Alfaisal University

College of Business
Undergraduate Business Administration Program
Preliminary Course Syllabus

MGT 490- Strategic Management

Course Instructor:
Name: Dr. Hayfaa Tlaiss
Office Address: B3.012
Email: htlaiss@alfaisal.edu
Profile: TBD
Office Phone: Extension: 8949
Office hours: Females: Mondays and Wednesdays 8:15-8:55 am; 10:15-
11:55 am
Males: Mondays and Wednesdays: 12:00-1:00 pm or
Otherwise by appointment.

Program Mission Statement

The CoB conducted multiple set of intensive brainstorming sessions to revise, develop, and
publish its mission statement. These sessions were performed at different levels: college council,
faculties, staff, and students. The approved program mission statement in comparison with those
at the college and institution levels is listed below:

University Mission: Alfaisal University is a student-centered university which creates and

disseminates knowledge through world-class undergraduate and graduate education programs,
research and service that benefit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the region and the world, and
stimulate the development of knowledge-based economies.

College Mission: Our mission is to develop business leaders through research excellence, quality
education, and fostering partnerships with local and international communities.

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 Program Mission: The mission of the Bachelor of Business Administration is to develop the
intellectual, professional and personal competencies of the students through principled business
education and commitment to excellence.

Course Description:
In the face of environmental change and uncertainty, this course introduces conceptual frameworks
and analytical tools that outline the most important concepts in formulating and executing a
competitive business strategy. It is a “big picture” course that aims to help you be a better thinker
about strategy and to develop a wider understanding of the complexity of global business
operations in a dynamic competitive environment. Through integrating a range of concepts from
various management related disciplines, including economics, politics, and financial decision
making, as well as accounting, procurement, production, logistics, research & innovation, and
marketing, this course aims to teach you how to analyze strategic decisions and apply strategic
thinking to real business situations. It also explains how gaining a competitive advantage is about
anticipating the response of other industry players and realizing that a firm’s existence,
sustainability, and success depend on the reactions of other firms. A central idea therefore is
creativity and realizing that in a competitive market place, a successful strategy is about finding
new approaches and new ways to do things.

Class sessions are a mixture of applications where we will use cases and in-class exercises
stimulated by the real world. This facilitates the application of the theoretical frameworks
introduced in class and demonstrates the link between academic theory and managerial practice.
By focusing on to real business situations, this course is helping you become critical strategic
thinkers and simulating business situations that you are likely to encounter later in your careers.
To be successful in this course, you are expected to prepare for class, spend time actively thinking
about the details of the case studies, and engage in constructive debates in the classroom.

Prerequisite: MGT 230 AND one of the following ACC 302, FIN 350, MKT 330, OPM 380

Learning Domains and Corresponding Learning Outcomes:

Learning Learning Outcomes

Domains*
Knowledge 1. Describe and explain the skills and knowledge necessary to lead existing
enterprises towards sustainable business growth.
Cognitive Skills 2. Interpret and evaluate the complexity of operating an international
company from a strategic management perspective
3. Estimate and analyze key environmental and organizational variables that
may influence an organization’s performance within and across national
markets, and how these variables may influence the organization.

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 4. Estimate and demonstrate fact based analytical decision making and
crystallize the financial implications of business decisions by linking the
decisions to cash flows and bottom line performance.
Interpersonal Skills 5. Demonstrate problem solving ability and collaboration skills along with a
and Responsibility competitive spirit while maintaining an ethical and a professional manner
Communication, 6. Demonstrate reflective thinking skills, critical analysis and to construct
Information argument more effectively.
Technology, and
Numerical Skills
* See additional information section (at end of this document) for the NCAAA definitions of these
learning domains.

Required Course Materials:

1. Wheelen, T.L., Hunger, JD., Hoffman, A.N., and Bamfors, C.E. (2015).
Concepts in Strategic Management and Business Policy: Globalization,
Innovation and Sustainablility, 14th Edition (GLOBAL EDITION). ISBN-13:
978-0133126129 ; ISBN-10: 0133126129

If you cannot find the first choice, then please get the below one:

2. Wheelen, T.L., Hunger, JD., Hoffman, A.N., and Bamfors, C.E. (2015). Strategic
Management and Business Policy: Globalization, Innovation and Sustainablility, 14th
Edition. ISBN-13: 978-0133126129 ; ISBN-10: 0133126129

3. Osterwalder, A. and Pigneur, Y. (2010). Business Model Generation. John Wiley

and Sons, Inc.: Canada. ISBN #: 978-0-470-87641-1

4. Online Cases to be purchased from Harvard Business School website through a link
that will sent out via email in due course.

Students are also responsible for all materials posted on Blackboard and distributed via email
and in class.

Unauthorized photocopying of texts and published materials is an infringement of copyright.

No unauthorized photocopied texts or materials are permitted to be used in the classroom or
during open book examinations.

Acquiring textbook: students have the below options to acquire required textbooks:
(a) Purchase the book directly from local bookshop (e.g. available at Jarir) or through on-
line services (e.g. amazon.com).
(b) Purchase an electronic version of the book (if available) through suitable on-line channel.

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 If in doubt, the students can seek assistance from admin staff at the UG Office.

Grading:

Percent of
Teamwork OR Individual Total
List of Components
Grade

Assignment One: Business Model Generation Teams of Three maximum 15%

Assignment Two: Vision 2030 and the

Teams of Three maximum 20%
National Transformation Program

Midterm Individual 25%

Final Exam: Strategic Audit Teamwork 30%

Classroom Contribution Individual 10%

Total of All Components 100 %

THERE WILL BE NO MAKEUP OPPURTUNITIES FOR MISSING OUT THE DEADLINES OF

ASSIGNMENTS AND/OR MISSING OUT AN EXAM. ANY UNEXECUSED DELAYS OR NO
SHOWUPS WILL RESULT IN A ZERO ON THE ASSIGNMENT OR EXAM.

Letter Grades Conversion:

Letter Grade Percentage Descriptor

Grades Points
A 4.0 95.00 – 100.00 Excellent
A- 3.67 90.00 – 94 Excellent

B+ 3.33 86.00 – 89 Very Good

B 3.00 83.00 – 85 Very good

B- 2.67 80.00 – 82 High Good

C+ 2.33 76.00 – 79 Good

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 C 2.0 73.00 – 75 Good

C- 1.67 70.00 – 72 Good

D+ 1.33 66.00 – 69 Fair

D 1.0 60.00 – 65 Fair

F/WF 0.0 0 – 59 Fail

Course Contents- Subject to changes as needed to fit students’ progress

Weeks Topics, Assignments and Exams Readings and Presentations

(1) 22 and 24 January Orientation to Course Introduction/ Mutual

Expectations/ Chapter 1
Chapter 1 – Basic Concepts of Strategic
Management

(2) 29 and 31 January Chapter 1 – Basic Concepts of Strategic Chapter 1 and Case Study
Management

Discussion of a Harvard article: Can you say

what your strategy is?

Assignment One: Business Model

Generation- Assigned
(3) 5 and 7 February Chapter 2- Corporate Governance Chapter 2 and Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Social Responsibility and Ethics in

Strategic Management

(4) 12 and 14 Chapter 3: Social Responsibility and Ethics in Chapter 3 and Case Study
February Strategic Management

Case Study:

The Recalcitrant Director at Byte Products, Inc.

Chapter 4: Environmental Scanning and Industry

Analysis Chapter 4

(5) 19 and 21 19th of February: Submission of Assignment 1-

February Business Model Generation

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 Discussion of Assignment 1

(6) 26 and 28 Chapter 4: Environmental Scanning and Industry Chapter 4 and Chapter 5
February Analysis

Case Study: Guajilote Cooperative Forestal:

Honduras: Opportunities and Threats

Chapter 5: Internal Scanning: Organizational

Analysis

(7) 5 and 7 March Chapter 5: Internal Scanning: Organizational Chapter 5

Analysis

Case Study: Guajilote Cooperative Forestal:

Honduras: Strengths and Weaknesses

Video Case Study: Anne Mulcahy: MIT

Leadership Lessons; Strategic Management at
Xerox

(8) 12 and 14 March 12th of March: Midterm 1 Chapters 1,2,3,4, and 5

Correction of Midterm 1

(9) 19 and 21 March Conducting Internal and External Factor Analysis Chapter 6

Assignment 2 Assigned: Vision 2030

and the National Transformation
Program
Chapter 6: Strategy Formulation: Situation
Analysis and Business Strategy

(10) 26 and 28 Chapter 6: Strategy Formulation: Situation Chapter 6

March Analysis and Business Strategy

Case Study: Under Armour (Chapter 6)

(11) 2 and 4 April Chapter 7: Strategy Formulation: Corporate Chapter 7 and Case Study
Strategy

Case Study: Burger King (Related to Chapter 7)

(12) 9 and 11 April Final Exam Assigned: Strategic Chapter 8 and Case Study
Audit

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 9th of April: Submission of Assignment 2

9th and 11th of April: Presentation of Assignment

2

(13) 16 and 18 April Chapter 8: Strategy Formulation: Functional Chapter 8 and Case Study
Strategy and Strategic Choice

Case Study: Under Armour (Related to Chapter 8)

(14) 23 and 25 April Chapter 9: Strategy Implementation: Organizing for Chapter 9

Action

(15) 30 April and 2 Meetings with teams in preparation for Final Exam
May

Between 6 and 15 Final Exam

May

Additional Information:

1. Learning Domains
As per the NCAAA requirements, the listed learning outcomes of this course must be developed in
alignment with the following four learning domains:

1.1 Knowledge:
The ability to recall, understand, and present information, including knowledge of: specific
facts, concepts, principles, theories, and procedures.

1.2 Cognitive Skills:

• The ability to apply conceptual understanding of concepts, principles, theories, and
procedures.
• Involves critical thinking and creative problem solving, both when asked to do so, and when
faced with unanticipated new situations.

1.3 Interpersonal Skills and Responsibility:

• The ability of students to take responsibility for their own learning and continuing personal
and professional development.
• Work effectively in groups and exercise leadership where appropriate, act responsibly in
personal and professional relationships, and act ethically and consistently with high moral
standards in personal and public forums.

1.4 Communication, Information Technology, and Numerical Skills:

The ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form, use information and
communications technology, and use basic mathematical and statistical techniques.

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 2. Academic Policies and Procedures
2.1 The students are expected to come to their classes fully prepared and on time. They are expected
to be engaged and take notes. Their cellphones must be turned off at all times.

2.2 In case of extreme circumstances where a student cannot take an exam, he/she MUST contact
the instructor prior to the exam, otherwise no make-up will be allowed and the student shall
receive zero for the missed exam.

2.3 No course related assignment will be received after the deadline.

2.4 Signing an attendance sheet for another student is forbidden under Section 3.2 of the Student
Guide as this constitutes falsification of an academic record. Such cases will be referred to the
Dean of the CoB and may lead to expulsion from the course and the University.

2.5 Cheating in a quiz, test, essay assignment or examination is strictly forbidden. A very complete
definition of what is meant by this is described in Section 3.3 of the Student Guide. The CoB
has zero tolerance for such misconduct, and all cases of cheating will be reported initially to the
Dean and may lead to a variety of penalties being imposed (see below).

3. Attendance
In order to create a school culture that promotes punctuality, commitment, and responsibility, class
attendance must be taken at the beginning of each class. Leaving early, walking in and out of classes
for whatever reason, or using an electronic device for other than the lecture purposes should be
noticed and discouraged (a professor may deduct some class participation and attendance marks for
students who engage in such behavior). According to the University policy, a student with absence
exceeding 25% (regardless whether it is excused absence or not) should withdraw from the course,
or risk having an “F” grade in the course. It is the student responsibility to keep track of his/her
absences, study the impact on his/her grade, and avoid obtaining a bad grade due to absence/s. Good
attendance is always correlated with high student performance.

Class behavior and participation: Students are expected to come to their classes fully prepared
for learning and in time. They are expected to be participatory and take notes. Class disruptions
are not tolerated; all electronic devices that can be used for emails or social chats (such as cell
phones) must be turned off at all times, and side chats are limited to the absolute necessity. None
conforming students will be asked to leave the class. Use of the computer or iPads are limited to
the lecture purposes and must have the approval of the professor first. No electronics, other than a
simple calculator approved by the professor are allowed in quizzes and exams. Cheating or
attempted cheating in quizzes, or exams may lead to an “F” grade in the course; and if repeated
may lead to suspension from the semester or university.
Dishonesty and Cheating: Students are expected to maintain complete academic honesty in all
course activities. It is the responsibility of the student to maintain academic integrity at all times
and to seek assistance from the instructor when uncertain. Students who engage in activities which
misrepresent their academic work through plagiarism or cheating will be subject to serious punitive
measures that will be determined by the professor or college Administration. Use of any form of
electronics, other than a simple calculator checked by the professor, is prohibited in all exams, and
quizzes. It is the responsibility of the professor to implement the integrity rules at all times.
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4.CoB Examination Policy
Undergraduate students are required to be at the designated examination room 15 (fifteen) minutes
before the examination starts. Undergraduate students may not miss, defer, delay or postpone their
attendance at any examinations unless there are exceptional medical or personal reasons for doing
this. To minimize disruption, no one will be allowed to enter the examination room after
examinations have started. During the examination, you may only use materials that the faculty
member in charge has approved and to adhere to all Alfaisal and CoB policies covering academic
honesty, integrity and plagiarism.

5. Usage of Wireless Communications Devices during Examination

The use of wireless communication devices (e.g. cell phones, iPads or any other wireless connected
devices) is strictly prohibited in all examinations. Therefore, you are strongly encouraged not to
bring any wireless communication devices into your examinations. If you do have to bring a wireless
communication device into the examination room, it must be turned off and either a) left in your
bag or briefcase, or b) handed to the course instructor or the female teaching-assistant for the
duration of the examination.
The unauthorized use of such devices may result in your immediate removal from the examination
room and an automatic ‘fail’ for the examination where the offence occurred. This policy will be
strictly enforced.
Please note that it is the policy of the College of Business not to return final examination papers or
to provide feedback on these.

6.Alfaisal Academic, Plagiarism and Grading Policies

The university policies relating to attendance, punctuality and appropriate behavior in class,
avoiding plagiarism in assignments and so forth can be found in the Alfaisal University Student
Affairs Undergraduate Student Guide:
http://www.alfaisal.edu/student/Undergrad_Student_Guide.pdf
In brief, this stipulates that students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and
integrity in fulfilling course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated
against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty or plagiarism.
Furthermore, all students should familiarize themselves with, and abide by, the policies for academic
honesty and plagiarism outlined in the Student Guide (Section 3.3).
Although it is not mentioned in the Student Guide, the COB also regards any assignments that are
presented as your own original work but have been written, in whole or in part, by someone else as
plagiarism.
Plagiarism will be subject to a range of sanctions including, but not limited to, a zero mark being
awarded for the plagiarized test, assignment or examination. Those who engage in repeat acts of
plagiarism may receive a Fail mark for the entire course and face possible expulsion from our
undergraduate program.

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