Course Syllabus

Course Information
Course Number/Section BA4305-001
Course Title Strategic Management
Term Fall 2010
Days & Times Monday and Wednesday, 9:30 – 10:45pm, SOM 1.107

Professor Contact Information

Professor Maria Hasenhuttl, PhD
Office Phone 972-883-5898
Email Address maria.hasenhuttl@utdallas.edu
Office Location SOM 4.411
Office Hours Monday and Friday 5:45 – 6:30
Wednesday 11:00-11:45
Also by appointment
Other Information Please email through eLearning

Course Pre-requisites, Co-requisites, and/or Other Restrictions

Co-requisite: BA 4371, Prerequisites: BA 3341, BA 3351, BA 3352, BA 3361 and BA 3365.

Course Description
This is a capstone-level course requiring integration of all fields of business. Students will draw on their
broadened awareness of various environmental influences (social and political) to solve business
problems. Management alternatives will be examined with an ethical perspective relating policy trends to
the strategic planning mode.

The Strategic Management course has been designated a capstone course in business at the University of
Texas at Dallas. The purpose of a capstone course is to integrate the learning achieved in individual
business courses taken to earn a business degree. The knowledge acquired in finance, accounting,
operations, MIS, marketing, and organizational behavior classes will be utilized to study the strategic
management of the firm as well as the responsibilities of the general manager. Students will participate in
a simulation that requires taking into account multiple decision-making factors while balancing all sectors
of the firm’s environment. This is an extremely intense course, which requires a substantial time
commitment.

Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes

1. Students will be able to complete an external and internal analysis of a firm.

2. Students will be able to identify the strategic problems of a firm.
3. Students will be able to develop solutions to a firm’s strategic issues.
4. Students will be able to integrate skills acquired in finance, accounting, marketing, production, and
MIS courses to create a successful firm strategy.

Course Syllabus – BA 4305-001 Fall 2010 Dr. Maria Hasenhuttl

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Required Textbook and Materials

1. G.G. Dess, G.T. Lumpkin, and A.B. Eisner. Strategic Management Theory. Text and cases. 2010.
5th Edition, McGraw-Hill Irwin. ISBN: 978-0-07-353041-3

2. Management Simulations (Smith, D.C.). CAPSTONE and Comp-XM.(Team Member Guide is

distributed in class). You are required to register at http://www.capsim.com for the simulation.
The Industry ID for this class is: C38609_000. With questions regarding the technical aspects of
the simulation, please call the following toll free number during working hours: 877-477-8787.

3. Use the website

http://www.umuc.edu/prog/ugp/ewp_writingcenter/modules/plagiarism/start.html to complete
your plagiarism tutorial and quiz, due with your first individual case paper.

4. Refer to the MLA style guide at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/ to write your

individual case papers.

5. We will be using eLearning throughout the semester. eLearning allows you to receive information
from instructors and monitor your grades. Be sure that your grades have been recorded correctly.
Report any discrepancies within three weeks of the day the grade was posted.

Suggested Course Materials

Suggested Readings/Texts
Business Periodicals

Assignments & Academic Calendar

The following course schedule provides a detailed checklist of topics and assignments by week. This
course outline provides a general plan for the course. I reserve the right to make periodic changes to
content, requirements, and schedule. All changes will be announced in class.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to acquire missed lecture notes, assignments, handouts,

and announcements from a classmate, not from me. You are responsible for all
information given in class. This includes any changes to the syllabus, content and format
of exams, and details given regarding assignments.

Course Syllabus – BA 4305-001 Fall 2010 Dr. Maria Hasenhuttl

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Date Topic Reading/Case Discussion Assignments Due
Aug 23 Introduction, Requirements
Aug 25 Introduction to Capstone
Simulation

Aug 30 Library presentation Chapter 1 Read student guide

Sept 1 Strategic Management Case 1: Robin Hood Registered for simulation
exercise
Situation Analysis Chapter 8 of Student Guide Viewed introductory lesson
and completed the quiz on-
line
Printed Capstone Courier
for Round 0
Rehearsal Simulation
completed
Bring a calculator and
student guide for simulation
PLUS printed Capstone
Courier for Round 0
Completed homework
assignments # 1 Getting
Started and # 2 Rehearsal
simulation on capsim.com
Sept 6 No class Holdiday
Sept 8 External Environment of Chapter 2 Submit Case 17 Pixar
Sept 13 firm Case 17 Pixar 3 practice rounds
Basic Strategies Overview Simulation Quiz completed (completed
homework assignment # 3
Practice Rounds on
capsim.com)
Cost Leadership
Simulation (Sept 8 – Sept
27)
Sept 15 Internal Environment of Chapter 3 Submit Case 24 Jamba
Sept 20 firm Case 24: Jamba Juice Juice
Sept 22 Bring Jamba Juice and
major competitor (TBA)
financials from mergent
online plus calculator
Sept 27 Intellectual Assets Chapter 4 Simulation 1 Paper (Cost
Sept 29 Case 27: Southwest Airlines Leadership)
Submit Case 27
Southwest Airlines
Differentiation Simulation
Course Syllabus – BA 4305-001 Fall 2010 Dr. Maria Hasenhuttl
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 (Sept 27 – Oct 18)

Oct 4 Strategic Leadership & Chapter 11 Case Paper 1

Oct 6 Ethics Case 3: Skeleton Printout of completed
plagiarism tutorial
Submit Case 3 Skeleton
Oct 11 Review
Oct 13 Exam 1 Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 11
Oct 18 Business-Level Strategy Chapter 5 Simulation 2 Paper
Oct 20 Case 39: Ann Taylor (Differentiation)
Submit Case 39 Ann
Taylor
Niche Simulation (Oct 18
– Nov 8)
Oct 25 Corporate Level Strategy Chapter 6 Case Paper 2
Oct 27 Case Analysis Case 18: Johnson & Johnson Submit Case 18 Johnson
Chapter 13 & Johnson
Nov 1 International Strategy Chapter 7 Submit Case 16 Heineken
Nov 3 Case 16: Heineken

Nov 8 Strategic Control and Chapter 9 Simulation 3 Paper

Nov 10 Corporate Governance Case 37: AIG (Niche Strategy)
Submit Case 37 AIG
Nov 15 Organizational Design Chapter 10 Submit Case 15 Procter &
Nov 17 Case 15: Procter & Gamble Gamble

Nov 22 Innovation and Corporate Chapters 8 and 12 Case Paper 3

Entrepreneurship
Nov 24 Simulation
Nov 29 Innovation and Corporate Chapters 8 and 12 Submit Case 19 Samsung
Entrepreneurship Case 19: Samsung Start CompXM
continued
Dec 1 Course Re-cap
Review, Q&A
Dec 6 Exam 2 Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12
Dec 10 CompXM completed by CompXM completed by
11:00pm 11:00pm
Dec 22 Grades posted

Grading Policy

1. 3 Simulation Papers 15%

2. Comp-XM 15%
3. 3 Case Papers 30%
4. 2 Exams 20%

Course Syllabus – BA 4305-001 Fall 2010 Dr. Maria Hasenhuttl

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 5. Participation 10%
6. 1-page written case discussions 10%
100%

A+: 97 and up A: 94-96 A-: 90-93

B+: 87-89 B: 84-86 B-: 80-83
C+: 77-79 C: 74-76 C-: 70-73
D+: 67-69 D: 64-66 D-: 60-63
F: 59 and below

Detailed Descriptions of Course Assignments

Capstone Simulation
1. Simulation Papers (individual or teams of maximum three)
2. Comp-XM (individual)

The Capstone simulation will be conducted with students working in groups of three. You will represent
separate firms within an industry. Every firm begins from the same starting point, but will compete based
on various decisions you make. We will begin with some practice rounds first against the computer. Then,
we will run with specific strategies for 4 rounds each. As the simulation continues, each firm will keep a
record of decisions made, and the specific strategic reasons for those decisions. Simulations are fun, but
take the competition seriously – there are winners and losers in this game.

You will run 3 separate simulations of 4 rounds each (the minimum), each time using a different strategy.
You will be playing against the computer. Notice that after each deadline, the simulation will be reset for
the next strategy. You may work at a faster pace & request an earlier reset. If you want to practice more
(STRONGLY RECOMMENDED) I am happy to reset you as often as you like. Just send me an e-mail
through eLearning. Include your company name and the specific round(s) you would like to have reset.
When each simulation ends, you will submit a report (to be approximately 3 double-spaced, typed pages
of text PLUS tables) that outlines actions taken throughout the 4 rounds of the simulation. Focus on an
overall analysis, NOT a round by round description of your decisions.

The report should include at a minimum:

1. A competitive analysis – what generic strategies did the competing firms follow?
2. A financial analysis of your firm including benchmarking.
3. Evaluation of your firm’s successes and failures. What decisions were correct? What would you do
differently next time? Explain! This makes up the main part of your paper.
4. A printout of the Capstone Courier for the 4th round.

These 3 sets of simulation rounds will prepare you for the Comp-XM, which will occur during the last
weeks of the semester as a take-home individual assignment. You will be required to demonstrate
business judgment and analytical skills by managing your own company for four simulated years,
Course Syllabus – BA 4305-001 Fall 2010 Dr. Maria Hasenhuttl
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competing against three computer-managed companies. Comp-XM also includes a series of questions
based on the simulation results. You will receive a grade for the Comp-XM.

3. Case Papers

Each student is assigned 3 cases. Each paper must be a minimum of 3 pages of text PLUS exhibits. Each
case will have its own specific content requirements. You must submit a hard copy of each case paper
PLUS upload it to the turnitin link in eLearning and the appropriate link under the assignment tab in
eLearning.

Case paper format & rules:

- You must follow the requirements. This assignment involves the ANALYSIS PROCESS.
- For each paper you will be turning in a hard copy as well as uploading to the turnitin link on
eLearning.
- Late papers will not be accepted.
- Use the MLA Handbook and follow the rules of format for papers regarding references, citations,
spacing, headers, etc.
- You will use each textbook case as a starting point, then update with additional information
through research.
- You must list references - just using the text book is not enough. I expect you to go to the library
for sources. The Internet may be used but only along with other sources. If your paper has only
Internet sources, it is an automatic zero! This includes Wikipedia.
- Late papers will not be accepted.
- Word processing programs have spelling and grammar checking capabilities – use them!
- Visit the Writing Lab BEFORE you hand in any papers if you feel you need help – they are
extremely helpful. SOM Writing Lab: room 1.218, e-mail: somwritinglab@gmail.com.

Plagiarism Tutorial & Quiz:

Use the website
http://www.umuc.edu/prog/ugp/ewp_writingcenter/modules/plagiarism/start.html to complete your
plagiarism tutorial and quiz. Review the tutorial and retake the quiz as many times as is necessary to earn
a grade of 100% correct on the quiz. Print your quiz results and submit your print-out with your first
individual Case Paper.
You must complete the tutorial and quiz successfully in order to be allowed to submit your First Case
Paper.

1. Case Paper 1: Case TBA

Due Sept 24

Complete the following analysis:

i) General external environment
ii) Five-Forces analysis
iii) Stakeholder analysis

2. Case Paper 2: Case TBA

Course Syllabus – BA 4305-001 Fall 2010 Dr. Maria Hasenhuttl
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 Due Oct 15

Complete financial analyses of both firms & determine if one has a competitive advantage over
the other. Use 3 Tables as the basis for your calculations (tables will be handed out in class).

3. Case Paper 3: Case 33 Readers Digest

Due Nov. 12

Identify strategic problems, using any two of the following tools:

Financial Analysis
Value Chain Analysis
Stakeholder analysis
5 Forces Analysis
External Environment Analysis

Make recommendations for solutions to the problems identified.

4. Exams

a. Two non-cumulative exams focusing on the assigned readings, cases and lecture material will be
given to assess your mastery of the material in each section of the course. Exam format will be
essay and/or multiple choice, based on materials from the readings, lectures, videos, and class
discussions.
b. Preparing for an exam is an important part of the learning process—it takes weeks of preparation,
not days or hours. Learning and understanding the material are the best preparation for the exams.
Keeping up with the readings pays off. Plan to spend at least 6-8 hours per week outside of class
on the simulation, reading and writing assignments for this course.
c. Policy regarding Make-up exams: If you might miss an exam, notify me immediately via e-mail
through eLearning. I must hear from you before the scheduled time of the exam Make-up exams
will be given only if: (a) you were seriously ill and have verifiable documentation from a
physician, or (b) you made arrangements prior to the exam to attend an urgent family or business
affair. If you do not show up for your makeup exam at the scheduled time, you will receive 0
points (you get one chance to make up the exam). Beware, make-up exams are designed to be
more difficult to compensate for having more study time.

5. Participation

The success and value of this course depend on class participation. We all have experiences that will
enrich the topics and direction of discussion in this course. Plus, you will enjoy it a lot more. This means
that you need to be fully acquainted with the readings for a given session. It is my expectation that you
will have read the assigned material and cases and be prepared to participate in class discussions and
activities. I will periodically collect information on your participation in in-class activities.

6. 1-page written case discussions

Course Syllabus – BA 4305-001 Fall 2010 Dr. Maria Hasenhuttl

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In preparation for discussing the case that is scheduled for a given class, you are expected to write a brief
(around 1 page) long case analysis that answers to questions that I will specify in the previous class. The
written case analyzes are to aid you during the class discussions. I expect you to write a 1-page discussion
for each case. You need to upload this case discussion under the assignment tab before class starts and
bring a hardcopy to class. I will randomly collect these for grading.
Course & Instructor Policies

Assignments:
All assignments are due at the beginning of the class period for which they are assigned. All written work
is to be typewritten, double spaced, stapled, and follow expected standards of clarity, organization and
grammar. Note: visit the writing lab BEFORE submitting papers if you think you would benefit.
Late assignments will not be accepted.
To get the most benefit from your time in this class, read the material to be discussed before we discuss it
in class. You will find classes to be much more interesting and involving if you come prepared to discuss
each day's topic.
Notice that there may be times when you have more than one assignment due on a particular day. You
will need to plan ahead so that you do not fall behind.

Class attendance:
Class attendance and participation are an important indication of your commitment and professionalism,
and are critical to your success in this course. If you are absent or late to a class meeting, it will be your
responsibility to catch up with all the missed materials including learning of any announcement made
while you were absent.
This course is your course – your input will determine your outcomes. There will be a sign-in sheet at
each class period. You are allowed 2 excused absences. After that, each absence results in a reduction of
3% of your total grade. Please let me know in advance if you need to miss a class. Keep in mind that
written assignments must still be handed in on the due date.

Classroom citizenship:
Please come to class on time and stay for the duration of the class session. You should be seated and
ready to begin on time. Coming in late or leaving early is disruptive and distracting. Cell phones must be
turned off and put away during class time! Use of cell phones for any purpose during class will result in
your expulsion from the class for the rest of that day. Similarly, the use of laptops for any purpose other
than taking notes for the current class session or conducting research related to the topic of discussion (as
instructed) will result in your expulsion from the class.

Etc.
No folders and cover pages! Keep a copy of every paper and assignment you submit for a grade. If
something happens to it, you will be responsible for replacing it.
Plan to spend at least 6-8 hours per week outside of class on the simulation, reading and writing
assignments for this course.
It is your responsibility to READ THE SYLLABUS thoroughly and to keep track of all the important
dates and requirements.

Course Syllabus – BA 4305-001 Fall 2010 Dr. Maria Hasenhuttl

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Policies and Procedures for Students
The University of Texas at Dallas provides a number of policies and procedures designed to provide
students with a safe and supportive learning environment. Brief summaries of the policies and procedures
are provided for you at http://go.utdallas.edu/syllabus-policies and include information about technical
support, field trip policies, off-campus activities, student conduct and discipline, academic integrity,
copyright infringement, email use, withdrawal from class, student grievance procedures, incomplete
grades, access to Disability Services, and religious holy days.

Avoiding Plagiarism

[Adapted from Duke University's guidelines for writers; added July 2010]

Take time to make careful choices among--and learn to use--the research tools available to you. You will
probably find that your favorite web search engine is not adequate by itself for college-level research.
Consult with your professor or a librarian. You may need to use specialized research tools, some of which
may require learning new searching techniques.

Expect to make trips to the library. While you can access many of the library's resources from your home
computer, you may find that you need to make several trips to use materials or research tools that are not
accessible remotely. Of course, you will be seeking the best information, not settling for sources simply
because they happen to be available online.

Allow time for gathering materials that are not available at UT Dallas. The InterLibrary Loan Office can
borrow articles and books from other libraries, but this process takes additional time.

Allow time for reading, rereading, absorbing information, taking notes, synthesizing, and revising your
research strategy or conducting additional research as new questions arise.

Sloppy note-taking increases the risk that you will unintentionally plagiarize. Unless you have taken note
carefully, it may be hard to tell whether you copied certain passages exactly, paraphrased them, or wrote
them yourself. This is especially problematic when using electronic source materials, since they can so
easily be copied and pasted into your own document.

Identify words that you copy directly from a source by placing quotation marks around them, typing them
in a different color, or highlighting them. (Do this immediately as you are making your notes. Don't
expect to remember days or weeks later what phrases you copied directly.) Make sure to indicate the exact
beginning and end of the quoted passage. Copy the wording, punctuation and spelling exactly as it
appears in the original.

Jot down the page number and author or title of the source each time you make a note, even if you are not
Course Syllabus – BA 4305-001 Fall 2010 Dr. Maria Hasenhuttl
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quoting directly but are only paraphrasing.

Keep a working bibliography of your sources so that you can go back to them easily when it's time to
double-check the accuracy of your notes. If you do this faithfully during the note-taking phase, you will
have no trouble completing the "works cited" section of your paper later on.

Keep a research log. As you search databases and consult reference books, keep track of what search
terms and databases you used and the call numbers and URLs of information sources. This will help if
you need to refine your research strategy, locate a source a second time, or show your professor what
works you consulted in the process of completing the project.

You must cite direct quotes.

You must cite paraphrases. Paraphrasing is rewriting a passage or block of text in your own words. If you
paraphrase, you must still cite the original source of the idea.

You must cite ideas given to you in a conversation, in correspondence, or over email.

You must cite sayings or quotations that are not familiar, or facts that are not "common knowledge."
However, it is not necessary to cite a source if you are repeating a well known quote or familiar proverb.
Common knowledge is something that is widely known. For example, it is widely known that Bill Clinton
served two terms as president; it would not be necessary to cite a source for this fact.

These types of sources should be cited as well. Printed sources: Books, parts of books, magazine or
journal articles, newspaper articles, letters, diaries, public or private documents; Electronic sources: Web
pages, articles from e-journals, newsgroup postings, graphics, email messages, software, databases;
Images: Works of art, illustrations, cartoons, tables, charts, graphs; Recorded or spoken material: Course
lectures, films, videos, TV or radio broadcasts, interviews, public speeches, conversations.

Course Syllabus – BA 4305-001 Fall 2010 Dr. Maria Hasenhuttl

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