STRT4501 Strategy in Action
STRT4501 Strategy in Action
STRT4501 Strategy in Action
STRT 4501 1
Mon,Tues,:Wed,Thursday 3:20-5:00
Summer 1 2015
Professor Robert Goldberg
319B Hayden
Office Hours: By Appointment
e-mail:r.goldberg @neu.edu
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Important Notes:
Papers must be turned in on time. Late papers will be significantly penalized.
No extra credit assignments; no exceptions.
A = 93-100; A- = 90-92; B+ = 87-89; B = 83-86; B- = 80-82; C = 70-79; F = < 70
Course Format
Strategic management involves thinking about business problems from a broad perspective. Many times
the course material tends to be more open-ended and gray, rather than black and white. In most cases,
there is no single right answer, although there are some wrong answers; the goal is for the students to ask
the right questions. Students are pushed to think critically about a problem or issue, take a position and
then present the logic behind their position.
The course is based on active learning and discussion. Class sessions will be interactive in nature using
case discussions, exercises, and occasional lectures. It is essential that students are prepared for class
sessions. The classroom discussions are not a substitute for the text.
Course Policies
This course requires extensive readings, active discussions, and diligent attention to the lectures.
1. It is the students responsibility to check in regularly to the courses Blackboard site.
Communications, schedule changes, information, as well as class material will be available on this
site.
2. All assignments must be completed to pass the course.
3. All assignments must be submitted on the due date.
4. All Written Case Reports must be submitted electronically to Turnitin on Blackboard, as well
brought to class.
5. Participation in all aspects of the class is considered a basic requirement of the course. You are
expected to come to each class, to have prepared the assigned material, and to participate in the
discussion of that material, as well as any other activities that may take place as part of the course.
6. Students are expected to attend class for the entire duration of the class (please plan to
arrive on time). I will not distinguish between excused and unexcused absences because I am not
in a position to judge the validity of your reasons for missing class. In extreme cases, where you
miss too many classes, you will miss too much material and fail in your responsibility to contribute
to the learning experience of others. If you attend fewer than 70% of the class sessions you
cannot pass the course and will receive a failing grade regardless of your performance on
assignments.
7. Failure to fully prepare for class is also a detriment to ones fellow students. It is the students
responsibility to thoroughly read the syllabus, fully understand all the requirements, and keep track
of all important dates in order to be successful.
8. You are expected to conduct yourself with professionalism. Plan to arrive for class on time and
turn off all devices that may be a distraction.
9. Laptops and cell phones are not permitted for use during class time
Assignments and/or due dates may be changed at the instructors discretion. It is your responsibility
to check with Blackboard regularly.
Each written report should be 4 pages in length (12-point font, double spaced, 1-inch margins) plus any
necessary exhibits. The questions to address will be posted on Blackboard.
Papers must be submitted through TurnItIn on Blackboard AND submitted to the instructor on the due date,
prior to the beginning of class.
Short Case Memos
For each of the other cases in the semester, you will be required to submit a short memo assignment.
These memos are to be approximately 1/2page in length (double spaced). They are to be submitted in
hard copy at the beginning of class (or emailed in the case of an absence). The assignment question will be
provided on Blackboard.
Class Participation
The ability to contribute to a group discussion is an important managerial skill, and this course provides you
with a low-risk opportunity to develop and practice this skill. Fifteen percent of your course grade will
depend on your contribution to class discussion, which you must earn. While you must balance both
quantity and quality, it is important to note that quality is more important than quantity.
Here is an estimate of how your participation will be evaluated:
Contribution
Regularly contribute on a voluntary basis, with insights and examples that add value to
the discussion. Demonstrate sound reasoning and judgment. Contribute to a positive
learning environment and exhibit positive attitude. Very few absences from class.
Contribute occasionally or only when involuntarily called upon, but make good
contributions when you do speak.
Absent from several classes, rarely contribute and/or when called upon, seem
unprepared or inattentive. Fail to contribute to a positive learning environment and
exhibit a poor attitude.
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Week 1
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Week 2
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Week 6
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Exam # 1
Structure ,Culture and Control Read chapter 11.
Read J. C. Penny Case
Scenario Planning. Read article on BB
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Read Chapter 7
Read HTC
Corporate Strategy Read Best Buy Case
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competences and potential sources of competitive advantage. A strong presentation will address the
financial performance of your company relative to its peers.
The fourth step is to analyze the companys competitive strategy within the industry using the tools we
discuss related to Ch. 6.
Finally, you are required to develop a set of strategic recommendations for your company. These
recommendations should be strategic in nature, rather than tactical. In addition, maintaining status quo is
not a strong recommendation. As part of these recommendations, you should provide a discussion of the
key risks associated with these recommendations, as well as key actions that will be required to
successfully implement the recommendations.
Two class meetings will be set aside for group meetings with the instructor. One will be on Tuesday June 2.
The second meeting will be on Thursday June 18. These meetings will provide you with the opportunity to
present your work to date and obtain feedback and suggestions.
Group presentations will be made at the end of the semester. Please provide the instructor with a copy of
the slides you have prepared.