Business Strategy & Competitive Analysis

Curriculum Guideline

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Course
BUSN 4275
Discontinued
No
Course Code
BUSN 4275
Descriptive
Business Strategy & Competitive Analysis
Department
Business
Faculty
Commerce & Business Administration
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
202030
PLAR
No
Semester Length
15 Weeks
Max Class Size
30
Contact Hours

Lecture: 1 Hour

Seminar: 3 Hours

Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Seminar
Learning Activities

Lecture and discussion.

Course Description
This course integrates the knowledge and applied skills gained in other business courses with comprehensive case reviews and shows how the various business functional units work together in formulating and applying strategies in a global setting. The course uses a comprehensive business case review method to develop critical thinking and understanding of business strategy in the international marketplace.
NOTE: As this is a capstone course, it is recommended that students take this course towards the end of their studies.
Course Content
  1. Overview of strategic management and competitiveness
  2. Review of corporate performance (operational and financial), and measurement criteria
  3. External environment, industry competitiveness, industry players (national and international)
  4. Internal resource assessment, corporate strength and core competencies
  5. Business level strategies and implementation issues
  6. Corporate level strategy formulation, competitive dynamics and competitive response
  7. International takeovers, amalgamation, mergers, restructuring, alliances, entry and exit strategies
  8. Corporate monitor, control systems
  9. Management of financial and operational risks, in international settings
  10. Management control and reward systems
  11. Corporate innovation, and technological forecasting
  12. International trade systems, trade tribunals, trade agreements
  13. Restrictive trade practices and their impact on formulating strategic positioning
  14. Diversity and inclusion
  15. Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility
  16. Framework for executing strategy
Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course the student will be able to: 

  1. Use strategic thinking about a company, its present position and long-term strategic direction
  2. Conduct critical strategic analysis in a variety of industries and competitive situations including for-profit and non-profit organizations, in global settings
  3. Demonstrate applied skills in crafting business strategies, reasoning strategic options, and the use of “what-if analysis” for risk management
  4. Evaluate strategic action alternatives, and make sound strategic decisions
  5. Identify and optimize among a range of options managers can take to effectively execute strategy
  6. Integrate the knowledge and skills gained in other business/ accounting courses, and show how the various pieces of the operation fit together for strategic positioning and success
  7. Conduct an internal analysis, assess the external environment, determine and prioritize strategic actions
  8. Assess the impact of international trade agreements on industry performance
  9. Assess the role of technology in the formulation and delivery of corporate strategy
  10. Identify the best courses of action for corporate strategy implementation and viable financial results
  11. Evaluate the strategic decisions and their consequences in a comprehensive case review setting
  12. Evaluate the impact of diversity and inclusion in executing company strategies
  13. Assess the role of culture and leadership in executing company strategies

 

 

 

Means of Assessment
Group written case analysis        20%
Midterm 20%-25%
Participation 10%-15%
Individual written case analysis     15%-25%
Group case presentation 0-10%
Final exam 20%-30%
Total 100%

Students must pass the combined total individual assessment components in order to pass the course. 

 

Textbook Materials

Thompson, Jr., A.A., Peteraf, M.A., Gamble, J.E., and Strickland III, A.J., Crafting and Executing Strategy, McGraw-Hill, latest edition

Or

Any alternative textbook that has been approved by the department.

Students are also expected to review / analyze several journals, research reports.

Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration approved calculators only.

Prerequisites

90 Credits towards BBA Degree OR permission of instructor