CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON

MIHAYLO COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS

DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT
Instructor: Donnie (Don) Smith, PhD
MGMT 449-07 11958 Tue 7:00-9:45pm Class Held in Room SGMH 2205
Seminar in Strategic Management Office: SGMH 5363 E-mail: dlsmith@fullerton.edu
Semester Spring 2017
Telephone: Fullerton (657) 278-8698
Office Hours:
Tues & Thurs 12:15 1:00 pm; Tues 5:15 7:00pm and Thurs 5:15-6:00pm or by appointment
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Description:
This course represents the student's link between the academic world and the real business world. To
this end, students are challenged to bring forth and integrate all the knowledge and skills they have
acquired in other functional courses and apply them to real-world business situations.
The subject matter of this course is Strategic Management. The activities of identifying, analyzing, and
evaluating business issues involved with the survival and profitability of business enterprises in
competitive markets are stressed. Questions of initial strategy conception, strategy evaluation and
revision, and implementation will be covered. Students assume the role of the general manager,
particularly his role as a strategist. A multidisciplinary and multifunctional perspective is taken in this
course.
This course is set up as a seminar course. As such, students are required and expected to participate
actively in the class. Cases will be used as the primary learning vehicle. Case analysis is required at
both individual and team levels.
Prerequisites:
The prerequisites for this class are all of the core MCBE business and economics courses required to
obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. There are no co-requisites. If a student has not
successfully completed these prerequisite courses, he or she will be asked to drop this class to enable a
qualified student to enroll. If, at any time during the semester, an administrative audit reveals that a
student is unqualified to attend this class, that student will be administratively dropped from the class.
Learning Goals:
1 Integration (Capstone Objective)
To provide students the opportunity to integrate knowledge and skills acquired from all functional
courses and apply them to solve business problems.
2 Top Management Perspective
To help students understand problems from a top management point of view. They would learn the
functions, tasks and responsibilities of top management and the board of directors.
3 General Management, Holistic, Interdisciplinary Perspective
To provide students with a general management and interdisciplinary point of view, as opposed to a
parochial functional or departmental view.
4 Strategic Thinking
To underscore the importance of strategic thinking and encourage students to think strategically in all
business situations.
5 Problem-Solving Orientation
To enhance students ability to analyze and solve complex organizational problems in todays rapidly

changing world.
6 Practical, Real World Orientation
To provide students the opportunity to simulate decision-making in the real world. Students will
be able to experience real-world decision-making through the use of case studies and/or field
projects.
7 Planning Focus
To equip students with the concepts and tools necessary for developing good business plans.
8 Business Environment Focus
To enhance student awareness of the changes taking place in our dynamic business environment.
This is especially important since the environment constitutes the major driver for the strategymaking process.
9 Competition Focus
To understand the nature of todays competition and the importance of competitive strategy for
business success.
10 Global Focus
To underscore the importance of globalization in todays business world and the need for sound
global strategies.
11 Professional Skills Development
To enhance students professional skills, including communication, oral presentations and written
reports.
Teams and peer reviews
For the purposes of a term project, the class will be split into teams of approximately four people. In
addition to work on the term project, it is strongly recommended that that team members also work
together as a study group to confer on assigned cases that will be discussed in class. Working in
groups will give you a chance to learn from your colleagues. It also provides an opportunity to discuss
your ideas in a setting approximating the management teams typically charged with these tasks.
Each student will also be required to complete a peer review of his or her team members using forms
that will be provided. While no direct student assessment will be based on these peer reviews, they will
be considered subjectively during the grading process for the term project.
Teaching Methods:
This course is organized as a seminar class. Therefore, active participation from every student is
required and expected. The primary teaching tool will be cases. Both lectures and case studies will be
used.
Lectures: Lectures are intended to supplement the text, not repeat it. While the flow of the course
will essentially follow the flow of the text, additional information will be covered during the
lectures. Lectures will typically be conducted during the first part of each class.
Case Studies: Using case studies brings a small piece of the business world into the academic
setting. With case studies, there are not always "right" answers to management problems. In a case
study we establish an environment where we can examine the case, determine what problems exist,
discuss various approaches to dealing with the problems, and have decisions regarding a course or
courses of action. During the course, student will be required to read and analyze several business
cases. You will be expected to be thoroughly prepared to discuss these cases in class and complete
two case write-ups.

Course Evaluation:
Oral Case Studies
Mid-Term Exam
Final Exam
Case write-ups (2)
Interim Term Project Report
Term Project

15%
15% (based on text and class lectures)
15% (based on text and class lectures)
20% (10% each)
5%
30% (paper 20%, presentation 10%)

Total

100%

Grades are based on a standard 90, 80, 70% basis in which 90% and above = A; 80-89% = B; 70-79%
= C; 60- 69% = D; Below 60% = F. No +/- grades assigned. Grading criteria are contained in the
rubrics posted on Titanium.
Required Text and Cases:
Strategic Management: Creating Competitive Advantages, Eighth Edition, by Dess, Lumpkin,
Eisner, McNamara, McGraw-Hill Education, New York, NY 10121, 2016. ISBN-13:
9781259303500
Eight business cases from Harvard Business Publishing. The cost of these cases is $34.00 (4.25/case)
payable to Harvard Business Publishing. As these cases are copyrighted, you may not make copies for
other people.
Details on acquiring these cases will be given in class.

Class attendance:
Attendance is required. It is vital to class participation. Because this course is principally taught
through the case method, a major part of your learning will take place in the classroom. Attending
all classes is essential since we cover a great deal of material and the later classes build on work
covered earlier in the semester.
Oral Case Studies
Eight (8) case studies will be discussed in class using case method. The case method that will be
used in class is an extremely exciting and challenging way of learning. It recognizes not only your
experience, but also focuses on the fact that the practical business world is a complicated place where
"cookie cutter" solutions will not work. In short, case method puts you in the middle of the action,
forcing you to be analytical and use management concepts rather than just know them. However, the
case method does not work, and furthermore, can be quite boring unless:
a the participants (including the instructor) thoroughly prepare the case in advance, and
b the participants actively participate in the discussion of the case.
While eight case studies will be conducted, only the highest six (6) scores will be counted for grading
purposes. Oral case studies are assessed based on the oral case study rubric which may be found on
Titanium. The maximum number of points one may receive for all case studies is 24. This will be
adjusted by a factor of 0.625 to equate to 15% of your total semester grade.
Mid Term and Final Exams:
There will be a mid-term and a final exam. See the schedule below for the dates. The exams will
consist of fifty (50) multiple choice and true/false questions. Scantron form F-1712 and #2 pencils are
necessary for this exam. The focus of these exams will be to assess your mastery and understanding of
the tools of strategy and strategic analysis presented in your text.
Interim Term Project Report
Each student team will prepare an interim term project report which will be due on April 4, 2017. This
report will be 5 to 7 pages (double spaced) and will contain:
1 an opening summary that states the industry you have selected with a summary of your
industry analysis, your measurement criteria, and the results of the analysis (i.e., the identity
of the top and bottom performing firms. This summary should not exceed two paragraphs
and be less than a page.
2

an analysis of the factors driving overall profitability within the industry, with your
conclusions about the overall attractiveness of the industry to incumbent firms (3-4 pages).

a discussion of the criteria you are using to measure firm performance and why they are
relevant within the context of this industry (1-2 paragraphs).

The results of applying these criteria to firms within the industry and your selection of
the top and bottom-performing firm (1 page); and

A list of references for the final paper (does not count towards the page limit). I encourage
you to use both secondary sources (e.g., newspapers or magazines) and primary sources
(company newsletters, press releases, annual reports, analyst reports, company websites, or
conversations with individuals familiar with the industry or the firms you have chosen). In
both the interim and final reports, sources of data including interviews and press articles with
proper APA style citation. Dont forget to include page numbers in the body of your report.

Refer to the Term Project Guidelines in Titanium for additional information.

Case Write-ups:
In addition to eight (8) in-class case discussions, students will be required to prepare two (2)
individually written case papers on these cases. Students will choose which cases they wish to write
up by selecting one from the first four cases and one from the last four cases. The due dates of the
case write-ups are in the class schedule (below) and in the assignment section on Titanium.
The write-ups should address the issues and concepts covered in the assigned readings and focal areas
provided by on Titanium. The write-ups should be limited to three double spaced typed pages in
length. Details about format may be found on Titanium.
While discussion of the cases in informal groups is encouraged, preparation of case papers should
involve only your individual effort. Written case studies are assessed based on the written case study
rubric which may be found on Titanium.
Term Project:
As noted, the group term project comprises 30% of your semester grade and includes (1) a written
report comprising 20% of your semester grade (not to exceed 25 pages in length, excluding exhibits)
and (2) an in-class presentation of your groups findings comprising 10% of your grade. The Term
Project Guidelines is available on Titanium and will be discussed in class.
For the term project, each group will be required to collect information on an industry, analyze the
industry and select two of the firmsthe top performer and the worst performerin that industry. This
project serves at least three educational objectives: (1) it helps you learn how to gather information on
industries and firms, (2) it provides an opportunity to practice your skills in strategic analysis, and (3) it
offers a chance to practice how to work in teams, tapping into your detailed knowledge of the different
functional areas that you have studied in the core courses of your degree program.
Groups should include about 4-5 students each. No group may analyze an industry already chosen by
another group in the class. If there is a conflict, the team with the earliest submission will retain
the chosen industry. (The second group will have to choose another industry). Industries used in
the cases discussed in class are also to be avoided for term project analysis, unless sufficiently
different and approved by the instructor. Groups will be formed in class on Tuesday, January 31.
The industry that the group would like to analyze should be submitted no later than the start of
class on February 14, 2017.
The final written report should not exceed 25 pages in length (not including exhibits) and should
adhere to the specific requirements outlined in the Term Project Guidelines. Important dates are posted
in the class schedule and summarized below.

Each group will have a maximum of 30 minutes to present its project to the class. Presentations will
take place on May 2nd and 9th 2017.
To summarize, important dates related to the term project
deliverables are:
Jan 31,
Feb 14,
Apr 4,
May 2, & 9,
May 16,

2017
2017
20 17
2017
2017

Groups formed
Industry definitions due
Interim report due
In-class group term project presentations 7
Final report and peer reviews due

Academic Honesty:
You must do your own work! It is critical in your work, that it be YOUR work, and that you provide
appropriate credit when using anothers words. You will be reported if found cheating. Academic
dishonesty, when detected, will result in a lower letter grade for the work at hand and may result in
an F for the course plus additional university level disciplinary action. Familiarize yourself with the
academic dishonesty policy, which can be found in the current student handbook or on the web at
http://www.fullerton.edu/senate/PDF/300/UPS300-021.pdf

Assessment:
The programs offered in Mihaylo College of Business and Economics (MCBE) at Cal State Fullerton are
designed to provide every student with the knowledge and skills essential for a successful career in business.
Since assessment plays a vital role in Mihaylo Colleges drive to offer the best, several assessment tools are
implemented to constantly evaluate our program as well as our students progress. Students, faculty, and staff
should expect to participate in MCBE assessment activities. In doing so, Mihaylo College is able to measure
its strengths and weaknesses, and continue to cultivate a climate of excellence in its students and programs.
Drops//Withdrawals/Incompletes
The University policy on drops will be followed. See the University catalog for relevant procedures and
dates. A grade of I is appropriate only if circumstances beyond a students control force the student to miss a
significant portion of the latter part of a course.
Additional Special Needs Information: Information about students right to accommodations for documented
special needs can be obtained via the Disabled Student Service Office, UH 101, (714) 278-3117 or as
documented at www.fullerton.edu/disabledservices/. Or
http://www.fullerton.edu/DSS/handbook/DSSGenInfo.htm
The University requires students with disabilities to register with the Office of Disabled Student Services
(DSS), located in UH-101 and at (657) 278 3112, in order to receive prescribed accommodations appropriate
to their disability. Students requesting accommodations should inform the instructor during the first week of
classes about any disability or special needs that may require specific arrangements/accommodations related to
attending class sessions, completing course assignments, writing papers or quizzes/tests/examinations.
Emergency Procedures Notice to Students
The safety of all students attending California State University Fullerton is of paramount importance. During
an emergency it is necessary for students to have a basic understanding of their personal responsibilities and
the universitys emergency response procedures. Please review the university's guidelines at
http://www.fullerton.edu/emergencypreparedness/ep_students.html. In the event of a need to evacuate the
classroom during class, take all your belongings with you. If this should happen during an exam, leave the
test and Scantron form in the classroom.
MGMT 449-07 Spring 2017
Tentative Course Schedule

Date (Tuesdays)

Activity

(1) Jan 24 2017

Class Introduction
Student Information Sheet
Syllabus review -- Human Bingo
Assignment for next class: Read Preparing an Effective Case Analysis
Read Chapter 1
(2) Jan 31 2017

Team Formation
Lecture on Case Analysis
Strategic Management: Creating Competitive Advantages

Assignment for next class: Read Chapter 2

Prepare case: Mondavi
(3) Feb 7 2017

Analyzing the External Environment of the Firm

Robert Mondavi and The Wine Industry case discussion

Assignment for next class: Read Chapter 3
Prepare case: Walmart
(4) Feb 14 2017

Assessing the Internal Environment of the Firm

The Walmart Stores, Inc. case discussion
Teams, turn in industry selection
Assignment for next class: Read Chapter 4

(5) Feb 21 2017

Recognizing a Firms Intellectual Assets: Moving Beyond Tangible Resources

Making Presentations: Tips for your teams presentations & Team Time
Assignment for next class: Read Chapter 5
Prepare case: AirAsia

(6) Feb 28 2017

Business-Level Strategy: Creating and Sustaining Competitive Advantage

AirAsia: Flying Low-Cost with High Hopes case discussion
Assignment for next class: Read Chapter 6
Prepare case: Walt Disney

(7) Mar 7 2017

Corporate Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification

The Walt Disney Company: The Entertainment King case discussion
Assignment for next class: Read Chapter 7
Prepare case: Brasil Foods
First case write-up due

(8) Mar 14 2017

International Strategy: Creating Value in Global Markets

Brasil Foods case discussion
Submit first case write-up
Assignment for next class: Mid-Term Exam

(9) Mar 21 2017

Mid-Term Exam
Assignment for 5 Apr 17:

Read Chapter 11 & 12

Turn in Interim Term Project Report

(10) Mar 28 2017

NO CLASS SPRING RECESS

(11) Apr 4 2017

Student Assessment
Managing Innovation and Fostering Corporate Leadership
Strategic Leadership: Creating a Learning and Ethical Origination
Interim Term Project Report due
Assignment for next class: Read Chapter 8
Prepare case: Akamais Edge

(12) Apr 11 2017

Entrepreneurial Strategy and Competitive Dynamics

Akamais Edge case discussion
Assignment for next class: Read Chapter 9
Prepare case: Lehman Brothers

(13) Apr 18 2017

Strategic Control and Corporate Governance
Lehman Brothers: Crisis in Corporate Governance case discussion

Assignment for next class: Read Chapter 10

Prepare case: Nestl
(14) Apr 25 2017
Creating Effective Organizational Design
Nestl case discussion
Assignment for next class: Second case write-up due
(15) May 2 2017
Submit second case write-up
Term Project Presentations - round 1
(16) May 9 2017
Term Project Presentations - round 2
Assignment for next class: Final Exam
Turn in Term Projects
(17) May 16 2017
Final Exam (7:30 PM)
Turn in Term Project
Turn in peer review sheets