NCHU Course Outline
Course Name (中) 行動策略與領導(6967)
(Eng.) Strategy and Leadership in Action
Offering Dept Tricontinental Master Program in Global Studies
Course Type Elective Credits 3 Teacher Undefined
Department Tricontinental Master Program in Global Studies/Graduate Language English Semester 2024-FALL
Course Description During the semester term, students will be exposed to 2 case studies and evaluate strategic courses of action for the respective organizations and their challenges as described in the case. They will learn how to use advanced innovation and team collaboration techniques to develop strategic alternatives. They will be able to effectively discuss implications in a classroom setting and formulate their analysis and recommendations in an individual writeup.

The two cases we will use in this course are “First Solar” and “DeBeers Diamond Dilemma”:

First Solar used to be a very successful producer of photovoltaic panels for residences, commercial enterprises and utilities. In 2011, the company faced a crisis due to the Chinese competition in all major markets. The student will be a member of the consulting team which will analyze the situation and provide advice and key recommendations to the leadership team of First Solar. The focus of this case study is on (quantitative) situation analysis and assessment of competitive advantage.

The second case deals with DeBeers, one of the most famous (and notorious) diamond producing companies. In order to expand their market, they are considering the move into the artificial diamond market. While artificial diamonds are widely used in industrial applications such as (glass) cutting and grinding, there are important ramifications (such as cannibalization of the “real thing business” or damage to company reputation) when used in a jewelry context. Also here, the student is part of the consulting team which provides strategic advice to DeBeers Management. The focus of this case study is on value proposition design and risk analysis. As a preparation, to get into the “mood”, it is recommended to watch the movie “Blood Diamond” (2006) with Leonardo Di Caprio.
Prerequisites
self-directed learning in the course N
Relevance of Course Objectives and Core Learning Outcomes(%) Teaching and Assessment Methods for Course Objectives
Course Objectives Competency Indicators Ratio(%) Teaching Methods Assessment Methods
Focal points of this course are the development of structural cognitive capabilities to effectively de-compose and de-code complex business situations as well as the preparation of effective presentation techniques to communicate action plans to a senior executive audience.
Discussion
Lecturing
Written Presentation
Oral Presentation
Quiz
Course Content and Homework/Schedule/Tests Schedule
Week Course Content
Week 1 The concept of strategy
Week 2 Goals, values and performance
Week 3 Review and preparation of assignment #1
Week 4 Critique and competitive analysis extensions
Week 5 Analyzing resources and capabilities, preparation of assignment #2
Week 6 First Solar case study preparation, briefing and setup
Week 7 Team workshops
Week 8 Team case study presentations & critique
Week 9 Debriefing First solar and preparation of assignment #3
Week 10 Organizational structure and management systems: The fundamentals of strategy implementation
Week 11 The Sources and Dimensions of Competitive Advantage – Assignment #4
Week 12 DeBeers case study preparation, briefing and setup
Week 13 Team workshops
Week 14 Team case study presentations & critique
Week 15 Debriefing DeBeers and preparation of assignment #5
Week 16 Industry Evolution
Week 17 Strategic Change
Week 18 Leadership and Digital Leadership
Evaluation
Based on 5 assignments (papers), Total of 90 credits to be achieved.
Textbook & other References
Grant, Robert M. (2022), Contemporary Strategy Analysis,
Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
Teaching Aids & Teacher's Website
See Course Intro on YouTube: https://youtu.be/J_eZdLUBC2k
Office Hours
Monday, 11:30-13:00
Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs
 include experience courses:N
Please respect the intellectual property rights and use the materials legally.Please repsect gender equality.
Update Date, year/month/day:None Printed Date, year/month/day:2024 / 10 / 11
The second-hand book website:http://www.myub.com.tw/