Sheikh Morshed Jahan

Professor, IBA, University of Dhaka

smj.strategy@gmail.com | +880-1828-64-9875

MBA Program | IBA, University of Dhaka

Course Outline | Business Strategy | Fall 2021

Introduction and Course Objectives

The ever-evolving business ecosystem continuously challenges business leaders to innovate, stay
strong and grow. Disruptions such as those caused by ongoing global pandemic and fourth
industrial revolution (4IR or Industry 4.0) have forced companies – large or small – to redefine
their business models and strategies, thereby making the role of strategists even more critical.

The frontier of a company’s growth and competitiveness is largely defined by its ability to create
and sustain competitive advantage and stay ahead of competitors even during the turmoil driven
by nature and/or human interventions and innovations. In this connection, creation of significant
value for shareholders, customers, employees, value chain partners and the society in general is
crucial. This calls for strategic wisdom, skills and insights. This course is designed to help the
students in this regard.

After completing the course, the students are expected to learn, discover and develop alternative
approaches to and frameworks of analyzing strategic contexts, evaluating strategic dilemma and
making sound strategic decisions. It is envisioned that the analytical ability so developed and the
perspectives so conquered would help the students to generate meaningful strategic insights and
ability to craft innovative strategies and execute the same. The outcome of the course would
therefore evolve around three key areas: knowledge, skills and attitude. First, the students will
come know about different schools of thought (theories and models), along with their underlying
assumptions, rationale and limitations. Second, they will develop and sharpen their strategically
important analytical skills, their ability to define the real strategic issue and identify the real
problem, and their acumen in deploying the right set of analytical tools to address any issue at
hand. Third, they will be encouraged to exhibit unconventional thinking and to challenge
conventional wisdom. Likewise, they will be challenged to bring in multiple approaches and
perspectives to generating strategic insights and imperatives.

Teaching Philosophy:
My teaching philosophy, simply put, evolves around three key goals (and their mirror image):
“challenge-inspire-transform” (and “BE challenged-inspired-transformed”).

Topics to be covered
• Strategy vis-à-vis firms’ mission, vision and business model
• Strategic analysis by Triple Triangle Framework
• Strategic analysis by Porter’s 5-Forces, PESTLE, and beyond
• Understanding generic and grand competitive strategies
• Crafting strategies for strengthening market position and global markets
• Executing strategy for impact
• Startups that Last
• Rethinking strategy: Reflections on contemporary issues
o Strategy in the context of COVID-19 global pandemic
 Sheikh Morshed Jahan
Professor, IBA, University of Dhaka
smj.strategy@gmail.com | +880-1828-64-9875

o Strategy in the context of Industry 4.0

o Strategy in the context of (post-C19 challenged) globalization and global value chains
o Strategy in the context national priorities: SDGs, v-2041, Delta Plan 2100
o Strategy in the context of inclusive growth, startups and SMEs
o Business ethics and strategic CSR

Recommended Text and Reading Materials

• Crafting & Executing Strategy, Thompson, Peteraf, Gamble, Strickland, 22e, McGraw-Hill Int’l Ed.
• Other books and reading materials will be suggested as and when applicable

Performance Evaluation (Components &Weights)

Classroom Contribution (attendance, assignments, case analysis, etc.) 20%
Team Projects & Case Analysis 20%
Case Writing Project 20%
Mid-term Project/Exam 20%
Final Project/Exam 20%

Grading Scheme (Generic)*

90% and above A 85% - 89% B+
80% - 84% B 75% - 79% C+
70% - 74% C 65%-69% D+
60%-65% D Below 60% F (Failed)
* Subject to modification, if any, in line with IBA rules and processes.

Notes:
• e-submission of daily class notes (within 24 hours after the class) is required.
• Class participation (i.e. contribution to classroom discussions and debates) is mandatory.
• If someone misses more than two classes, negative marks would apply.
• Any unauthorized absence in three consecutive classes will earn an ‘F’ grade.
• Non-academic and unprofessional behavior will also be penalized.
• Strict adherence of IBA Code of Conduct is required.
• Plagiarism is severely penalized.
• The instructor reserves the right to make changes to this outline, if and when required.