COURSE OUTLINE – Spring 2011 - UCLA Extension · COURSE OUTLINE – Spring 2011 ... participate in one case analysis and presentation as a member of a group. ... Discussion Questions

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COURSE OUTLINE – Spring 2011 Course Title: X460.95 International Business Policies and Strategies Location: Extension Lindbrook Center - Room 208 Meeting Times: Thursdays (6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.) Instructor: Lawrence S. Schmid, MBA, BME

President and Chief Executive Officer Strategic Directions International, Inc. 6242 Westchester Parkway, Suite 100 Los Angeles, California 90045 Tel: (310) 641-4982 Fax: (310) 641-8851 E-mail: [email protected] COURSE GOALS & OBJECTIVES: The major goal of this course is to provide the student with an assessment of the fundamental issues involved in the formulation and implementation of business strategies in international and multinational organizations. Emphasis is given to the need for understanding and adapting to the various dimensions of international business. The Case Study Method is the primary learning vehicle in this course. The focus of this course is on the determination, implementation, and evaluation of strategies and policies governing a firm's multinational business operations. While we will occasionally be concerned with management attitudes and actions, the concentration is on overall corporate policy and business strategy. These activities tend to involve upper-management, although the lessons to be learned certainly apply to anyone interested in the field of international business, regardless of their position in the management hierarchy. Since we draw a distinction between international management and domestic management, most of the readings and cases describe situations outside of the home country. Likewise, we try to present a balanced view without unduly emphasizing American management practices and philosophy. Accordingly, the strategies and policies of American-based multinational companies, as well as a number of non-American based organizations, are discussed and analyzed. Since the case analysis approach is emphasized, the preparation of case analysis outlines and participation in classroom discussions are of primary importance. Twelve cases have been selected and packaged into a specially designed casebook. All these cases will be analyzed during the course. Students will also have the opportunity to analyze and present a case as a group member.

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REQUIRED READING: Course Texts: Required Text

International Business Policy & Strategy Case Book, Selected Cases in International Business, McGraw-Hill CREATE, 2010, ISBN 978-1-121-10014-5

Optional Newspaper

The Wall Street Journal is suggested reading for all students in order that class discussions can be based on current examples of international company strategies. Students that do not have access to this publication can sign up for a 10-week subscription for $19.95. The subscription includes both the physical paper and Internet access. A sign-up sheet will be available in class during the first two classes. Students will be billed separately by the Wall Street Journal.

GRADING: Student performance is based on individual and group case analysis discussion and written submittals. This is determined by evaluating the contribution of each student to case discussions, as well as reviewing the written case outlines. Participation and performance in the group case presentation will also be evaluated.

Grade Allocation:

Attendance & Participation * 15 %

Two “Mini Analyses” 25 % Two Individual Case Analysis Outlines 40 % One Group Case Analysis & Presentation 20 % Total 100 %

* Students who miss three or more classes will not receive any credit for attendance and participation. Please note that ALL COURSE GRADES ARE FINAL. ASSIGNMENTS: Each student must thoroughly read all assigned cases and be ready to contribute to class discussion during each class session to express and argue his or her viewpoint. Students are expected to independently analyze and discuss the cases in class. Two full cases are to be submitted by each individual student in written format. In addition, students are required to participate in one case analysis and presentation as a member of a group. Two “Mini Analyses” are also to be submitted during the early portion of the course and must likewise be completed independently. Organized class discussions will also take place each week on examples of the international strategies of various companies.

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Students are expected to absorb and apply the various strategy concepts discussed in class and described in handout materials. These concepts will be a guide to understanding strategy formulation and implementation. Mini Case Analyses During the early sessions of the course each student is required to submit two “mini analyses” of the case being discussed in lieu of writing up a full case analysis. This will encourage students to quickly get involved with the analytical approaches being discussed and should also aid in generating more class room debate on issues relating to that particular case. These written exercises are to be turned in prior to class discussions on any of the cases scheduled for session #2 to #5. It is recommended that students do one of the first two mini analyses and one of the last two. Each analysis must be done independently. Late submissions will not be accepted. The following is the schedule for these Mini Case Analyses:

• Session #2 Case 1 - Whole Foods Market in 2008 – Discussion Questions • Session #3 Case 2 - GM: The Opel Decision – Discussion Questions • Session #4 Case 3 - Competition in Video Game Consoles – Discussion Questions and a

Five-Forces Analysis • Session #5 Case 4 - COSTCO Wholesale – Discussion Questions and a SWOT Analysis

Individual Case Analyses Students must submit two written case analyses for any of the cases covered during Sessions #6 to #9. The case analyses are to be done in accordance with guidelines to be discussed in class. Each case analysis must be submitted using a specially designed Case Outline Form that will be provided beforehand. Each of the four case outlines will be designed to address issues in the case to be analyzed. Case Outlines must be completed for the cases scheduled for discussion during each class session and submitted at the end of class. Late submissions will not be accepted. The four cases from which to select two cases for a full written case analyses include:

• Case 5 - Google’s Strategy in 2009 • Case 6 - Dell Inc. in 2008 • Case 7 - Apple Inc. in 2010 • Case 8 - Research in Motion

Students must read and prepare all cases for discussion in class, even those that are not written-up. This will provide for a more complete discussion of the issues of the case. All students are expected to contribute to class discussion. Class participation will definitely be considered in determining the final course grade. Attendance is also important in order for the student to be able to actively participate in discussions Completion of the case outline is helpful in assuring interesting and lively case discussions. However, students may submit one additional outline for extra credit, if they so desire. Each student must submit two individually written case outlines for any of the four cases scheduled for discussion from Session #6 to #9. All case analyses, except the group assignment, must be done independently.

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As we move through the course, students will be exposed to more and more concepts and the case analyses will become more comprehensive. Although there will be no final examination, it is vital that each student attend class lectures and that you review the associated handout material on strategic concepts in order to be able to submit acceptable case analyses. Group Case Analysis Students must also participate in a group case analysis and presentation. A group case analysis simulates what actually goes on in organizations seeking to develop strategic programs. Only selected cases scheduled for Sessions #10 and #11 are available for group analysis. These include:

• Case 9 - Alibaba Group • Case 10 - Sara Lee Corporation • Case 11 - Adidas in 2009 • Case 12 - PepsiCo’s Diversifications Strategy in 2008

Each student group will form and select a case to analyze during the third class session on April 14th. This will give each student time to determine which case is of most interest. Group case presentations are scheduled for June 2nd and June 9th, Sessions # 10 & 11. Each student group will analyze the case in the same manner that is to be done on an individual basis, but obviously in more detail since the group will have the resources of three or more team members. Each group member must present some portion of the case. A more complete written case must also be submitted immediately following the presentation in addition to submitting a copy of the presentation slides. The specific content of the presentation is up to the group, although all major portions of the case outline should be addressed. A PowerPoint Presentation, and other audio visual aids, should be used to help communicate the group's analysis to the class. Approximately 45 minutes will be allowed for each presentation, with 15 minutes for questions from the class. Individual case analyses of these last four cases are not allowed. COURSE SCHEDULE 1. Thursday

March 31 Introduction & Course Overview: The concept of corporate strategy development in an international context

PowerPoint Presentation

Strategic Management Concepts: Strategy vs. the Business Model, Strategic Vision, Mission Statements, Tests of a Winning Strategy and Core Company Values

Case Analysis Three different types of case analysis: Discussion Questions, Comprehensive Case Analysis Form and the Group Analysis and Presentation

Video “Strategy Should Continuously Evolve”

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2. Thursday April 7

The Process of Crafting and Executing a Strategy: Ease of market entry versus perceived control requirements


Financial and Strategic Objectives, Various Levels of Strategy Development and Elements of the Macro-Environment: Dominant Industry Economic Traits, Industry Driving Forces & Key Success Factors

Video “Be Clear What the Aim Is”

Case Analysis Assignment

Case 1 – “Whole Foods Market in 2008: Vision, Core Values, and Strategy” Answer Discussion Questions – Oral discussions with optional written submission.

3. Thursday April 14

Global Strategic Orientation: Positioning for global advantage


Evaluating a Company’s External Environment: Industry Analysis using the Five-Forces Model of Competition and Strategic Group Mapping

Video “When to Say No to New Business Opportunities”


Case 2 – “GM: The Opel Decision” Answer Discussion Questions – Oral discussions with optional written submission.

4. Thursday April 21

Global Competition: Corporate situation analysis and the realities of the global environment – industry and competitive situation analysis.


Evaluating a Company’s Resources and Competitive Position: Financial Ratio Analysis and the SWOT Analysis Model

Video “The Battle Over Playstation” and “Clash of the Video Games”


Case 3 - “Competition in Video Game Consoles: Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo Battle for Supremacy”. Answer Discussion Questions and complete a Five-Forces Analysis – Oral discussions with optional written submissions.

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5.

Thursday April 28

Organization and Control Strategies: Understanding organizational strengths and weaknesses – structure must always follow strategy.


Evaluating a Company’s Resources and Competitive Position: Value Chain Analysis and Competitive Strength Assessments

Video

“Behind the Scenes at Costco” and “Costco vs. Sam’s Club: Big Warehouses, Big Savings


Case 4 – “Costco Wholesale in 2008: Mission, Business Model, and Strategy”. Answer Discussion Questions and complete a SWOT Analysis – Oral discussions with optional written submissions.

6. Thursday

May 5 Logistics and Operational Strategies: Balancing production, sourcing and location decisions for global competitive advantage.


The Five Generic Competitive Strategies

Video “Interview with Google CEO Eric Schmidt”


Case 5 - “Google’s Strategy in 2009” Use custom designed Case Analysis Form to provide a complete analysis of this case.

7.

Thursday May 12

Marketing Strategy: Competing in the worldwide marketplace – strategies that fit each company's character.


Grand Strategies: A Step Beyond a Chosen Competitive Strategy

Video “How Strategy Evolves in a Large Organization – Interview with Michael Dell.”


Case 6 – “Dell Inc. in 2008: Can It Overtake Hewlett-Packard as the Worldwide Leader in Personal Computers?” Use custom designed Case Analysis Form to provide a complete analysis of this case.

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8.

Thursday May 19

Financial and Innovation Strategies: Optimizing financial performance in the international setting and using information technology to gain competitive advantage.


Multinational Issues and the Strategic Options of Multinational Corporations

Video “Aligning Strategies Across Multiple Business Units”


Case 7 - “Apple Inc. in 2010” Use custom designed Case Analysis Form to provide a complete analysis of this case.

9. Thursday

May 26 Technology and Environmentally Sensitive Strategies: International R&D, technology transfer and global technology managements.


Generic Industry Strategies: Surviving and Prospering in Different Market Environments

Video “Strategy Does Not Compensate for Poor Execution”

Case Analysis Assignment Special

Case 8 - “Research In Motion: Managing Explosive Growth” Use custom designed Case Analysis Form to provide a complete analysis of this case. Course & Instruction Evaluation

10. Thursday June 2

Transition and Survival Strategies: The dynamic environment of global business and selecting new financially viable strategic directions


Diversification: Strategies for Managing a Group of Businesses

Video “Beyond Business as Usual”

Group Presentations

Case 9 -“Alibaba Group” and Case 10 - “Sara Lee Corporation: Retrenching to a Narrower Range of Businesses” The entire class is expected to participate in a Q&A session following each presentation.

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11.

Thursday June 9

Diversification Strategies and Strategic Alliances: The role of joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions – international expansion through cooperation.


Managing Internal Operations and Corporate Culture and Leadership

Video Dealing with Opposition to Culture Change”

Group Presentations

Case 11 - “Adidas in 2009: Has Corporate Restructuring Increased Shareholder Value?” and Case 12 - “PepsiCo’s Diversification Strategy in 2008” The entire class is expected to participate in a Q&A session following each presentation.

Documents

COURSE OUTLINE – Spring 2011 - UCLA Extension · COURSE OUTLINE – Spring 2011 ... participate in one case analysis and presentation as a member of a group. ... Discussion Questions