
9. Demonstrate how the various pieces of the knowledge they have acquired in their functional-oriented business courses fit together, and discuss why the different parts of a company's business need to be managed in strategic harmony for the company to operate successfully.
10. Synthesize and apply the concepts and analytical tools exposed to in the course by participating in managing a company through a business simulation game or conduct a strategic and competitive analysis of a company, both individually and as a member of a group.
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Dess, G. G., Lumpkin, G. T., & Eisner, A. B., Strategic Management: Text and Cases (DLE), 5 th
Edition, 2010. ISBN-10: 0-07-353041-7 OR ISBN-13: 978-0-07-353041-3 (Note that the recommended copy is the loose-leaf version obtainable from the UNCG Bookstore, which is about 40% cheaper).
Your grade will be based on the following components of the course:
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Exams (50% of grade (200 points)): There are two exams, each worth 100 points. Exams will be a combination of multiple choice and True/False format. Exams will be available within a 24 hour time frame. You will be responsible for taking these exams during the time frame allowed so please be sure that your internet provider works and you are aware of the date and times of the exams. It is best to not wait until the last few hours to try to complete the tests. Although exams are open book, they are also timed (1.5 hours (90 minutes)). In order to complete the exams during the allotted time, you will need to study and know the material prior to beginning the exam.
Exam Dates are follows:
Exam 1 : July 7
Exam 2 : July 29
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Quizzes ( 12.5% of grade (50points) ): There are six quizzes, each worth 10 points. The quizzes will be in a True/False format; cover materials in the unit just completed, and will be available in a
24 hour time frame. The quizzes are open book and are timed (5 minutes). You will therefore need to study and know the material prior to beginning the quiz.
Quiz Dates are as follows:

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Quiz 1 : June 28
Quiz 2 : June 30
Quiz 3 : July 9
Quiz 4 : July12
Quiz 5 : July14
Quiz 6 : July 20
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Individual case analysis (1 2.5% of grade (50points) ): Individual students will submit a written case analysis which should be no longer than 5 pages double-spaced typed in 12 point font and page numbered excluding appendices. The case analysis must be submitted to the Digital
Dropbox on Blackboard latest by 12 noon on the day in which that case is scheduled to be discussed. For example, if you write The Casino Industry case, then it is due on June 28, 2010 at 12 noon . But if your group is presenting The Casino Industry case, then you cannot write-up that case. No late papers will be accepted . The content of the report should discuss the issues addressed in the case and offer recommendations. You may also use the case assignment questions I have provided as a guide in preparing your case analysis (posted on blackboard), but you should not attempt to use the answers to the questions as a substitute for your analysis of a company. The written case must be prepared in a professional manner and follow correct form, spelling and grammar. It must have a cover page, which includes the title of the case assignment, section number, name of student and attest to the statement "I HAVE ABIDED
BY THE ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY ON THIS ASSIGNMENT" . You are allowed and even encouraged to discuss the case with other students in your class, but the final product must be your own work. Note that there is no one “right solution” to a case. It is entirely possible for two students to have well written case reports, although they have different solutions to the company’s issues. This is a CASE ANALYSIS therefore mere collection of case facts ordered logically will not be received well . Those facts should be used to support your arguments. Your grade will depend on the thoroughness and insightfulness of your analysis, the logic of your discourse, the correct use of grammar and spelling, the flow of the paper and the appropriateness of your recommendations.
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Group leadership of case analysis ( 12.5% of grade (50points) ) Group of students which will be determined by the instructor will be assigned to lead the class in discussing one case from the cases scheduled for discussion during the semester for 60 points. The group case presentation and critiques should strictly follow the case assignment questions that are posted on blackboard.
A particular group’s choice of a case to lead will be determined by the instructor. Each group must submit the responses to the case assignment questions to the Discussion Board on
Blackboard by 12 noon on the day the case is to be discussed (see Calendar for specific dates).
The group will lose 5% of the group case leadership grade every 30 minutes the responses are submitted late (i.e., the group will lose 5% of the grade if the they submit the responses to the case assignment questions at 12:01pm on the due date, and 10% of the grade if submitted at 12:
31 pm). Also note that I will use the submission date and time reported by the Discussion
Board on Blackboard.
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Discussions of cases ( 12.5% of grade (50points) ): Discussion is very important in this class. All the other group members not leading a case on a particular day would be required to respond to the group leaders post and those of other group members' posts individually for 7 points per case (total of 56 points) . The group members’ grade will be based on the content of discussion, application of course concepts, timeliness of posting. You cannot repeat a point that that has been made by other members of the class, so you must be familiar with the postings of other

4 members of your class before you respond to the group’s posting. All responses must be posted by 10:00 pm (if you post your discussion after the due time of 10:00 pm you will not receive credit for your posting) . Also if you post your discussion late after the other members of the class have almost finished posting their responses, you will be penalized). It is very important to be respectful of others' opinion and viewpoints. Failure to do so will be reflected in your discussion grade.
Readings are assigned for each section of the semester. You will be required to read from your textbook and additional readings if possible. The additional readings will be supplied on-line. And it will be your responsibility to read in preparation for the class activities. It is suggested that you keep a notebook and take notes for each chapter of required reading to supplement the Powerpoint notes. If you require further explanation of the concepts in the textbook or have questions after you read the book or Powerpoint notes, post your question on the discussion board and I will respond within 48 hours . All personal questions should be sent to my email address and I will respond as soon as possible (usually within 24 hours). This is the best way to comprehend the material since you will not attend classroom lectures.
The format is threaded discussion. The student group leaders’ will be given case discussion questions and asked to respond. The student group leaders’ responses are available for other students in the class to see and reply. As the other student in the class respond to the student group leaders’ responses as well as other student s’ responses, "threads" of discussion are created. The purpose of this exercise is to get you to interact around some of the central issues in the case. Student interaction provides additional insights and the students themselves become one another's teachers. The professor monitors the discussion.
A = 365 – 400 Points
A- = 355 - 364
B+= 340 - 354
B = 330 - 339
B- = 320 - 329
C+ = 305 - 319
C = 290 - 304
C- = 275 - 289
D = 260 - 274
F = Below 260
Written Assignments Policies

a. Every written assignment must have a cover page, page numbered, double-spaced, font size 12 and above, and 1-inch margins. b. All assignments should be well organised, and well written. There should be no typing errors, spelling mistakes, or grammatical errors.
You will lose points equal to 5% of the assignment grade for each violation.
Blackboard and Electronic Communications
A number of course documents, including course lecture slides and readings, will be posted in
Blackboard. Typically an electronic communication will be sent to the class indicating that a new posting has been made through your UNCG email address. Having access to and frequently checking
Blackboard and your UNCG emails will be important to your success in this course.
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Email Communications
For purposes of this course I will assume that you check your UNCG email daily. Thus I assume you will be aware of any communications or requests sent at least 24 hours prior to any assignment relating to the class meetings. If you have any questions about UNCG email you can obtain assistance by calling 256tech during normal business hours or by asking for assistance in the Bryan School computer labs.
ALL ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS WILL BE SENT TO YOUR UNCG EMAIL ADDRESS. ALSO
USE YOUR UNCG EMAIL ACCOUNT TO COMMUNICATE WITH ME AT ALL TIMES. I WILL NOT
RESPOND TO ANY ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS THAT IS NOT FROM A UNCG EMAIL
ACCOUNT.
Inclement Weather
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro will remain open during adverse weather conditions unless the Chancellor makes the administrative decision to make a schedule change. Students can obtain details on those decisions from the Adverse Weather Line at (336) 334-4400 or the web address: http://www.uncg.edu/iss/weather.htm
Student Conduct
The Bryan School has guidelines on student conduct which can be found at http://www.uncg.edu/bae/faculty_student_guidelines.pdf
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EVALUATION OF COMPREHENSIVE WRITTEN CASE ANALYSIS
Student Name(s): ___________________________________________________________
Identification and definition of problem ___________________(10)
Use of strategic concepts & analytical tools you have been exposed to in the course
Use and interpretation of case data/information quoting specific figures and using ratio analysis where applicable
___________________(10)
___________________(10)

Recommended course of action (includes identification & evaluation of alternatives)
TOTAL
Organization, logic and clarity of presentation
(includes grammar, spelling & writing mechanics)
Professional presentation (includes page cover, page numbering, page length, margins, spacing, etc.)
___________________(15)
___________________(3)
___________________(2)
___________________(50)
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JUNE 24 – UNITS AND ASSIGNMENTS o UNIT 1: WHAT IS STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT? o Unit 1-1 : Definition of Strategy and Strategic Management o Unit 1-2 : The Strategic Management Process o Unit 1-3 : Corporate Governance and Stakeholder Management o Unit 1-4 : Ensuring Coherence in Strategic Direction o Unit 1-5 : Analyzing Cases o ASSIGNMENT
1. Read: DLE Chapters 1 & 13
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JUNE 25
– UNITS AND ASSIGNMENTS o UNIT 2: Analyzing the External Environment o Unit 2-1 : Importance of External Environment o Unit 2-2: Environmentally Aware Organization o Unit 2-3 : The General Environment o Unit 2-4 : The competitive Environment I o Unit 2-5 : The Competitive Environment II o ASSIGNMENT
1. Read: DLE Chapter 2
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JUNE 28 - UNITS AND ASSIGNMENTS o UNIT 2: ANALYZING THE EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT o QUIZ AND ASSIGNMENTS
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1. Quiz 1 (UNITS 1 & 2) 5 minutes
2. Case Discussion 1 : The Casino Industry (Team 1) Due June 28
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JUNE 29 – UNITS AND ASSIGNMENTS o UNIT 3: Assessing the Internal Environment o Unit 3-1: SWOT Analysis o Unit 3-2: Value Chain Analysis o Unit 3-3 : Resources and Capabilities o Unit 3-4 : Evaluating Firm Performance o Unit 3-5 : Knowledge, Human Capital and Intellectual Capital o Unit 3-6 : Social Capital o Unit 3-7 : Leveraging Human Capital and Knowledge o ASSIGNMENT
1. Read: DLE Chapter 3 & 4
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JUNE 30 – UNITS AND ASSIGNMENTS o UNIT 4: BUSINESS-LEVEL STRATEGY o Unit 4-1 : Competitive Advantage and Business-Level Strategy o Unit 4-2 : Cost Leadership Strategy o Unit 4-3 : Differentiation Strategy o Unit 4-4 : Focus Strategy o Unit 4-5 : Combination Strategy o Unit 4-6 : Industry Life Cycle Stages and Business-level Strategies o ASSIGNMENTS
1. Quiz 2 (Unit 3) 5 minutes
2. Read: DLE Chapter 5
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JULY 5 & 6 – UNITS AND ASSIGNMENT o UNITS 3 AND 4 CONTINUED o ASSIGNMENTS
1. Case Discussion 2: McDonald’s (Team 2) Due July 5
2. Case Discussion 3: Apple Inc. (Team 3) Due July 6
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JULY 7 – UNITS AND ASSIGNMENT o EXAM 1 (UNITS 1-4) 90 minutes
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JULY 8 – UNITS AND ASSIGNMENT
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o UNIT 5: CORPORATE-LEVEL STRATEGY o Unit 5-1 : Corporate Strategy through Diversification o Unit 5-2 : Related Diversification o Unit 5-3 : Unrelated Diversification o Unit 5-4 : Means to Achieve Diversification o Unit 5-5 : Managerial Motives and Value Creation o ASSIGNMENT
1. Read: DLE Chapter 6
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JULY 9 – UNITS AND ASSIGNMENT o UNIT 6: INTERNATIONAL STRATEGY o Unit 6-1 : Factors Affecting International Competitiveness o Unit 6-2 : International Expansion: Motives and Risks o Unit 6-3 : Competitive Advantage in International Markets o Unit 6-4 : Entry Modes of International Expansion o ASSIGNMENTS
1. Quiz 3 (UNIT 5) 5 minutes
2. Read: DLE Chapter 7
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JULY 12 – UNITS AND ASSIGNMENT o UNIT 6: INTERNATIONAL STRATEGY (CONTINUED) o ASSIGNMENTS
1. Case Discussion 4: Johnson & Johnson (Team 4) Due July 12
2. Quiz 4 (UNIT 6) 5 minutes
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JULY 13 – UNITS AND ASSIGNMENT o ASSIGNMENT
1. Case Discussion 5: Heineken (Team 5) Due July 13
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JULY 14 – UNITS AND ASSIGNMENT o UNIT 7: STRATEGIC CONTROL AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE o Unit 7-1 : Responding to Environmental Change o Unit 7-2 : Balancing Culture, Rewards, and Boundaries o Unit 7-3 : Corporate Governance and Internal Control Mechanisms o Unit 7-4 : External Corporate Governance Mechanisms o ASSIGNMENTS
1. Read: DLE Chapter 9
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2. QUIZ 5 (UNIT 7) 5 minutes (July 14)
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JULY 15 & 16 – UNITS AND ASSIGNMENT o UNIT 8: ORGANIZATIONAL DESIGN o Unit 8-1 : Traditional Forms of Organizational Design o Unit 8-2 : International Operations and Organizational Structure o Unit 8-3 : Boundryless Organizational Designs o ASSIGNMENT
1. Read : DLE Chapter 10
2. Case Discussion 6 : AG and the Bonus Fiasco (Team 6) Due July 16
_____________________________________________________________________________
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JULY 19 – UNITS AND ASSIGNMENT o ASSIGNMENT
1. Case Discussion 7: Automation Consulting Services (Team 7) Due July 20
2. Quiz 6 (UNIT 8) 5 minutes
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JULY 20 – UNITS AND ASSIGNMENT o UNIT 9: STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP o Unit 9-1: Three Interdependent Activities of Leadership o Unit 9-2: Emotional Intelligence o Unit 9-3: Developing a Learning Organization o Unit 9-4: Creating an Ethical Organization o ASSIGNMENT
1. Read: DLE Chapter 11
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JULY 21 & 22 – UNITS AND ASSIGNMENT o ASSIGNMENT
1. Case Discussion 8: Procter and Gamble (Team 8) Due July 22
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JULY 23
– UNITS AND ASSIGNMENT o ASSIGNMENT
1. Review For Exam 2 (Units 5-9)
__________________________________________________________________________
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JULY 26-28 – UNITS AND ASSIGNMENT o ASSIGNMENT
2. Review For Exam 2 (Units 5-9)
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JULY 29 – UNITS AND ASSIGNMENT o EXAM 2 (UNITS 5-9) 90 minutes
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