Course Title: Advanced Business Strategy

Part A: Course Overview

Course ID: 040065

Course Title: Advanced Business Strategy

Credit Points: 12

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
BUSM3942	City Campus	Research	660H Grad School of Business	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2007

Course Coordinator: Adjunct Professor John Eady

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 1511

Course Coordinator Email: john.eady@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 108-11-13

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

This course is available to Research Candidates enrolled in the Doctor of Business Administration. The pre-requisites for the DBA include successful completion of a MBA or equivalent.

Course Description

This course aims to:
• introduce practical considerations related to the formulation of strategies and so build on to the basic concepts of strategic thinking and strategic planning.
• illustrate the complexities of strategic management and the judgement needed in selecting strategic options.
• develop understanding of advanced theories of strategic management.
• develop understanding of current issues in strategic management.
• enhance competencies in critically analysing theories, concepts and methodologies used in strategic management.
• enhance research skills.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

By the completion of this course candidates should be able to:
• address complex strategic issues and dichotomies commonly faced by business organisations.
• demonstrate an understanding of current issues and contentious areas in strategic management.
• develop skills in the critical review of advanced theoretical perspectives.
• display effective application of advanced theories to organizational practice.
• understand how to undertake meaningful research into strategic management issues.

Knowledge: Articles will provide a thorough review of current issues in strategic management. Both the written paper due at the end of the session and presentations by candidates during the semester will require knowledge of theory. Guest speakers will impart practical experience, linking theoretical topics with actual practice.

Creative: The readings and class discussions aim to show candidates how general principles can be adapted to different scenarios. Creativity in applying theories to practical situations is assessed in both the written and oral modes.

Critical: The readings, debates and discussions will emphasize the need for critical thinking. A critical perspective is expected in both the written paper and presentations.

Responsible: The importance of integrity & ethical conduct is stressed in the class, and dichotomies include issues associated with  business ethics. 

Employable: This course involves substantial self-directed learning and candidates are required to be self-motivated, adaptable, with good communication skills. Successful completion of the assessments requires an appreciation of practical factors and complex issues faced commonly by business.

Life-long learners: The course material can only introduce candidates to key concepts. The importance of refinement & development of skills through practical, critical experience is stressed. Amongst other objectives, the assessment requires candidates to think broadly and take in new concepts and the possible effects of competing influences as part of their professional development.

Potential leaders: Not only does theory stress the importance of vision, strategic thinking & global awareness but the focus of this practical course is on the wisdom gained by being able to see alternative sides of an argument. Leadership traits such as vision, good communication skills and strategic thinking are important aspects of each assessment task.

As in capability development

Overview of Learning Activities

This course differs from traditional lecture based courses.  It includes a number of debates where Candidates present opposing views of important, strategic dichotomies which are critically reviewed and discussed. Considerable self-directed reading of relevant acaemic literature will be necessary to prepare for presentations as well as to participate in discussions. Issues are also discussed in practical terms, drawing on Candidates’ experiences to illustrate relevance to business practice. Business leaders may also be invited to share their experiences with the class. The learning process is a combination of self-directed reading and discovery through class discussion and analysis. The content and process of teaching and learning will be reviewed through ongoing feedback. Candidates are expected to take responsibility for their own learning and manage their time accordingly.

Overview of Learning Resources

Some references/resources/articles will be provided in class. Candidates will also need to engage in literature searches for relevant material for class exercises and assessment tasks. 

Overview of Assessment

Assessment is available as a Pass or Fail grade only in this course. Candidates must complete each assessment task to pass this course. Assessment in this course will comprise of both class (group) presentations and an individual written assignment.