The information contained on this page is designed to give students a representative example of material covered in the course. Any information related to course assignments, dates, or course materials is illustrative only. For a definitive list of materials, please check the online catalog 3-4 weeks before the course start date.

MBADM 571: Global Strategic Management

Overview

As the capstone experience in the OMBA program, Global Strategic Management covers the study of strategic management and is designed to integrate many of the components and key concepts that students have studied throughout the curriculum. The course will enable you to develop skills to deal with complex situations, identify and evaluate alternative courses of action, and communicate your assessments succinctly yet comprehensively.

Global Strategic Management focuses on factors that influence a company's competitive behavior and performance. Accordingly, the central concern throughout the course is success at the firm level. Upon completion of this course, you should be able to describe, analyze, and explain strategy concepts and techniques, applying them to virtually any organization, business, or otherwise, in the pursuit of competitive advantage. More importantly, you should be prepared to think logically and critically about actual strategic situations that confront managers. By the end of this course, you should be able to take a strategic manager’s perspective to resolve business problems and issues with the primary goal of improving organizational performance.

Global strategic management aims to coordinate business activities across countries. Those activities include market assessments, market-entry methods, international business strategies, and multinational corporation operations. Today's business organizations require a strategic global orientation to succeed in an increasingly complex world economy that presents a variety of opportunities and threats. To that end, this course will provide insights intended to help you understand and appreciate multinational business dynamics. In addition, it aims to help you gain and develop new skills to meet global challenges.

The centerpiece of the course is a team-developed global strategic plan. That exercise will provide you with practical, hands-on experience integrating the various functions in a large corporation to craft a global strategy, recommend the resource allocations and structural adjustments that will support that strategy, and present your plan in a format suitable for executives and a board of directors. We also utilize CapsimGlobal, a complex simulation in which you, alone and with a team, run a simulated global firm, ideally in a strategic manner to maximize strategic implementation and ultimately company performance.

Prerequisites

Strategy courses are generally seen as the Capstone courses of most business programs, utilizing and applying the knowledge that one has acquired throughout the program. MBADM 571 is no different, making the prerequisite knowledge of the business program essential to completing the course. As such, students are required to complete the following prerequisites before taking MBADM 571: MBADM 810, MBADM 811, MBADM 813, MBADM 812, MBADM 820, MBADM 821, and MBADM 822.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental topics, theories, concepts, and frameworks in strategic management;
2. Develop a strategic perspective of the firm based on the role of international managers and on the considerations required to manage a global firm;
3. Describe fundamental theories and models of international business;
4. Diagnose and analyze strategic situations and issues;
5. Exercise strategic decision-making skills;
6. Synthesize and integrate knowledge from other courses, applying it to strategic problems and opportunities in the pursuit of competitive advantage;
7. Formulate a viable competitive strategy for a global firm that incorporates global business activities and management; and
8. Develop a written report of a global strategic initiative suitable for formal executive-level consideration.

Program Learning Goals

• Learning Objective 5.1: Graduates can demonstrate the ability to analyze and solve business problems from multiple functional perspectives. 

Integration, Collaboration, and Engagement (ICE)

The OMBA is designed around the three-part ICE framework, a teaching and learning approach that incorporates the principles of integration, collaboration, and engagement. Learning and application of these essential business concepts throughout the course content will provide you with a comprehensive and innovative outlook on the challenges in today’s business environment. The OMBA program embodies the ICE framework in the following ways:

• Integrative learning unifies concepts across business disciplines, allowing you to engage in authentic problem-solving from a holistic perspective.
• Collaborative learning embraces hands-on projects that promote team-based problem-solving, decision-making, and project management.
• Engaged learning applies business concepts in an interactive and participative learning environment through the use of virtual classrooms and diverse multimedia forums.

Curricular Themes

Collaboration and Teams in the OMBA

Helping you to enhance skills and competencies related to group dynamics and teaming is a principal goal of the OMBA. Consequently, this course includes team activities and group work that allows for the application of teaming concepts that you learned in the Team Performance course (MBADM 810). You are expected to work in teams effectively and productively to complete all team assignments. Students may not request to work individually on team projects. Any adjustments to team composition are the sole right of the instructor. If you have concerns related to this commitment, please contact your instructor.

Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning

To provide an optimal learning experience, all OMBA courses will incorporate both synchronous (live) and asynchronous (on your own) learning activities that create balance, stimulate engagement, and appeal to diverse learning styles. Zoom is one example of a synchronous tool used in the OMBA. All synchronous sessions will be recorded for your convenience. Live attendance is not mandatory. Conversely, asynchronous tools include quizzes, simulations, and exercises, where participation occurs at your own pace or with your assigned team but within stated deadlines and due dates. Instructors will identify when and how each synchronous and asynchronous tool will be used throughout their course. Video and audio recordings of the five scheduled class Zoom sessions will be part of the course activity. Those recordings are used for educational purposes only and are available to all students presently enrolled in the class.

Required Course Materials

Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.

The textbook for this course is available only on Amazon and iBooks. You will need to use the free Kindle or iBooks app to access the book.

Library Resources

Many of the University Libraries resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Libraries website, you can

• access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
• borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep—or even your desktop;
• get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
• much more. 

You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and service.  The Off-Campus Users page has additional information about these free services.

This course contains a subject-specific Library Guide. Please use the Library Resources link in the Canvas navigation menu to access this Guide.

Technical Requirements and Help

Technical Requirements and Help

Operating System	Canvas, Penn State's Learning Management System (LMS), supports most recent versions of Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac operating systems.  To determine if your operating system is supported, please review Canvas' computer specifications.
Browser	Canvas supports the last two versions of every major browser release. It is highly recommended that you update to the newest version of whatever browser you are using. Please note that Canvas does not support the use of Internet Explorer. Students and instructors should choose a different browser to use.    To determine if your browser is supported, please review the list of Canvas Supported Browsers. Note: Cookies must be enabled, and pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State websites.
Additional Canvas Requirements	For a list of software, hardware, and computer settings specifically required by the Canvas LMS, please review Canvas' computer specifications.
Additional Software	All Penn State students have access to Microsoft Office 365, including Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Students will need a PDF reader, such as Adobe Reader.
Hardware	Monitor: Monitor capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution Audio: Microphone, Speakers Camera (optional, recommended): Standard webcam - many courses may require a webcam for assignments or exam proctoring software.
Mobile Device (optional)	The Canvas mobile app is available for versions of iOS and Android. To determine if your device is capable of using the Canvas Mobile App, please review the Canvas Mobile App Requirements.
Help	If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the Service Desk.

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Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ)

During the semester you will receive information about completing the Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ). Your participation is an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback on your learning experience. Your feedback is important because it allows us to understand your experience in this course and make changes to improve the learning experiences of future students. Please monitor email and course communications for links and availability dates.

Technical Support

For online courses at Penn State, there are several technical support services. If you are within Canvas you can use the Help link to connect with the central university support desk or with the World Campus HelpDesk. If you are not within the Canvas environment, you can access these resources through Penn State World Campus Technical Support.

Technical Skills and Digital Literacy

As a student choosing to study through an online learning environment, it is anticipated that you have a basic knowledge and experience with standard digital tools used in online courses. These include the use of a learning management system, Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), and communication tools including Zoom and Kaltura for video recordings. In addition to these basic requirements, the instructor of your course will require the use of Capsim simulation software, and training is provided as part of the simulation package. You may also need additional tools, such as Google documents, to work effectively with your team.

Grading, Course Requirements, and Policies

This course is structured around four units, which serve as pillars both conceptually and in practical terms: 

• Unit 1: Foundations of Strategy, covers basic concepts of strategic management, vision and mission, ethics, organizational social responsibility, external (industry) assessment, internal (organizational) assessment, and global and international strategic issues. These topics provide the foundation upon which a solid organizational strategy can be formulated.
• Unit 2: Strategy Formulation, covers topics relevant to creating business- and corporate-level strategies that are the result of careful analysis, consideration of a range of strategic alternatives, and appropriate strategic choices that ensure competitive advantage.
• Unit 3: Strategy Implementation, covers how to structure an organization, allocate resources appropriately, review and evaluate implementation, integrate the various functions of an organization, and exert managerial control to ensure proper stewardship of a global diversified firm.
• Unit 4: The Global Strategic Plan, synthesizes course topics through the creation of a team-based written global strategic plan.

Each unit consists of assigned readings and comprehension quizzes, team and individual CapSim Global simulation exercises, team application exercises, and a team global strategic plan with peer review. The assigned readings and comprehension quizzes, which are individual assignments, constitute 7.5% of the grade for the course. The CapSimGlobal simulation exercises (both team and individual) constitute 36.25% of the grade for the course. The team application exercises, which are all team-based, constitute 33.75%. Additionally, you will apply what you have learned throughout the course by working in teams to develop a written global strategic plan for a publicly traded corporation. That exercise will provide you with a practical, hands-on integrative experience. The global strategic plan, executive presentation, and comprehensive peer evaluation will constitute 22.5% of the grade for the course.       

Grading

Final grades will be determined based on the criteria in Table 1.

Table 1. Graded Assessments

Assessment	Points	Percentage of Final Grade
Comprehension Quizzes
Reading Comprehension Quizzes (12 @ 2.5 points each)	30	7.50%
CapsimGlobal
CapsimGlobal Intended Strategy Document	5	1.25%
CapsimGlobal Updated Strategy Document	5	1.25%
CapsimGlobal Reflections on Strategy Document	5	1.25%
CapsimGlobal Team Performance	30	7.50%
CompXM	100	25.00%
Team Application Exercises
Team Application Exercise 1	50	12.50%
Team Application Exercise 2	50	12.50%
Team Application Exercise 3	35	8.75%
Global Strategic Plan and Peer Review
Team Global Strategic Plan	50	12.50%
Team Peer Evaluation	40	10.00%
Total	400	100.00%

A more detailed breakdown of these categories follows. No extra credit work will be offered, assigned, or accepted in consideration of improving the final grade or as a substitute for any of the above criteria.

Final grades will be assigned as follows in Table 2.

Table 2. Grading Scale

Percentage Earned	Letter Grade
93.0–100%	A
90.0–92.9%	A-
87.0–89.9%	B+
83.0–86.9%	B
80.0–82.9%	B-
77.0–79.9%	C+
70.0–76.9%	C
60.0–69.9%	D
0.0–59.9%	F

 

Course Requirements

 

Requirement 1: Readings and Comprehension Quizzes

This course requires you to read the accompanying textbook in conjunction with the Canvas modules and other supplementary material mentioned by the instructor. Specifically, there are 12 Comprehension Quizzes based on the Readings of the 14 textbook chapters. These are embedded into the Canvas module reading and also in the Assignment section of Canvas. They must be completed by the deadline of each assignment and after you have read the chapter that relates to the specific Comprehension Quiz for that week/module.

Requirement 2: CapsimGlobal

CapsimGlobal is a complex simulation in which you will run a simulated global firm, both alone and with a team. You start by doing the training and practice rounds on your own so that you can maximize your understanding of the simulation and how it works. You will then manage your simulated company with your assigned GSP team (with which you will work on the Team Application and GSP assignments described next)—as a team. There are also 3 written assignments accompanying your team simulation that allow your team to communicate its intended strategy and how you want the team's performance to be evaluated (i.e., what metrics and percentage allocations to use for the 30 points allocated to CapSimGlobal Team Performance).  At the end of the course, you will then do the CompXM exam, which is an individualized stimulation with Q&A from the simulated company's board members that tests you on how well you can strategically manage a (simulated) company.

Requirement 3: Team Application Exercises

Teams of usually four to five students will be formed randomly before the course begins. These teams will be revealed at the beginning of the course early in the first week; they will be expected to work together throughout the course to complete the Application Exercises and the Global Strategic Plan (GSP) assignments as well as the team aspects of the CapsimGlobal assignments.

Each student team will create and submit a team contract early in the course. Details are provided in the Team Contract assignment.

An assigned industry and a set of potential companies for study are determined at the beginning of each semester. Teams are required to submit their ranked choices of the official GSP companies as soon as possible after establishing their team contracts. A GSP company is an actual company that you will use as the platform for the application of course concepts and material throughout the course. These companies are publicly traded corporations domiciled in the United States. The instructor must approve the team’s choice (based on the logic of their proposal and first-come, first-served basis).

Teams will submit three application exercises, essentially developing towards the GSP, for their GSP company. Each of those application exercises will serve as the conclusion for a unit. The exercises will require you to apply relevant course concepts to the GSP company and generate a brief report.

Note that some fields present well-defined problems that have right or wrong answers or solutions. Unfortunately, that is seldom the case in global strategic management. Strategic decision-makers typically confront complex situations characterized by uncertainty and risk. Problems are frequently ambiguous, opportunities are often obscured by day-to-day operations and continuous demands made on attention, and alternatives are seldom perfect matches or readily apparent. Accordingly, very few options are clear-cut, so critical thinking is essential. The quality of each application report will be proportional to the time and effort that student teams expend. The three application reports will build upon each other in sequence, so by the time teams prepare the final GSP, they will have developed the analytical groundwork and major pieces that will be melded together and augmented with additional material to make them suitable for presentation to an audience of business executives.

Each of the application exercises will be evaluated with a rubric that specifies the number of points possible, the criteria, and the achievement level expected. When submitting application exercises, teams should name their files using the convention “[Cohesion Company Name] Application Exercise #,” which should look something like this: Amalgamated Crayons Application Exercise 1.

Requirement 4: Global Strategic Plan and Peer Evaluation

Teams will have the final weeks of the course to prepare and deliver an original global strategic plan and an evaluation of each team member's contribution to the collective effort. The global strategic plan (GSP) will use the three application exercises, amended as appropriate in response to instructor and TSS comments and suggestions, as its basis. You will add additional material and prepare a professional report suitable for presentation to your GSP company’s top managers and board of directors. Additionally, you will complete peer evaluations of your teammates that the instructor will use when allocating points for final grading.

The global strategic plan will be evaluated with a rubric that specifies criteria and achievement levels. When submitting the global strategic plan, teams should name their file using the convention “[Company Name] Global Strategic Plan,” which should look something like this: Amalgamated Crayons Global Strategic Plan.

Your team’s GSP must be a professional document that flows as an integrated report- in other words, is written in one voice with smooth transitions. Please work together to prepare your report as the professional document that it should be. The appropriate use of references is mandatory; for consistency, use APA or Chicago Style.

When you have finished your report, submit a team peer evaluation (including yourself!). The instructor will handle your peer evaluations confidentially, so please be honest. Peer evaluations will be held in strict confidence; your teammates will not have access to any particular student’s assessment of their contribution or performance. To ensure fairness, the instructor will use the information you provide to make necessary adjustments to individual grades. 

When the instructor evaluates your GSP, he or she will assign the same score to each team member and then use your peer evaluations to make necessary adjustments. If the examination of your peer evaluations indicates no problems- that is, all team members performed well- then everybody will receive 40 points. If your evaluations indicate that a particular team member stood out and contributed proportionately more to the team, that individual will receive a higher score. On the other hand, if your evaluations indicate that a particular team member failed to do his or her fair share of the work, or performed work that the rest of the team deems substandard according to the team guidelines and contract, then that individual will receive a lower score. You should not automatically count on receiving 40 points.

Course Policies

Here are some ground rules for the course:

• The instructor will always maintain your confidence; he or she will never reveal anything that you discuss about your organization outside of the course. Therefore, please contribute freely and critically when asked to do so.
• Once submitted, course assignments will not be allowed to be reworked or redone, even if submitted early and scored well in advance of the deadline. Submitted work is expected to be your polished final draft. 
• Except in very unusual circumstances, reworked assignments will not be accepted, nor will extra-credit work be assigned to fulfill course requirements. You are expected to do what is assigned, not something to substitute for it.
• All written assignments are to be typed and professional-looking. It is recommended that reports be single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, and with one-inch margins.
• Unless you arrange with the instructor in advance, late assignments submitted within 24 hours of the deadline will lose half of the credit that they would otherwise have received. For example, an assignment that would have earned an 80% will receive a 40%. After assignments are one complete day late, they will be assigned a grade of zero. For a late team assignment, all team members will receive a penalty. Please be advised that this policy is stricter than what you might have experienced in other courses; it supersedes any other Penn State World Campus policy for late assignments.

Use of Artificial Intelligence

You may use artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, in this course as an optional preparation tool for assignments. Preparatory examples include:

• literature reviews,
• idea generation, or
• generating an outline.

You may not use AI for discussions as you must advance your professional voice, writing style, and critical thinking skills. Your course instructor may provide additional guidance about AI tool use for specific assignments. Should you have questions about using artificial intelligence in this course, ask your instructor or TSS for clarification before using AI for any assignment.

If used, you must be transparent in how you used the AI-based tool in your work and cite it using APA Style.

• in-text, 
• as a reference, and 
• include the prompts and responses you used as an appendix or supplemental material along with your assignment.

Failure to cite artificial intelligence or use of artificial intelligence outside of what is specified above may be considered an academic integrity violation per university policy G-9 Academic Integrity—see the Academic Integrity section of the course syllabus for additional information.

Additionally, artificial intelligence may hallucinate and produce biased, inaccurate, incorrect, or incomplete information. By using artificial intelligence as part of your assignment preparation, you implicitly understand that you are ultimately responsible for your submissions. This means thinking critically about AI output, adding your interpretations and insights, and verifying and citing all sources generated through your use of AI before submitting your assignments, including citations of the AI itself. Also, as any information you submit to an AI tool may be used to train the tool, you should never provide personal or private information, restricted data, or other sensitive information to an AI tool.

Deportment

You are expected to act with civility and personal integrity. That requires respect for other students’ dignity, rights, and property. All students are expected to help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their efforts. A culture of academic civility that demonstrates respect for oneself and others is required. If the instructor detects student behavior that does not comply with that expectation, he or she will notify you immediately to discuss remedial actions.

Netiquette

You must exercise a reasonable degree of netiquette in this course. Because most instructors in the online learning environment have similar expectations, adherence to Penn State World Campus norms is required. Most of you will be experienced in online learning behavior and expectations by the time you enroll in this course, but a few reminders and some additional information are hereby provided:

• Community: Our online learning community should be both inviting and challenging. Accordingly, you are expected to demonstrate respect for the opinions and views of others. However, that does not mean that the course discussion forums are established to provide an open vehicle for spouting off or submitting random comments—those that are tangential to the discussion at best and distracting or hurtful at worst. On the other hand, challenging each other’s arguments and points respectfully is encouraged. You must demonstrate sufficient maturity to know the difference. If in doubt, consult the instructor immediately; he or she will make a judgment as to the appropriateness of what you wish to contribute. As mentioned elsewhere in this syllabus, the instructor will serve as the moderator of the learning community but will expect to be supportive rather than directive. The instructor will operate more in the background, providing guidance and emphasis when and where necessary but encouraging and allowing you to build your own learning community. Keep it simple—when in doubt, it is always appropriate for you to adhere to the Golden Rule when engaged in dialogue.   
• Communication: The instructor will provide separate guidance concerning expectations for student writing. For the discussion forums, you are expected to communicate in conversational English and may use standard business terminology. The use of common contractions is acceptable because the goal is for you to create a conversational dialogue. Acronyms and abbreviations are acceptable, provided they are explained when first used and do not devolve into jargon. When citing outside information (which is always appropriate), you should attribute that work to the appropriate source(s) by use of a standard format (e.g., The Chicago Manual of Style or APA). You should always proofread before you submit comments and then proofread again. You should strive for clarity and be as concise as possible. “Write to express, not to impress.” That’s a good standard; save the fluff for creative writing.

Honor Code and Professionalism

As a professional, you're expected to act with the highest level of integrity and an exemplary work ethic. Likewise, in this course, you are required to follow the Smeal Honor Code and the Penn State University Code of Conduct, as well as to hold your peers accountable to the same standards. In group assignments, you should do your share of the work on time and to the best of your ability. In discussions, always be courteous and accepting of others' thoughts. Be supportive of classmates on assignments that allow or encourage collaboration. Keep in mind that you're in this course to learn new material that will benefit you in the future; you aren't here to simply get a grade in the easiest way possible. Enjoy and embrace the learning experience with an ethical mindset, and you'll always be proud of your work.

University Grading Policies

Please refer to the University Registrar's information about University grading policies. If, for reasons beyond the student's control, a student is prevented from completing a course within the prescribed time, the grade in that course may be deferred with the concurrence of the instructor. The symbol DF appears on the student's transcript until the course has been completed. Non-emergency permission for filing a deferred grade must be requested by the student before the beginning of the final examination period. In an emergency situation, an instructor can approve a deferred grade after the final exam period has started. Under emergency conditions during which the instructor is unavailable, authorization is required from one of the following: the dean of the college in which the candidate is enrolled; the executive director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies if the student is enrolled in that division or is a provisional student; or the campus chancellor of the student's associated Penn State campus.

For additional information please refer to the Deferring a Grade page.

Course Schedule

Note: All due dates reflect North American eastern time (ET).

Week 1

Topic 1

Unit 1:	Foundations of Strategy
Topic 1:	Basic Concepts of Strategic Management
Readings:	Course Syllabus Course Map Topic 1 Content Textbook Chapter 1: Underlying Concepts and Ideas behind Building Effective Strategy in Business (pp. 1-13) Textbook Chapter 2: Types and Layers of Strategy and other Dimensions (pp. 14-34) Textbook Chapter 4 (Quiz T2): Toward the Intended Strategy - Goal Seeking and Mission (pp. 46-60)  Textbook Chapter 11 (Quiz T11): Strategic Leadership (pp. 159-165)
Assignments:	Introductions Q&A Zoom Session (optional) Introduce Yourself via Flip CapsimGlobal Training Team Contract Submission GSP Company Approval Proposal Comprehension Quiz (Chapters 1-2) Start working on Capsim Global Individual Practice Footrace Submission

Week 2

Topic 2

Unit 1:	Foundations of Strategy
Topic 2:	Goal Setting
Readings:	Topic 2 Content Textbook Chapter 3 (Quiz T8): The Innovation Imperative (pp. 35-45) Textbook Chapter 5 (Quiz T3): Tools to Analyze and Determine External Environment Factors (pp. 61-97) Review Textbook Chapter 4: Toward the Intended Strategy - Goal Seeking and Mission (pp. 46-60)
Assignments:	CapsimGlobal Individual Practice Footrace Submission Comprehension Quiz (Chapter 4) Start working on Team Application Exercise 1: Strategic Foundation

Week 3

Topic 3

Unit 1:	Foundations of Strategy
Topic 3:	Situation Analysis - External Assessment
Readings:	Topic 3 Content Textbook Chapter 6 (Quiz T4): Tools to Analyze and Determine Internal Environmental Factors (pp. 98-117) Review Textbook Chapter 5: Tools to Analyze and Determine External Environment Factors (pp. 61-97)
Assignments:	Comprehension Quiz (Chapter 5) Continue working on Team Application Exercise 1: Strategic Foundation

Week 4

Topic 4

Unit 1:	Foundations of Strategy
Topic 4:	Situation Analysis - Internal Assessment
Readings:	Topic 4 Content Textbook Chapter 14 (Quiz T9): The Global Imperative (pp. 192-229) Review Textbook Chapter 6: Tools to Analyze and Determine Internal Environmental Factors (pp. 98-117)
Assignments:	Strategic Foundation Q&A Zoom Session (optional) Comprehension Quiz (Chapter 6) Submit Team Application Exercise 1: Strategic Foundation

Week 5

Topic 5

Unit 2:	Strategy Formulation
Topic 5:	Corporate Strategies
Readings:	Topic 5 Content Textbook Chapter 7: Corporate Strategy (pp. 117-125)
Assignments:	Comprehension Quiz (Chapter 7) Start working on Team Application Exercise 2: Strategy Formulation

Week 6

Topic 6

Unit 2:	Strategy Formulation
Topic 6:	Business Strategies
Readings:	Topic 6 Content Textbook Chapter 8: Creating a Business Strategy and Strategic Initiatives (pp. 126-137) Review Textbook Chapter 2: Types and Layers of Strategy and Other Dimensions (pp. 14-34)
Assignments:	Comprehension Quiz (Chapter 8) Continue working on Team Application Exercise 2: Strategy Formulation

Week 7

Topic 7

Unit 2:	Strategy Formulation
Topic 7:	Generating, Evaluating, and Selecting Strategic Alternatives
Readings:	Topic 7 Content
Assignments:	Work on Team Application Exercise 2: Strategy Formulation

Week 8

Unit 3:	Strategy Implementation
Topic 8:	Strategic Innovation
Readings:	Topic 8 Content Textbook Chapter 9 (Quiz T10): Functional Strategy (pp. 138-147) Review Textbook Chapter 3: The Innovation Imperative (pp. 35-45)
Assignments:	Strategy Formulation Q&A Zoom Session (optional) Submit Team Application Exercise 2: Strategy Formulation Comprehension Quiz (Chapter 3) Start working on Team Application Exercise 3: Strategy Implementation

 

Week 9

Topic 9

Unit 2:	Strategy Implementation
Topic 9:	Strategy for a Global Economy
Readings:	Topic 9 Content Review Textbook Chapter 14: The Global Imperative (pp. 192-229)
Assignments:	Submit CapsimGlobal Strategy Document #1: Intended Strategy CapsimGlobal Competitive Rounds Submissions Comprehension Quiz (Chapter 14) Continue working on Team Application Exercise 3: Strategy Implementation

 Week 10

Topic 10

Unit 3:	Strategy Implementation
Topic 10:	Functional Strategy
Readings:	Topic 10 Content Textbook Chapter 10 (Quiz T11): Organizational Structure and Organizational Culture (pp. 148-158) Review Textbook Chapter 9: Functional Strategy (pp. 138-147)
Assignments:	Submit CapsimGlobal Strategy Document #2: Updated Strategy Comprehension Quiz (Chapter 9) Continue working on Team Application Exercise 3: Strategy Implementation

Topic 11

Unit 3:	Strategy Implementation
Topic 11:	Leadership and Organizational Culture
Readings:	Topic 11 Content  Textbook Chapter 12 (Quiz T12): Controlling Strategy: Managing Systems and Motivating People (pp. 166-173) Review Textbook Chapter 10: Organizational Structure and Organizational Culture (pp. 148-158) Review Textbook Chapter 11: Strategic Leadership (pp. 159-165)
Assignments:	CapsimGlobal Competitive Rounds Submission Comprehension Quiz (Chapters 10-11) Continue working on Team Application Exercise 3: Strategy Implementation

Week 11

Topic 12

Unit 3:	Strategy Implementation
Topic 12:	Controlling and Changing Strategy
Readings:	Topic 12 Content Textbook Chapter 13: Risk Management - Preparing and Managing for Strategic Change (pp. 174-191) Review Textbook Chapter 12: Controlling Strategy: Managing Systems and Motivating People (pp. 166-173)
Assignments:	Strategy Implementation Q&A Zoom Session (optional) Submit CapsimGlobal Strategy Document #3: Reflections on Strategy Implementation Submit Team Application Exercise 3: Strategy Implementation CapsimGlobal Team Performance Comprehension Quiz (Chapter 12) Comprehension Quiz (Chapter 13)

Weeks 12, 13, and Final

Topic 13

Unit 4:	Putting It All Together - The Global Strategic Plan
Topic 13:	Creating a Global Strategic Plan
Readings:	Topic 13 Content
Assignments:	​Global Strategic Plan Q&A Zoom Session (optional) CompXM Submit Team Peer Evaluation Submit Team Global Strategic Plan

Formal instruction will end on the last day of class. Provided that you have an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password, you will continue to be able to access the course materials for one year, starting from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered (with the exception of library reserves and other external resources that may have a shorter archival period). After one year, you might be able to access the course based on the policies of the program or department offering the course material, up to a maximum of three years from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered. For more information, please review the University Course Archival Policy.

Intent to Graduate

Note: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please refer to Graduation at the Chaiken Center for Student Success.

Academic Integrity

According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity (for undergraduate students in undergraduate courses) and policy GCAC-805 Academic Integrity (for graduate students and undergraduate students in graduate courses), an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.

Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity or GCAC-805 Academic Integrity as appropriate). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.

How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled
World Campus students are expected to act with civility and personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and others, as well as a civil community.

In cases where academic integrity is questioned, procedures allow a student to accept or contest/appeal the allegation. If a student chooses to contest/appeal the allegation, the case will then be managed by the respective school, college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. Review procedures may vary by college, campus, or school, but all follow the aforementioned policies.

All academic integrity violations are referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response, which may assign an educational intervention and/or apply a Formal Warning, Conduct Probation, Suspension, or Expulsion.

Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy is included in the information that students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us by going to the Contacts & Help page.

Student Success and Support Resources

The Chaiken Center for Student Success at Penn State World Campus guides you to the right resources and support you need–when you need them–along your academic journey. You can connect with peers and support teams to find direction, information, and networking opportunities. On the website, you'll find information and resources on many aspects of being a World Campus student:

• Finances—tuition, scholarships, and financial aid
• Inclusion and Wellness—diversity and inclusion, mental health services, disability accommodations, care and advocacy
• Enrollment and Registration—course planning, adding and dropping courses, and much more
• Course Work and Success—academic advising, tutoring, and other services
• Involvement and Opportunities—career resources, student organizations, internships, service, study abroad, and more

Following are some key resources.

Student Disability Services

Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University’s educational programs. Every Penn State campus has an office for students with disabilities, including World Campus. The Disabilities and Accommodations section of the Chaiken Center for Student Success website provides World Campus students with information regarding how to request accommodations, documentation guidelines and eligibility, and appeals and complaints. For additional information, please visit the University's Student Disability Resources website.

In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability services office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus's disability services office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.

Students with disabilities participating in internship, practicum, student teaching, or other experiential learning opportunities as part of their degree requirements may also be eligible for reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access and opportunity. These accommodations are determined through an interactive process involving the student, their University supervisor, and the site supervisor. Student Disability Resources can assist students with identifying potential barriers, facilitating accommodation requests, and coordinating with University supervisors to promote inclusive learning experiences.

Counseling and Psychological Services

If you have a crisis or safety concern, mental health services are available to you as a Penn State student. Crisis and emergency contacts are available, no matter where you are located:

• Anywhere in the United States: Call the Penn State Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400 or text LIONS to 741741. You can also contact your local crisis services or hospital for emergencies.
• Outside the United States: Please contact emergency services in your current location. You can also use the International Crisis and Emergency Services listings.
• At University Park: Assistance is available at Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) locations on campus.
• At a Penn State branch campus: You can search for counseling information at your campus.

Military Student Information

Veterans and currently serving military personnel and/or dependents with unique circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployments, drill/duty requirements, VA appointments, etc.) are welcome and encouraged to communicate these, in advance if possible, to the instructor in the case that special arrangements need to be made.

Additional Policies

In order to protect your privacy, course access is limited to those individuals who have direct responsibility for the quality of your educational experience. In addition to the instructor, a teaching assistant or college administrator may be provided access in order to ensure optimal faculty availability and access. World Campus technical staff may also be given access in order to resolve technical support issues.

1. Students are responsible for online course content, taking notes, obtaining other materials provided by the instructor, taking tests (if applicable), and completing assignments as scheduled by the instructor.  As a general rule, students should plan on logging into the course at least three times per week and spending at least three hours per course credit per week on the course, e.g., if the course is three credits, the student should plan on spending at least 9-12 hours per week on the course, just as they would in a residence course.
2. Students are responsible for keeping track of changes in the course syllabus made by the instructor throughout the semester.
3. Students are responsible for monitoring their grades.
4. Students must contact their instructor (and teammates when working on any collaborative learning assignments) as soon as possible if they anticipate missing long periods of online time due to events such as chronic illnesses, death in the family, business travel, or other appropriate events. The instructor will determine the minimal log on time and participation required in order to meet course responsibilities. In the event of other unforeseen conflicts, the instructor and student will arrive at a solution together.
   1. Instructors may require students to provide documentation with the class absence form or other written notification for events such as illness, family emergency, or a business-sanctioned activity.
   2. Conflicts with dates on which examinations or assignments are scheduled must be discussed with the instructor or TA prior to the date of the examination or assignment.
5. Students are responsible for following appropriate netiquette (network etiquette) when communicating with their instructor and classmates. For reference, see the Academic Success Kit.
6. Behaviors that disrupt other students’ learning are not acceptable and will be addressed by the instructor.
7. For severe and chronic problems with student disruptive behavior, the following will be applied for resolution:
   1. Senate Committee on Student Life policy on managing classroom disruptions: Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
   2. Penn State Values.

Penn State takes great pride to foster a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Acts of intolerance, discrimination, or harassment due to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or veteran status are not tolerated and can be reported through Educational Equity via the Report Bias webpage.

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The university takes the accessibility of our courses and websites very seriously. As such, all approved tools used in our courses are vetted by the university to ensure that the technology tools adhere to the current ADA standards. For more accessibility information please visit the following websites. You may also wish to see the Accommodating Disabilities section of the course syllabus.

• Penn State Policy and Accessibility Guidelines
• AD69 Accessibility of Electronic and Information Technology

For accessibility statements of tools that you may use as part of this course, visit the following websites.

• Adobe
• Canvas
• Capsim
• Flip
• Google Products
• Kaltura
• LinkedIn
• Microsoft Office 365
• OpenAI – an accessibility statement for OpenAI does not exist
• Zoom

Student Services

Penn State World Campus Student Center

The World Campus Student Center is your starting place for everything World Campus with information about registration, enrollment, involvement, finances, opportunities, inclusion, wellness, coursework, and success. Set your program to Business Administration - MBA (Master's Degree) for access to specific resources for your program.

The university takes issues related to student privacy very seriously. As such, all approved third-party tools used in our courses are vetted by the university to ensure that student data will be protected and secure. For more privacy information please visit the following websites.

• Penn State’s AD53 Privacy Policy
• Penn State’s Web Privacy Statement
• Penn State World Campus Privacy Policy Statement and SMS Terms and Conditions

For more information on the privacy policies for tools that you may use as part of this course, visit the following websites.

• Adobe
• Canvas
• Capsim
• Flip
• Google
• Kaltura
• LinkedIn
• Microsoft Office 365
• OpenAI
• Zoom

Student Responsibilities

1. Students are responsible for online course content, taking notes, obtaining other materials provided by the instructor, taking tests (if applicable), and completing assignments as scheduled by the instructor.  As a general rule, students should plan on logging into the course at least three times per week and spending at least three hours per course credit per week on the course, e.g., if the course is three credits, the student should plan on spending at least 9-12 hours per week on the course, just as they would in a residence course.
2. Students are responsible for keeping track of changes in the course syllabus made by the instructor throughout the semester.
3. Students are responsible for monitoring their grades.
4. Students must contact their instructor (and teammates when working on any collaborative learning assignments) as soon as possible if they anticipate missing long periods of online time due to events such as chronic illnesses, death in the family, business travel, or other appropriate events. The instructor will determine the minimal log on time and participation required in order to meet course responsibilities. In the event of other unforeseen conflicts, the instructor and student will arrive at a solution together.
   1. Instructors may require students to provide documentation with the class absence form or other written notification for events such as illness, family emergency, or a business-sanctioned activity.
   2. Conflicts with dates on which examinations or assignments are scheduled must be discussed with the instructor or TA prior to the date of the examination or assignment.
5. Students are responsible for following appropriate netiquette (network etiquette) when communicating with their instructor and classmates. For reference, see the Academic Success Kit.
6. Behaviors that disrupt other students’ learning are not acceptable and will be addressed by the instructor.
7. For severe and chronic problems with student disruptive behavior, the following will be applied for resolution:
   1. Senate Committee on Student Life policy on managing classroom disruptions: Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
   2. Penn State Values.