b a c kn e x t h o m e GBA 687/8 - PMBA Spring 2005 A Brief Overview Dr. Stan Abraham MHR Dept.

b a c kn e x t h o m e Prerequisites (just for my info) To enroll in the course, you MUST have taken: n GBA 537/8 n GBA 615/6 n GBA 645/6 n GBA 628/9

b a c kn e x t h o m e Same Old, Same Old... n Most courses on strategic management teach you ABOUT the topic and how companies fare using different strategies n The textbook costs up to $120 n You’re tested on this knowledge in a mid-term and final exam: –You forget everything a week later

b a c kn e x t h o m e This Course’s Focus n To learn what is involved in doing a strategic analysis n To acquire the skill of doing a strategic analysis and presenting the results to a critical audience n Take that skill with you when you finish the course and program –You won’t forget it in a hurry –You’ll enjoy it more

b a c kn e x t h o m e Plus, You Will... n Come to terms with what strategic analysis or planning means to you n Reflect on how valuable your MBA program has been in preparing you for the challenges that lie ahead

b a c kn e x t h o m e What Do You Think? n Do you like the course’s focus? n Thoughts?

b a c kn e x t h o m e What We Will Do Today n See who’s here – take roll n Discuss syllabus and expectations (this presentation) n Introduce ourselves to each other n Form groups n Take photographs n Discuss SAM tw software

b a c kn e x t h o m e The Other Ten Class Sessions 2. Learn about strategic analysis— long lecture, so plan to stay late 3-8. Practice on the six remaining cases in class, one per week 9. In-class help with final presentations Demonstrate your ability— Final group presentations

b a c kn e x t h o m e What Happens OUT of Class n Read the Abraham book, become familiar with SAM tw, and use SAM tw on cases and the final project n Write the strategic-thinking paper and reflective mini-papers n Prepare each of the cases in the casebook n Do a group-strategy project on a real company n Read the De Kluyver/Pearce book and submit a book review on it (GBA 688)

b a c kn e x t h o m e The Net Result n There’s lots to do in a short quarter n You must take more responsibility for your own learning n The more you do and the harder you try, the more you will learn and the more I will help you n You should ask lots of questions all the time –the one thing that will enhance your learning the most

b a c kn e x t h o m e My Roles n To create a learning environment n To facilitate class discussions n To provide help and feedback both in class and out –In person (before and after class) –By phone and seven days a week

b a c kn e x t h o m e How to Reach Me n Campus office is Room n Campus extension is 2420 n Campus is scabraham (also gets forwarded to me at home) n Home telephone number is in the syllabus –Don’t call after 10 PM (or after 8 PM on Sunday) –Don’t ask for feedback the day before (or day of) a presentation

b a c kn e x t h o m e Grading (may change due to small class size) n Try to earn as many points as you can in GBA 687 –Three papers – 10 points ea. = 30 pts –Partial case analyses – 21 points –Participation – 14 points –Group project – 35 points n The 56 “group” points (blue) are subject to modification by your GCRF n The book review for GBA 688 is graded separately

b a c kn e x t h o m e Participation Grade (14 points) n For class attendance, 6 points n For participating in general discussions and asking questions after others’ presentations, 8 points –Only my perception counts (after week 3) n More than one unexcused absence will adversely affect your participation grade n More than four unexcused absences earns an automatic ‘F’ in the course

b a c kn e x t h o m e Required Books n Abraham book and companion CD-ROM –Key to doing a strategic analysis –Read Parts 1 and 2 within the first four weeks –Familiarize yourself with the SAM (CD-ROM) n Thomson Casebook –We will do all four cases –Download two others from my website –Brings the real world into the classroom n De Kluyver/Pearce book –Provides the breadth missing from my book –Do a book review for GBA 688 assignment

b a c kn e x t h o m e The Association for Strategic Planning (ASP) n A professional association that I co-founded in October 1999 and currently serve as Past President and board member n Rose out of the ashes of the bankrupt Strategic Leadership Forum n The Los Angeles Chapter meets at the Renaissance Hotel near LAX on second Tuesday of each month n n Last year became a national organization with chapters n Student memberships available

b a c kn e x t h o m e Any Questions?