SMO 321

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SMO 321 – Syllabus - 1 - Fall Term 2017 University of Alberta

Introduction to Strategic Management and Organization Design

Instructor: R.G. Bradford Fall Term 2017, Lec A1

Office: BUS 3-20C Classroom: BUS 2-09

Office Hours: 2:00-3:00 pm, Tue-Thurs Time: Tue-Thur 11:00 am-12:20 pm or by appointment

Telephone: (Bus.) 780 492-5819 or (Res.) 780 433-3289 E-mail: [email protected]

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A. COURSE OUTLINE

This course analyses the relationship between organizations and their environmental context. Emphasis is placed upon understanding Canadian practices through the examination of the history of management, current theories, and by comparison with international practices.

The course is divided into the following components:

Part I Looks at the history of organizations.

Part II Surveys the challenges that confront organizations in the modern world.

Part III Begins an overview of organizational theory by considering the determinants of organizational structure, such as the environment and strategy, technology, power.

Part IV Examines the design of organizations. The structure of the modern corporation is examined, and alternative designs are considered. An important consideration will be: how well-suited is the typical corporate structure to respond to the challenges presented by the modern world?

Part V Deals with specific challenges for the management of organizations.

B. TEXT

Daft, Armstrong. Organization Theory & Design, 3^rd Can Ed. 2015 Nelson Education University of Alberta Bookstore.

Handouts may be distributed, from time to time.

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SMO 321 – Syllabus - 2 - Fall Term 2017

C. GRADING

(a) Mid-Term Examination* 30%

(Thurs. Oct. 12)

(b) Case Study 30%

(due Tue. Nov 7) Aquarius Advertising Agency Case p.131 text

(c) Final Examination* 40%

(Thurs. Dec 14)

*Examinations will be non-cumulative. Examination questions can be based on lectures, handouts, the textbook reading, or class discussions.

CASE STUDY:

Aquarius Advertising Agency Case Daft Text page 131

Answer all 3 questions attached to the case. Give a full explanation for your responses – referring to the facts of the case, organizational theory and sound Management Practices.

You may include graphs, charts, and graphic depictions in your paper. (This will not count in the page total)

In grading your paper I will consider the following factors:

- Demonstrated knowledge of theory.

- Ability to apply Organizational and Management theory and practices to the case.

- Reasoned arguments based on the facts and organizational theory and real world examples.

- Clarity of Communication - Organization of the Paper

- Punctuation, Grammar and Spelling Double space, suggested length 7-12 pages.

COURSE TOPICS AND READINGS

Part 1: Introduction and Concepts

1. Introduction to Organizational Theory 321 Ch. 1 2. Dimensions of Organizational Structure Ch. 3 Part II: Determinants of Organizational Structure

1. Environment Ch. 4

2. Strategy Ch. 2

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3. Size & Life Cycle Ch. 8

4. Technology Ch. 7

5. Power - Control Ch. 12

6. Interorganizational Relationships Ch. 5

Part III: Managing Dynamic Processes

1. Culture & Ethics Ch. 9

2. Innovation & Change Ch. 10

NEW GRADING SYSTEM:

Final grades will be determined by cut-off points rather than a particular distribution.

Consideration will be given to a raw score out of 100 points, possible natural breaks, and any relevant factor that relates to students’ performance. Consideration will also be given to

university policy on class grade point averages. The instructor has some discretion in awarding final grades but, generally, cut-off points should fall quite closely to the following:

95+ = A+ 80+ = B+ 65+ = C+ 50+ = D+

90+ = A 75+ = B 60+ = C

85+ = A- 70+ = B- 55+ = C-

A grade of D will be used for borderline cases that for some reason should be given the minimum conditional pass of D. For the vast majority of cases, though, a score of less than 50 will be a fail and get a grade of F.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:

“The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour (online at

www.ualberta.ca/secretariat/appeals.htm) and to avoid any behaviour, which could potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University.”(GFC 29 SEP 2003)

UNIVERSITY POLICY ON COURSE OUTLINES:

“Policy about course outlines can be found in Section 23.4(2) of the University Calendar.”

(GFC SEP 2003)

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LEARNING OUTCOMES:

This course incorporates the learning goals of the B.Com. program, in particular:

Critical Thinking, Ethical Awareness, Global Awareness, and Written Communication.

Final grading in this class is done on the basis of individual student achievement of the course and program outcomes. These outcomes are measured by the following assessments:

Mid-Term Exam: Assesses – Critical Thinking, Ethical Awareness, Global Awareness, Written Communication.

Case Study Report: Assesses – Critical Thinking, Ethical Awareness, Written Communication.

Final Exam: Assesses – Critical Thinking, Ethical Awareness, Global Awareness, Written Communication.