Required Text

Hitt, Ireland, & Hoskisson, (2003). Strategic Management: Competitiveness and Globalization (5th edition).

Course Objectives

(1) Expand your understanding of strategic management in organizations by examining and using the tools and methods of industry and competitive analysis.
(2) Develop your ability to think critically and creatively in exploring strategic management concepts.
(3) Increase your awareness of, and ability to analyze organizations within their broader societal environment through exposure to current events in the business world.
(4) Build effective communication and teamwork skills through group interactions.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

The University of Houston would like to help students with disabilities achieve their highest potential at the Bauer College of Business.  To this end, the Center for Students with Disabilities provides a wide variety of academic support services to all currently-enrolled UH students who have any type of mental or physical disability of either a temporary or permanent nature.  These services include assistance with course accommodations, adaptive equipment, individualized exam administration, taped textbooks, wheelchair repair, library needs, registration, handicapped parking, accessible housing and transportation, as well as many other needs.  If you feel that you may need assistance of this nature, you may wish to call the Center at 3-5400.  In addition, you should let Dr. Elkins know about any special needs as soon as possible.

Instructor Evaluations

The Bauer College of Business has a policy that requires all of its instructors to be evaluated by their students.  The results of these evaluations are important to provide feedback to instructors on how their performance can be improved.  In addition, these evaluations are carefully considered in promotion, salary adjustment, and other important decisions.  We openly encourage students to provide feedback to the instructors and to the Bauer College of Business through the evaluation process.

Student Evaluation

Exams
There will be two mid-term exams and one comprehensive final given in this class. Please refer to the course schedule at the end of the syllabus for exam dates.  The mid-term exams will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions and will cover only the most recent material from the text and lectures. The final exam will consist of multiple choice questions and will cover all material from the course. Make-up exams will only be given in cases of emergency or if you have made prior arrangements with me.

Group Strategic Analysis Project
On Thursday, September 5th, students will form groups of five members to act as consultants who evaluate and make strategic recommendations for the management and shareholders of a company.  Consulting teams are responsible for preparing an executive summary and a class presentation that includes a strategic analysis of an organization selected from those included in your text on pages C1-C479.  Additionally, teams will role-play the top management team for one class presentation.

Consulting Team Presentation
Each group is required to give a 40-45 minute presentation in which all group members participate.  The group’s role in the presentation is that of a consulting team that has been hired by the chosen company to conduct a strategic analysis and make recommendations for the chosen company.  A case presentation evaluation form outlining specific grading criteria will be distributed in class and posted on my website.

Executive Summary
Each group’s executive summary should be approximately 4-6 typed, double-spaced pages.  Copies of your report must be turned in to me as well as the top management team the class session before you present.  The report should be structured to include a very brief discussion of the key issues, the important environmental factors affecting the organization, your analysis, and your recommendations.

Top Management Team Questions
Each group will also act as the top management team for one case presentation.  In this role, you will be expected to have thoroughly read the consulting team’s executive summary and to have prepared questions for the consulting team that reflect a thoughtful and critical evaluation of their analysis and recommendations.  Your questions will be discussed with the consulting team at the conclusion of their presentation.

Summary of Course Requirements

    300 pts    Exams    (3 @ 100 points each)
      25 pts    Class Participation/Attendance
      25 pts    Group Executive Summary
    125 pts    Group Presentation, Q&A
      25 pts    Top Management Team Questions
    500 pts

Grade Distribution

Grades for this class will be determined by the total number of points that you earn during the semester based on the following scale: