Course Description & Learning Objectives

This course will introduce the participant to concepts in strategic thinking, decision making and strategy formation utilized in the western world. Key tenets of strategy, including the works of notable strategy gurus Michael Porter, Jim Collins, Philip Kotler and the efforts of CEO’s in several global industries will be explored. Along with examination of strategic thinking principles and models, participants will create their own individual and team learning processes for the duration of the entire management program. As with all of the ten modules of the Executive Certificate in Management program, Principles of Strategy and Markets is a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to improve each participant’s competencies in management and leadership. This 4 week on-line course represents 10 hours of effort for each participant. The Course is organized into 4 – 90 minute segments totaling 6 hours of instruction over 3 weeks. It is entirely the responsibility of the individual participant to schedule their review of these sessions, and, if possible, involve themselves in study teams with others taking the program to discuss and expand their knowledge and use of these learnings. There will be an assessment given at the end of each week that is expected to take the student approximately .5 hours to complete. In the 4th week, and at the conclusion of the presentations, there will a 1.5 hour review session and a final assessment. Each segment is designed using PowerPoint slides accompanied by audio lecture and other web-based instructional materials and exercises. There will be a weekly assessment given at the end of the segment to test the participant’s understanding of the materials presented.

Each segment is closely tied to academic literature, business news articles and available on-line information about strategy, strategic thinking and the role of strategy in forming leaders of business and markets. Participants may, at any time, complete self-directed research and reading in these topics, in addition to the lectures, as a way to enhance the learning experience.

The instructor encourages participants to assemble in informal virtual teams to share the application of the course materials to current issues and challenges in their workplaces and submit questions to the instructor using the web-based Message Board for this class. Information requested by the message board will be incorporated into future sessions. Student learning will be evaluated through the weekly assessments and a overall review assessment of the program.

Course Outline

• Introduction of Leader as Strategic Thinker
1. Assess, view and identify a process for success
2. Create a Vision for yourself or your organization
3. Identify a strategic direction utilizing the Treacy-Wiersema Values Discipline Strategy Model
• Analysis of the Competitive Environment
1. Identify the 3 “C’s” within a competitive market
2. Examine a business market utilizing the Porter Model of Competitive Forces
3. Determine a SWOT Analysis for a business within a market
• Thinking Strategically in Entrepreneurial Concepts
1. Apply strategy using a Products/Market Strategic Grid
2. Identify a path toward sustainable competitive advantage using the Chvala- ProActive Services Model
3. Initiative and Accountability - Create a Strategic Plan

Course Assessments

This course is graded using a “Pass/Fail” format.

Weekly assessments will be given at the completion of each week’s on-line class (e.g., lectures, slides, and other materials). The purpose for the assessments is to determine if the student has sufficient command of the materials and met the learning objectives. In the event the student does not pass any of the weekly assessments, he/she will have an opportunity to review the material and re-take the assessment until a passing grade is achieved.

Week 4 is designed to provide a review of all the materials from the previous 3 weeks. The review session will utilize an audio-video presentation connecting the theory, instruction and the learning objectives to the questions posed by participants. Upon completion of the review session, a final assessment will be provided.

Course Schedule

Week #	Session	Time (hrs)	Topic
Week 1	1	1.0	Introduction: Strategic Thinking and How to Leverage Thinking for your Program
	2	1.0	Vision, Mission and Values – For the Individual, Team or Organization
	3	1.0	Entrepreneurial Strategic Thinking – Find the best Strategy – Tracy Wiersema
		0.5	Assessment
Week 2	4	1.0	Competitive Analysis – the Three “C”s Viewing Markets
	5	1.0	Porter Model of Competitive Forces Market Analysis
	6	1.0	Strengths, Weaknesses, Threats and Opportunities
		0.5	Assessment
Week 3	7	1.0	A Strategic Approach to Markets, Products and Services
	8	1.0	Chvala ProActive Services Circle of Value Addition
	9	1.0	Creating a Strategic Plan for Initiative and Accountability
		0.5	Assessment
Week 4	10	1.0	Review and wrap-up
	11	1.0	Final Assessment
Total:		12.5