The course provides theoretical and practical knowledge for students broadly interested in organizational strategy and design. The course comprises four theory and content modules designed to expose students to how managers develop, evaluate and execute an organization’s strategies in the face of diverse opportunities and challenges. The topics covered in this course include: understanding strategic management, evaluating the market for opportunities and threats, enhancing firm performance and competitive advantage, and developing effective strategies for managing and growing a business.

• Understand the challenges involved in navigating today’s complex and integrated business environment – such as how to respond to industry, market, competitor, and customer factors that influence strategy and organizational design
• Develop an understanding of how to analyze and respond to internal and external change pressures
• Enhance practical analytical and communication skills
• Enhance leadership and team-building capabilities

• Content component - traditional lecture format
• Interactive discussions and activities
• Videos
• Case studies
• Simulations
• Group work

Attendance and Participation (5%): Active engagement in class discussions and activities is a critical part of the learning experience in the course. The course is purposefully designed to be interactive, so students must come prepared to discuss the assigned readings. Students that do not meet an 80% attendance record will be automatically unenrolled from the course.

Group Assignments (30%): Groups will design an idea for a start-up company. This assignment includes a written report (20%) and a presentation (10%).

The written report (12 pages, single-spaced, not including title page, references, or appendices) should provide an overview of the startup company. The overview should describe the business (product/service offering), the industry and broader macro-environmental trends important to the business, the management and organizational structure, overview of the marketing plan (target audience, price, location, etc.), key stakeholders, basic financials (e.g., start-up costs and income statement), and projected future outlook. The report should be well-researched with proper referencing/citations (APA style).

Individual Contribution (10%): The individual component of the evaluation will be based on your group members’ evaluations of your contribution to the group work.

Case Study Challenge (15%): Students will analyze a case study in class. Groups will work collaboratively to identify key strategic issues, apply relevant frameworks and concepts from the course, and develop actionable recommendations. Each group will prepare and deliver a brief presentation of their analysis and proposed solutions to the class. This exercise is designed to enhance students' analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and presentation skills in a time-constrained environment. 

Final Exam (40%): The final exam will cover all course material—including required readings, lectures, and in-class discussions. It will assess students’ understanding of key strategic management concepts, analytical frameworks, and their application to real-world business scenarios.