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Read this week’s materials

Management

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Read this week’s materials. Then, participate in a discussion. Your first discussion post is due by Saturday at midnight.

 

Week 1: Strategy Discussion (5%)

 

1.Select a company from the list provided below. 

 

2. Prepare a brief individual report demonstrating that you a) understand the key ideas presented in the assigned and recommended readings for this week and b) can analyze critically the extent to which they are applicable in your chosen organization. Your report should be 500-700 words and must cite supporting evidence from the readings.

 

3. The question your brief report must address is: What objective evidence is there that the organization you chose is focused on its mission, inspired by a vision, guided by a set of core values, committed to accomplishing strategic and financial objectives, and actively guided by a strategy intended to distinguish it as an outstanding enterprise?  

 

4. Post your completed report in the "Week 1, Discussion Forum" topic area, below by Saturday midnight East Coast US time.  

 

5, After you have made your first contribution in the Discussion topic area for week 1, assume the role of a management consultant critically reviewing and responding substantively to at least one of your colleague’s posts (preferably a colleague who chose a different organization than you did). Focus your review and (respectful) response on the strength of your colleague’s supporting argument and evidence, on presenting alternative perspectives, and on sharing any other relevant insights.  

 

6. Come back in on Monday and respond to any questions posed by the people who reviewed your initial post. Make these posts by midnight, Eastern Time on Monday. 

 

https://www.wellsfargo.com

http://www.marriott.com/

http://www.stjude.org

Required Readings:

Barnat, R. (n.d.). Strategic goals and objectives. In Strategic management: formulation and implementation. Retrieved from http://www.strategy-formulation.24xls.com/en210

Barnat, R. (n.d.). Tests of a winning strategy. In Strategic management: formulation and implementation. Retrieved from http://www.strategy-formulation.24xls.com/en317 

Defining strategic management and strategy. (2012). In Mastering strategic management. Washington, DC: Saylor Academy. Retrieved from https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_mastering-strategic-management/s05-01-defining-strategic-management-.html   

Understanding the strategic management process. (2012). In Mastering strategic management. Washington, DC: Saylor Academy. Retrieved from https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_mastering-strategic-management/s05-04-understanding-the-strategic-ma.html

Vision, mission, and goals. (2012). In Mastering strategic management. Washington, DC: Saylor Academy. Retrieved from https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_mastering-strategic-management/s06-01-vision-mission-and-goals.html

Watkins, M. D. (2007, September 7). Demystifying strategy: the what, who, how, and why. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2007/09/demystifying-strategy-the-what/

Supplementary Materials: 

Bradley, S. P. (2005). Capturing the value: competitive strategies that work. [Video]. Harvard Business School Faculty Seminar Series. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.umuc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=fsv&AN=7529c&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Business model. (n.d.). Investopedia. Retrieved from http://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/businessmodel.asp?layout=infini&v=5F&adtest=5F&ato=0

Competitive advantage. (26 May 2016). In Boundless economics. Retrieved from https://www.boundless.com/business/textbooks/boundless-business-textbook/international-business-4/the-drive-for-international-trade-37/competitive-advantage-187-7917/

Definition of perfect competition. (26 May 2016). In Boundless economics. Retrieved from https://www.boundless.com/economics/textbooks/boundless-economics-textbook/competitive-markets-10/perfect-competition-66/definition-of-perfect-competition-247-12344/

Narayandas, D. (2005). Managing markets, segments, and customers. [Video]. Harvard Business School Faculty Seminar Series. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.umuc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=fsv&AN=8266c&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Rivkin, J. W. (2005). Where do great strategies come from? [Video]. Harvard Business School Faculty Seminar Series. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.umuc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=fsv&AN=7544c&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Strategic management. (n.d.). BusinessDictionary.com. Retrieved from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/strategic-management.html

Sustainable competitive advantage. (26 May 2016). In Boundless economics. Retrieved from https://www.boundless.com/marketing/textbooks/boundless-marketing-text