Description

This “capstone” course serves as the thesis seminar and workshop providing students with guidance to write the Strategic Management Thesis (SMGT)- the senior thesis for the Bachelor of Business Administration degree. The course is closely linked to the Strategic Planning (MGT430) course and allows students to apply knowledge from all other courses studied in the SBA degree program.

The main objective of the course is to review, reinforce and expand upon the concepts
learned particularly in MGT430 and in fact all the other SBA courses taken. This is done through discussions and presentations in a “workshop” format. Emphasis is placed on practical application of the theoretical knowledge studied in the program.

Student will present thesis work each week for discussion and evaluation with course
leader and other students. The course is of an intensive nature and students should plan to spend 8-10 hours a week on the course and writing their thesis. This course is closely coordinated with the thesis requirement and deadlines. This course, though related and coordinated, is independent of the students work with their thesis advisor.

Attendance is obligatory as is staying current with required work. Students will be expected to participate fully and engage in vigorous discussions of their work emphasizing critical thinking and analysis.

Note: The SMGT is an exercise in analytical and creative thinking and writing, it is not about recreating an annual report on the company.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
– Practically apply knowledge from other BBA courses and link these various courses together into a coherent whole as represented by their thesis;
– Comprehend and demonstrate a clear understanding of a selected (and approved) company’s activities, business model, and overall strategy;
– Develop, strengthen and refine the student’s critical thinking and analytical skills through presenting and defending ideas and proposals for their company in an active “workshop” environment;
– Analyze, Understand and be able to express verbally and in writing, the internal operating environment of the company;
– Analyze, Understand and be able to express verbally and in writing the external industry environment of their company;
– Apply standard business analytical techniques such as: SWOT, TOWS Matrix, Porter’s 5-Force Analysis, Financial Analysis, Activity Systems Mapping, Business Model Evaluation, Competitive Analysis, Strategy Analysis. These techniques will discussed in class by students for feedback from peers and course leader with the intention of improving the overall quality of the thesis;
– Design, write and submit in a timely manner a strategic plan for the company’s future in the form of a thesis or “Strategic Management Thesis” (SMGT);
– Present and defend the SPD in a professional manner.

*Course content subject to change