Module Code and Title:   MGT307 Strategic Management

Programme:                           Bachelor of Commerce

Credit:                                    12

Module Tutors:                     Shreejana Pradhan, Enchu Lhamo,Dip Raj Pradhan,Kezang    Wangchuk,Carl Wonder,Priyanka Sharma

Module Coordinator: Carl Wonder

General objective: This module will provide students with knowledge that will enable them to understand how to develop strategies in the Asian markets with a focus on Bhutan. It gives an overview of all essential aspects of strategic management: strategy analysis (internal and external), formulation of strategies at different levels of the organization, and strategy implementation. The module will also reflect on the strategic purpose of organizations, and their role towards shareholders, stakeholders and society in general. The intention is to provide students with strategy insights, with particular reference to Asian firms; reflect on strategic dilemmas; and practice strategy tools to enable students to become confident and creative strategic thinkers. Students will have an opportunity to apply their academic study to work based or case study problems.

Learning outcomes – On completion of the module, students will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate and apply strategic management concepts, tools and techniques.
2. Apply independent learning and research to strategic problem definition and resolution.
3. Critically evaluate alternative theories and approaches to strategic business problems.
4. Outline the importance of good corporate governance and broad ethical issues as they relate to international strategy, decision-making and operations management.
5. Identify and critically appraise alternative strategies and their implementation.
6. Select and justify an appropriate generic business/organization strategy.
7. Critically assess the real and potential implications of strategic decisions.
8. Anticipate and suggest a range of management techniques to assist in corporate decision-making.
9. Explain the importance of business or organizational functions and their contribution to a successful business strategy. 

Teaching and Learning Approach:

Assessment Approach:

Students will prepare a group-based (5 students) project on a company or organization where they can apply their consultancy skills, and make a strategic plan for the CEO. The report will be 2500words long and students should use the various analytic tools discussed during the module. In a follow-up 10-15 minute presentation (followed by 5 min Q&A), students will develop and demonstrate teamwork and proficiency in communication skills. The written report and presentation will be assessed as follows:

10%     Report:

3%       Identification of main issues/problem

2%       Construction of the strategic plan

2%       Interpretation of findings

3%       Reflection on solving problem

5%       Presentation group mark:

1%       Content of the presentation 

1%       Consistency and structure of presentation

1%       Sharp focus on the objective of presentation

1%       Time Management

1%       Involvement of audience and adequacy in handling Q & A

5%       Presentation individual mark:

2%       Demonstrates understanding of the material presented

2%       Clarity

1%       Tone and delivery

Students are expected to complete three (individual) in-class case study analysis of 45 min duration each during the semester. Each case study is worth 10% and will be assessed on the following criteria.

2%       identifying the problem

5%       choosing the right approach for the analysis and solving the problem

3%       drawing the correct conclusion with a recommendation

Each student will be assessed based on their participation and preparedness in the class by contributing to the class discussions by answering questions, stating their opinions, listening to others and solving in class exercises during the sessions. 

1%       Frequency of participation in class

1%       Quality of comments

1%       Listening skills (may be exemplary proficient, developing, unacceptable)

1%       Participation in debriefings on snap ungraded quizzes, and discussions of current events

1%       Contribution in a group discussion in class

Students will take a written exam of 2 hours duration covering topics up to the mid-point of the semester.

The module will have a semester-end exam for 2 hours covering the entire syllabus. The question will be divided into two parts – Part A (carrying 40% of the exam weightage) will be mostly of short answer including objective questions. Part-B (carrying almost 60% of the exam weightage) will be mostly of essay type or an extended response to the given question. This part of the question requires students to apply, analyse, and evaluate or construct knowledge and skills. Cases will also be used to test the levels of knowledge.

Pre-Requisites: None                            

Subject matter:

1. Introduction to Strategic Management and Business Policies
   1. Concept of strategic management, 
   2. Strategic management phases and benefits, 
   3. Corporate governance and social responsibility; 
   4. Role of the board, 
   5. Social responsibility of the strategic decision makers;
   6. Globalization and e-commerce.

1. Scanning the Environment                                                              
   1. Environmental scanning and industry analysis: 
      1. Environmental variables, 
      2. Analyzing the task environment, 
      3. Competitive intelligence; 
      4. Internal scanning: 
         1. Organizational analysis; 
         2. Resource based approach to organizational analysis,
         3. Value chain analysis, 
         4. Scanning functional resources, 
   2. The strategic audit and synthesis of internal factors

1. Strategy Formulation, situation analysis and Business Strategy                      
   1. Situation analysis, 
   2. Core competencies, 
   3. Review of mission and objectives,
   4. Generating alternative strategies, 
   5. Business strategies;
   6. Corporate Strategy: 
      1. Corporate directional and growth strategies; 
   7. Portfolio analysis and corporate parenting; 
   8. Functional strategy and strategic choice; 
   9. Marketing and financial strategies, 
   10. Strategic choice and development of policies, 
   11. Bowman’s strategic clock

1. Strategy Implementation and Control:                              
   1. Strategy implementation: 
   2. Organising for action, 
   3. Staffing and directing; 
   4. Evaluation and control: 
      1. Measuring performance, 
      2. Strategic information system, 
      3. Problems of measuring performance, 
      4. Guidelines for proper control, 
      5. Strategic incentive management.

1. Other Strategic Issues                                                                                 
   1. Strategic issues in managing technology and innovation; 
   2. Role of management,  
   3. Entrepreneurial ventures and small businesses.

Reading List:

1. Essential Reading
   1. Wheelen, T.L., & Hunger, J.D. (2011). Concepts in strategic management and business policy: Toward global sustainability (13th ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
   2. Gamble, J.E., Peteraf, M.A., & Thompson, A.A. (2014). Essentials of strategic management: The quest for competitive advantage (4th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
   3. Rothaermal, F.T. (2016). Strategic management (3rd ed). McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

1. Additional Reading
   1. Hitt, M.A., Ireland, R.D., & Hoskisson, R.E. (2014). Strategic Management: Competitiveness and globalization: Concepts and Cases (11th ed.). South-Western College Pub.
   2. Kim, W.C., & Mauborgne, R. (2015.). Blue ocean strategy: How to create uncontested market space and make the competition irrelevant. Brighton, Massachusetts: Harvard Business Review Press.
   3. Williamson, D., Jenkins, W., Cooke, P., & Moreton, K.M. (2003). Strategic management and business analysis. Abingdon-on-Thames:Routledge. 

Date: July, 2017