Click on the links below to jump to some of the major topical areas.  Also...click on the company names for links to company websites.  This section also contains links to PowerPoint files on the UK web server that you can view on-line or download to your computer.  Click on these links, then choose either "open" or  "save to disk"  on your web browser dialog box. NOTE:  If your PC is not equipped with a PowerPoint viewer, you can download one free from the Microsoft web site. Also, if your PC has PowerPoint for Windows 95, you can download a converter utility to work with PowerPoint for Windows 97.
 

Introduction	The Context of Strategy	Competitive Strategy
Corporate Strategy	Corp. Social Responsibility	Capstone Simulation

STRATEGY IN THE NEWS

* Assignments and readings appearing in regular typeface are to be done in preparation for the Monday session. Those appearing in italicized typeface should be done in preparation for the Wednesday session.

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INTRODUCTORY MODULE

Week of AUG 21: Course Administration

• Introduction, syllabus items, grading, expectations, etc.

• What is strategic management?
• Text: Ch.1
• Text Ch. 7
• Strategic Planning is Back!
• Napster Spawns New Business Model?

 
• Case:  IBP (lecture notes)  (IBP web site) (ticker=IPB)
• Genetic Testing for Beef Tenderness
• Pork Producers Council

MODULE 1:  External and Internal Analysis ... the Context of Strategy

Week of SEPT 4: SWOT Analysis

• Text: Ch. 2
• Text: Ch. 3
• Case: Cereal (Notes) (Analysis)
• Case: Airlines (Notes)

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MODULE 2:  How Firms Compete

• Intro. to Business-level Strategy
• Text:  Ch.4

 
• CASE REPORT:  Starbucks  (Starbucks' web site) (ticker=SBUX)

Week of SEPT 18: Business-level Competitive Strategy (cont.)

• CASE REPORT: Apple (Apple web site) (ticker=AAPL)
• CSQ: Despite its apparent initial success, why hasn’t Apple been able to sustain its advantage?  Who is really appropriating “value” in this industry? Why?  Can Apple rebound? How?

 
• CASE REPORT: Webvan (Webvan web site) (ticker=WBVN) ...guest speaker TBA
• Questions: How to sustain competitive advantage (unique business model) if large grocery chains launch own web sites , services similar to WebVan?  Diversify into other "industries"?  What is this industry?  Who are players (incumbent, potential rivals) and how to win the game?
• BluegrassGrocer.com
• Herald-Leader Article

Week of SEPT 25: Business-level Competitive Strategy (cont.)

• CASE REPORT: Ryka  (Ryka web site)
• CSQ: Is Ryka fooling itself about its ability to compete against Nike, Adidas, and Reebok?  What is Ryka’s source of competitive advantage in this industry?  What should Ryka do?

 
• CASE REPORT: Red Hat (Red Hat web site) (ticker=RHAT)

 

• What do firms do to compete?
• Local competitive interaction ... guest speaker.

 
• Intro to Corporate-level Strategy
• Text: Ch. 5.

 

MODULE 3:  Corporate Strategy

Week of OCT 9:  Diversification, acquisition, and managing a portfolio of strategic business units

• CASE REPORT: Monsanto (ticker=MTC) (Monsanto Notes)

 
• CASE REPORT: Pennzoil (ticker=PZL) Jiffy Lube  (Pennzoil Notes)
• (Special Valvoline Notes)
• CSQ: Are motor oil refining, retailing, and service strategically distinct industries?  Are there advantages to vertical integration in this industry?  Assuming (and knowing) that Pennzoil acquired JiffyLube and subsequently merged with Quaker State, how should Pennzoil compete in the quick-lube industry?

Week of OCT 16: CAPSTONE SIMULATION FAMILIARIZATIONS

• (No class meetings this week)
• Pick Up Capstone Manuals (available Friday, Oct. 13 from my adminstrative assistant B&E Suite 455).
• Subscribe to Capstone - each student
• Please input your particular Industry ID number and Team Name found on the Capstone Teams spreadsheet (click this link to download)
• Practice Capstone Tutorials.
• Once you're logged in, go to "How To" and "Tutorials" links.  Then, go to "Capstone Overview ... Simulation Introduction" links.  Take the quizes associated with "Guide Lessons" no. 1 and 2.
• We will NOT use the modules/options relating to TQM or Labor Negotiations.

BACK TO TOP OF PAGE ...

MODULE 4:  Corporate Social Responsibility

Week of OCT 23:  Stakeholder Approach to Strategic Management

• Social Influence on Strategy (notes)
• Business Social Responsibility Resource Center
• CASE REPORT: DNAP
• Washington Post Gene Research Section
• SPECIAL REPORTS/DISCUSSION:    (Special Visitor ...TBA?)
• Influence of Socio-politcal Factors on Strategy:
• Genetic engineering-based industries/firms
• Gun manufacturing industry/firms
• Pharmaceutical industry/firms
• Napster, MP3 vs. Sony
• Microsoft vs. Netscape
• Firestone Tires
• Mitsubishi
• Tobacco industry/firms
• etc.

Week of OCT 30: CAPSTONE

• Pre-game briefing and Kick-off
• Capstone Team Member Guide

 
• Practice Session

Week of NOV 6: CAPSTONE

• Year 2000 Decisions Uploaded

 
• Pre-Game Strategy Report Due
• Year 2001 Decisions Uploaded

Week of NOV 13: CAPSTONE

• Tuesday, 11/14:  Year 2002 Decisions Uploaded

 
• Thursday, 11/16:  Year 2003 Decisions Uploaded

 

• Tuesday, 11/21:  Year 2004 Decisions Uploaded

 
 

• Tuesday, 11/27:  Year 2005 Decisions Uploaded

 
• Thursday, 11/29:  Year 2006 Decisions Uploaded

Week of DEC 4:  CAPSTONE Wrap-up

• Tuesday, 12/5:  Year 2007 Decisions Uploaded
• Wednesday, 12/6:  Post-game Debriefing and Awards Ceremony (meet in class)

FINALS WEEK:

• Wednesday, 12/13:  Post-game CAPSTONE Report

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