AC 356 - Strategic and Competitive Analysis

3 Credits

Accounting 356 - Strategic and Competitive Analysis stresses the need for strategic thinking in management. This course provides insight to the analysis of competitors, potential competitors, and opportunities that are presented in the competitive environment. This course explores the specific areas of strategic cost management with its emphasis on cost drivers, the value chain, and strategic use of activity-based management.

Rationale:
This course is an elective for Business Administration Students. Students require prior approval from Department Chair prior to enrolling in this course.

Prerequisites: MA 201  
Corequisites: None

Course Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. describe the relationship between a firm’s strategy and its structure.
2. describe how new management techniques are changing the competitive environment and are reshaping management theory.
3. explain the concept of competitive strategy, the competitive forces and how to create and prepare for a competitive advantage.
4. explain how the various industries operate and how their components, suppliers, buyers, competitors and other interact.
5. identify the characteristics of the industry in which you are competing and complete a through industry analysis as well as a competitive analysis.
6. list and explain the area in which the firm has competitive strengths that will lead to lasting competitive advantage.
7. describe, identify and present the competitive advantage that is derived thorough cost management efforts.
8. explain the concept of strategy as it relates to uncertainty, time span, strategic planning, budgeting, and incentive compensation systems.
9. describe the importance and usefulness of both financial and non-financial performance measures in promoting and measuring company successes.

Crossan, M. M. [et al.]. (2008). Strategic management: A casebook. Pearson.

Optional Resource Materials:
None

Conduct of Course:

Class time is comprised of a combination of problem solving sessions using case studies and lectures. The lecture focuses on topics that are shared across all disciplines with problem-solving sessions geared to dealing with issues on a more individualized basis.

The student should come to class having adequately prepared for topics to be dealt with that day. The instructor provides specific readings. Lectures are supplemented with hand out materials, and visual media as needed. Students are encouraged to participate in class discussion to improve understanding and retention.

Regular attendance is essential for success in any course. Absence for any reason does not relieve a student of the responsibility of completing course work and assignments to the satisfaction of the instructor. Poor attendance may result in the termination of a student from a course(s).

The instructor will recommend that the Registrar withdraw any student who does not meet the established attendance requirements. A failing grade of RW (Required to Withdraw) will appear on the student’s transcript.

In cases of repeated absences due to illness, the student may be requested to submit a medical certificate. Instructors have the authority to require attendance at classes.

Content of Course:
Part 1: Introduction to Strategic Management

Part 2: Strategy: Environment

Part 3: Strategy: Resources

Part 4: Strategy: Organization

Part 5: Strategy: Management Preferences

Part 6: Scope of the Firm

Part 7: Implementing Strategy

Part 8: Strategic Management and Personal Action

Part 9: Comprehensive
Course Assessments:
The major components and their respective percentage weights are as follows:

Students are tested on material from lectures, reference material and general information presented and discussed in class. Case Studies are the most effective testing vehicle in this course, although other forms of testing may be used.

Participation is required in this course and may include individual/group presentations. Quantity and Quality of participations will be taken into account when determining the overall participation mark. Preparation for each class is vital in this regard. To maximize the participation grade, students should send a memo/email to the instructor detailing their comments in class and the relevance to a particular case. Students may document their best performance in this manner.

Late exams will not be graded and students will be assessed a mark of zero.

Course Pass Requirements:
A minimum grade of D (50%) (1.00) is required to pass this course.

Students must maintain a cumulative grade of C (GPA - Grade Point Average of 2.00) in order to qualify to graduate.

Official final grades will be available on My Lakeland. Grades posted in D2L should be considered interim grades.  

Lakeland College is committed to the highest academic standards. Students are expected to be familiar with Lakeland College policies and to abide by these policies. Violations of these policies are considered to be serious and may result in suspension or expulsion from the College.

Every effort has been made to ensure that information in this course outline is accurate at the time of publication. Lakeland College reserves the right to change courses if it becomes necessary so that course content remains relevant.

In such cases, the instructor will give students clear and timely notice of changes.

No part of this course outline may be reproduced in any form or resold without written permission from Lakeland College.

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