COMM 401/4Section GG Winter 2014 Strategy and Competition

Day: Wednesday 17:45 20:15 Classroom: H-619

Instructor: S. Hudon E-mail: shudon@jmsb.concordia.ca Office: By appointment only

Tel.: 514-664-2009 ext: 185

Course Description
This course introduces the concepts of strategic management and competitive analysis to develop critical management skills within our graduates. Emphasis is given to integrating concepts and ideas from the major functional areas such as marketing and finance to give a global perspective on decision-making and directing modern business enterprises. Lecture topics and case studies are selected to portray the nature of the process and the dynamics of competition in a variety of contexts. In this context, we also examine the connection between organizational strategy and the physical environment. Finally, cases and assignments, which require an analysis of organizational strategies, are selected for class discussions, individual and group assignments. Course Learning Objectives: Upon completing this course, students will have developed an understanding of the major models and theories in strategic management and more importantly have learned to apply this learning to real life business situations. By utilizing the case method, students will be exposed to a variety of industries and issues and will learn how to evaluate the external environmental conditions and the internal company conditions that influence company performance. Students will learn how to recognize relevant strategic components found within a firm and systematically assess the firms future potential, identify impending problems, and make appropriate recommendations that would allow a firm to benefit from its advantages and address possible problems.

Required Texts and Material

Strategic Management Concepts: Competitiveness and Globalization, 10th Edition Hitt, Ireland & Hoskisson. COURSEMATE URL: http://www.nelsonbrain.com/shop/isbn/978-1-13359071-2 Harvard Coursepack Site: https://cb.hbsp.harvard.edu/cbmp/access/23563037

Class lecture notes PowerPoint files for all lectures are available in the course Firstclass folder.

------ Please download and print the class notes prior to each class. -----

Grading - The final grade for the course will be determined as follows: Class Contribution ............................................................. Major individual case assignment .................................... Group Project ..................................................................... Final Exam ......................................................................... 15% 30% 25% 30% 100%

Note: Students that miss 40%or more of scheduled classes (without a valid reason) can expect to fail the course

Class Contribution and Attendance

Since class discussions are an integral part of this course, attendance at classes is mandatory. Constructive contribution to class discussion is a significant part of the grade for the course. Your contribution will be evaluated by the instructor, based on your preparation for class discussions of cases and readings, presentation skills, and willingness to commit yourself in the class. Students must actively contribute and make sure the instructor is aware of the contribution. In addition, course contribution also includes participating equally in the group project. Furthermore, group project contribution will be evaluated with the following on-line system; http://peerassessment.concordia.ca/fmi/xsl/peerassessment/groupwork.xsl.

Individual assignment
There is one major individual written assignment - A case analysis of case HTC 2012. Due at the start of class 7. The written assignment must conform to these specifications
A separate title page. A maximum of 1500 words (approximately six typed pages) No more than 3 exhibit pages of tables, graphs, or graphics. 1.5 or Double-space text paragraphs; single-space bullet point lists. Times New Roman or Arial font - 11 or 12 pt (250 words per page). Stapled in top left corner, please do not enclose in any type of binder or folder. Originals only, no photocopies or e-mailed papers will be accepted. Papers received after the start of class will have the grade reduced by 10%. After that class, late Assignments, if accepted, will have the grade reduced by 10% for each calendar day late. The date of receipt is the date the instructor receives the late paper. This is an individual assignment and must be completed independently: It is not acceptable to submit text, exhibits and appendices that have been jointly prepared.

Group Case Analysis Project

The group project involves a case evaluation presentation in PowerPoint format. The class will be divided into 9 or 10 self-selected groups (group size will depend on class enrolment). Each group will have to produce a 15 minute class presentation followed by a 10 minute question period. Groups will present each case back to back. Groups must be formed no later than class 3 and each group will be randomly assigned one case by the instructor. Groups should use relevant material from the course textbook and can design and format the presentation in any manner deemed appropriate. While content is critical, the appearance will be part of the project grade as a professional appearance is expected. There is no limit on the number of slides but I will restrict you to 15 minutes presentation time (Note: no written report is required). A hard-copy of the PowerPoint presentation is due at the start of the class the group is presenting in. Group Case Judging In addition to the presentation for the assigned group case, each group will also be assigned one of the other group cases for the purpose of judging/questioning/evaluating the presentations of their classmates. As part of the contribution grade, a short report that outlines an analysis (2 pages) of the case with a list of possible questions (1
2

page) must be submitted to the instructor on the day of the presentation. Teams will be randomly assigned their judging responsibility. Each group will judge one case.

Final Exam
The final exam will be a case analysis covering all topics and chapters discussed during the term. Note: Students must take and pass the final exam to pass the course.

Prerequisites:
45 business credits including COMM 225; COMM 226 or 301; COMM 315 and 320 previously or concurrently, as per the most recent Undergraduate Calendar Note: Students who have credits for MANA 460 or COMM 310 may not take this course for credit. Plagiarism: All students are reminded of the Concordia University Code of Academic Conduct, as defined in the Undergraduate Calendar. Any violation of the Code of Academic Conduct will be adjudicated in accordance with University regulations. Individual assignments should be completed independently, and it is not acceptable to submit exhibits and appendices that have been jointly prepared. Academic Integrity: The Academic Code of Conduct at Concordia University states that the integrity of University academic life and of the degrees, diplomas and certificates the University confers is dependent upon the honesty and soundness of the instructor-student learning relationship and, in particular, that of the evaluation process. As such, all students are expected to be honest in all of their academic endeavours and relationships with the University" (Undergraduate Calendar, section 17.10). All students enrolled at Concordia are expected to familiarize themselves with the content of this Code. You are strongly encouraged to visit the following web address: http://www.concordia.ca/academicintegrity , which provides useful information about proper academic conduct.

COMM401 WINTER 2014 Strategy and Competition Class Schedule Section GG

Class
1 2 3 4 5 6 No Class 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Date
Jan 08 Jan 15 Jan 22 Jan 29 Feb 05 Feb 12 Feb 19 Feb 26 Mar 05 Mar 12 Mar 19 Mar 26 Apr 02 Apr 09

Readings & Cases

Course Overview Ch.2 External Environment Case Loblaw Ch.3 Internal Environment Case Starbucks Ch.4 Business Strategy/Competition Case Wal-Mart Ch.6 Corporate Strategy Case Gillette Ch.7 Acquisition/Restructuring Strategy Case Vincor
Mid Term Break Individual Midterm Case Due Today

Assignment

Mid-term Case HTC 2012

Case - Wal-Mart Organics Ch.8 International Strategy Case Cemex Ch.9 Cooperative Strategy: Alliances Case Cirque de Soleil Review of Strategic Concepts Case Samsung Group case Presentations Case - Groupon Group case Presentations Case - Grolsch Group case Presentations Case AirAsia X Make up class if needed

Group 1 & 2 & 3 Present Group 7 & 8 & 9 Question Group 4 & 5 & 6 Present Group 1 & 2 & 3 Question Group 7 & 8 & 9 Present Group 4 & 5 & 6 Question

Note: the above schedule can change at the instructors discretion, prior notice will be given.