NEW OR SIGNIFICANTLY CHANGED PAGES SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE SEMESTER:

• (11/19/08) Posted updated ethics PP, including analysis/results from the Heinz data we obtained last night (I'll go over this next week).
  
  
• (10/24/08) Posted expanded financial information for Lincoln Electric and Illinois Tool Works. The latter, although imbedded in a larger company, is probably about as good a comparison as we have data for. Re analyzing the two India competitors, the exchange rate in 2005 was about 45 Indian Rupees to one US dollar.
  
  
• (10/15/08) If you are doing a brief on Sun MS (same for a brief later on Lincoln), it is a much shorter version of a full case report. A case brief is a short version (roughly 4-5 pages double-spaced or equivalent) of a full case report, containing three sections: (1) Current Strategies, in which you identify and critique their current strategies; (2) Diagnosis, with Critical Issues, a SWOT table, and supporting discussion, and (3) Recommendations, with a concise explanation of what the recommendations mean, why you are recommending them, and some major considerations in implementing your recommended strategies. Some financial analysis would be a plus, although not required.
  
  
• (9/15/08) Posted a slightly expanded set of PPs re Formulation and Implementation, with more charts re competitive advantage.
  
  
• (9/2/08) We will meet in Sierra Hall 120 for the two joint sessions with the other Mgt. 693 section: on 10/14 and 12/2.
  
  
• (8/31/08) As we will discuss in class this week, I’ve decided to lighten your load a bit. One of the last two of the three full case reports will be changed to a case brief, described below. Everyone will do a full case report on the Nike case. About half the class will do a full case report on the Sun Microsystems case and a brief on Lincoln Electric. The other half of the class will do a brief on Sun Microsystems and a full case report on Lincoln Electric. If you are taking the comprehensive exam, I recommend that you write a full case report on all three. I'll give you written feedback and log the highest two grades.
  * A case brief is a short version (roughly 3-4 pages double-spaced or equivalent) of a full case report, containing three sections: (1) Current Strategies, in which you identify and critique their current strategies; (2) Diagnosis, with Critical Issues, a SWOT table, and supporting discussion, and (3) Recommendations, with a concise explanation of what the recommendations mean, why you are recommending them, and some major considerations in implementing your recommended strategies.
  * Each report or brief must be handed in by the day we discuss that particular case in class. Late reports will not be accepted. The report should be clear, organized, and typed. No report covers, please, just staple the sheets, but be sure to write your name and the case name on the first page.
  * The revised weights on the six graded items are: 20% participation, 20% first regular report, 24% second regular report, 18% for two briefs (9% each), 18% exam
  
  
• (8/30/08) I was able to get us a larger room, JH 1121. We will start meeting there this coming Tues (9/2); I will put up a sign in the old ED room. Although the new room has the disadvantage of fixed seating, the equipment and increased space for sub-grouping make it an improvement.
  
  
• (8/14/08) Posted a slightly revised syllabus and schedule; the only changes of importance are in the schedule

GENERAL NOTES & REMINDERS:

• Make a point of reading the Strategic and Critical Thinking and Strategic Management Process modules several times during the first weeks as we work through the strategic management model in detail with its application to a sample case.


• You should read the module on Assignment Details at the beginning of the semester and then study in depth specific sections as you work on various assignments during the semester. As you work on the full-length written case reports, you should follow the format given in the Written Case Analysis Reports and Case Report Headings sections, and make use of the suggestions in those sections plus make use of the hints and suggestions in the subsequent two sections (Case Report Grading Criteria & Common Failings in Case Reports). There also are three sections regarding the participation assignment(s), which include both your participation in class discussions and short written assignments to support a quality class discussion (and to help your learning). Please don't ask me what is expected on an assignment before you have carefully studied the appropriate section that explains it.


• There may be some additional short written assignments as part of the participation grade.