Date

Topic

Readings

Assignment

 Concept of Strategy

Oct. 28

Concept of Strategy

(Text) Article, HBR, Can you say what your strategy is?

(HO) Core Objectives

(HO) Robin Hood

In class discussion of short case

 The Firm as a Value Chain

Nov. 4

Analyzing the firm’s value activities

(Text) Case:  IKEA Invades America

 (Text) Article,  Exploiting the Virtual value chain

(HO) Service Innovation Myopia

In 1-2 page paper assess IKEA’s strategy, using frameworks from readings and class. Is this strategy sustainable? Explain briefly.

Nov. 11

Modeling the value chain

 (Text) Case: Panera Bread Company

 Apply value chain analysis to Panera Bread Company Case. What value does the firm provide its customers. Demonstrate how well its Primary and support activities do or do not provide this value in a 2-3 pp. paper. Offer recommendations.

 Business  Models

Nov. 18

Business  Models

(Text) Articles, (1) Innovation to the core ….,
(2) Business Models
For Internet-Based …. 

(Text) Case, Early Stage Business Vignettes

Discussion of Business Vignettes case

Nov. 25

Business Model Applications

(Text)Case, Dell, Inc., 2006

In a 1-2 pp. paper describe Dell’s Business models drawing on readings/class. What are its strengths/weaknesses.
Recommendations.

 Firm Stakeholders

Dec. 2

Stakeholders vs. Stockholders

(Text) Article, The Corporation in Society.

(HO) Whose Company is it?

In class exercise in identifying stakeholders and their stakes

Dec. 8

Stakeholder analysis

(Text) Case, Hershey Foods Co.

Map stakeholders & assess their impacts on the firm. How can the firm reconcile competing claims? 2-3 pp. paper.

Dec 15

Integrated perspectives of the firm

Discussion of final projects

Turn in final project.