FTMBA2021_II Strategy Execution
Course code
MBA MGMT642
Course type
FT MBA Course
Weekly Hours
2,0
ECTS
2.0
Term
FS 2021
Language
Englisch
Lecturers
Prof. Dr. Utz Schäffer
Please note that exchange students obtain a higher number of credits in the BSc-program at WHU than listed here. For further information please contact directly the International Relations Office.
Course content
Strategy execution matters. In a lot of cases, it is the critical bottleneck to successful strategic management. However, there is no magic formula, and “one size fits all” techniques are rarely adequate solutions. Tough, uncomfortable choices need to be made. Therefore, this class discusses the key challenges in strategy execution by asking the seven questions stated below. Additionally, management control systems associated with each of the questions will be presented.
Part One: Build a strong foundation for strategy execution:
1. Allocation resources to customer: Who is your primary customer?
2. Prioritizing core values: How do your core values help to execute strategy?
Part Two: Focus everyone's attention on your strategic agenda:
3. Creating accountability: How do you manage performance?
4. Strategic boundaries:What strategic boundaries have you set?
Part Three: Facilitate the behaviors needed for success:
5. Spurring effort and innovation: How do you generate creative tension?
6. Building commitment: How do you foster collaborative behavior?
Part Four: Develop your company's ability to master future change:
7. Adapting to change: What strategic uncertainties keep you awake at night?
The class will cover aspects of capital budgeting, belief and boundary systems, diagnostic control systems such as the Balanced Scorecard and performance measurement, accountability issues, interactive control systems, stretch goals, performance rankings, cost allocation and compensation issues.
Part One: Build a strong foundation for strategy execution:
1. Allocation resources to customer: Who is your primary customer?
2. Prioritizing core values: How do your core values help to execute strategy?
Part Two: Focus everyone's attention on your strategic agenda:
3. Creating accountability: How do you manage performance?
4. Strategic boundaries:What strategic boundaries have you set?
Part Three: Facilitate the behaviors needed for success:
5. Spurring effort and innovation: How do you generate creative tension?
6. Building commitment: How do you foster collaborative behavior?
Part Four: Develop your company's ability to master future change:
7. Adapting to change: What strategic uncertainties keep you awake at night?
The class will cover aspects of capital budgeting, belief and boundary systems, diagnostic control systems such as the Balanced Scorecard and performance measurement, accountability issues, interactive control systems, stretch goals, performance rankings, cost allocation and compensation issues.
Class dates
Date | Time |
---|---|
Monday, 07.06.2021 | 09:45 - 17:00 |
Tuesday, 15.06.2021 | 09:45 - 17:00 |
Tuesday, 22.06.2021 | 09:45 - 17:00 |
Wednesday, 07.07.2021 | 23:50 - 23:55 |
Literature
The course primarily draws on the following two books which are available in the library of WHU. Relevant chapters and a small number of additional articles will be distributed in class. Simons, R. (1995): Levers of control: How managers use innovative control systems to drive strategic renewal. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.Simons, R. (2005): Levers of organization design: How managers use accountability systems for greater performance and commitment. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.Additional readings are optional, but may be of interest as their content supplements the recommended readings:Collis, D. J. and Rukstad, M. G. (2008). Can you say what your strategy is? Harvard Business Review. April 2008Kotter, J. P. (2007). Leading Change. Harvard Business Review. January 2007Mikes, A. (2012). Managing Risks: A New Framework. Harvard Business Review. June 2012Those readings will be announced in class and copies will be distributed electronically or can be found in the library of WHU.
Learningmethods
During the three days of this course, we will discuss a total of five cases (Sydney IVF, Citibank, Volkswagen, Henkel, Hydro One) and provide you with the opportunity to actively contribute to an interactive class. Classroom teaching will be limited to the introduction of theoretical concepts necessary for further debate.
Exam
50% Assignment Cases and Class Participation
Your grading comprises the written solutions to cases which are prepared individually at home as well as cases prepared in teamwork during break-out sessions. In addition, your evaluation will be based upon your participation in class.
50% Take-Home Case Study
The course does not require you to learn facts by heart for a final exam, but to thoroughly and critically think about the concepts and their implementation in a corporate context. Therefore, 50% of your evaluation will rest upon your individual analysis of this take-home case study.
Further details on grading will be provided in class.
Requirements
None