Unit One • Discussion Question 1 (20 points)o Prompt: Discuss the strategic management process. The strategic management process includes communication, commitments, decisions, and actions required for a firm to compete globally. A goal is for the firm to obtain above average returns. Discuss the strategic management process for a firm to compete globally.o Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply
• Discussion Question 2 (20 points)o Prompt: Strategic leaders are located in different areas and levels of the firm. Discuss the role of strategic leaders in fulfilling the mission and vision of the firm. Include ethical intentions and behaviors.
Unit Two
• Discussion Question 1 (20 points)
o Prompt: The firm’s external environment is complex. The firm’s external environment consists of three parts: the general environment, the industry environment, and the competitor environment. Discuss these three parts.
o Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply
• Discussion Question 2 (20 points)
o Prompt: The Five Forces Model of competition includes an analysis of the threat of entry, the power of suppliers, the power of buyers, product substitutes, and the intensity of rivalry among competitors. Discuss the Five Forces Model of competition.
o Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply
Unit Three
• Discussion Question 1 (20 points)
o Prompt: Discuss competitor behavior and competitive dynamics. Include a definition of competitors and of competitive behavior.
o Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply
• Discussion Question 2 (20 points)
o Prompt: Competitive dynamics can be expected in all external environments. Discuss the expected competitive dynamics among firms competing in slow-cycle markets, fast-cycle markets, and standard-cycle markets.
o Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply
Unit Four
Discussion Question 1 (20 points)
o Prompt: Over time rivals use their resources, capabilities, and core resources to form different value-creating propositions. Discuss why competitive advantages are not permanently sustainable. Explain why firms must maximize their current competitive advantage while simultaneously using their resources and capabilities to form new advantages. Include in your response how Luke 14:28-30 guides us to maximize a competitive advantage by being a follower of Christ.
o Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply
• Discussion Question 2 (20 points)
o Prompt: Value chain analyses is used to identify and evaluate the competitive potential of a firm’s resources. Firms consider outsourcing when they cannot create value in a value chain activity or a support function. Discuss value chain analysis activity and the considerations for outsourcing.
o Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 word minimum reply
Unit Five
• Discussion Question 1 (20 points)
o Prompt: Customers are the foundation of successful business-level strategy. Discuss a firm’s three customer considerations—who, what, and how. These issues refer to the customer groups to be served.
o Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply
• Discussion Question 2 (20 points)
o Prompt: Corporate-level strategy is used by firms to become more diversified and create additional value. Discuss the use of single and dominant corporate-level strategies. When are single or dominant strategies preferred over diversified strategies?
o Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply
Unit Six
• Discussion Question 1 (20 points)
o Prompt: Strategic leaders must make sure that the firm maximizes its core competencies. Discuss how strategic leaders can achieve this task.
o Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply
• Discussion Question 2 (20 points)
o Prompt: Strategic leaders develop the firm’s strategic direction. The strategic direction specifies the image and character of the firm. Discuss how the ethics of the strategic leaders affect the image and character of the firm.
o Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply
Unit Seven
• Discussion Question 1 (20 points)
o Prompt: Discuss the two major risks of using international strategy. These risks are complexities and limits. Include in your response how Nehemiah 1-5 guides our understanding of international relations.
o Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply
• Discussion Question 2 (20 points)
o Prompt: Discuss three international corporate-level strategies. Several of these strategies include exporting, licensing, strategic alliances, acquisitions, and wholly owned subsidiary.
o Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply
