Emporia State University · School of Business & Technology · Spring 2026

Strategic
Management

MG473ZA · Online · Dr. Polly Kiratikosolrak

Course MG473ZA
Format Online
Semester Spring 2026
Starts Jan 20, 2026
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Course Overview

What is Strategic Management?

Strategic management is about learning to think like a business leader. You will study how companies analyze their environment, identify their strengths, and make decisions that shape their long-term success.

By the end of this course, you will be able to look at any company and understand why they do what they do — and what they should do next.

We use a free eBook from the University of Minnesota, updated PowerPoint slides, video presentations, and the website strategicmanagementinsight.com to help you master the tools.

I
Analyze the Environment Use PESTEL and Porter's Five Forces to understand the world around a business and the industry it competes in.
II
Assess Internal Strengths Use VRIO and Value Chain analysis to identify what gives a company a true competitive advantage.
III
Build a SWOT Analysis Synthesize your external and internal analysis into a SWOT that tells a coherent strategic story.
IV
Deliver a Strategic Plan Present a full professional strategic plan for a real company — in a polished report and video with your team.
How It Works

Course Structure

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Syllabus & Grading

Full grading breakdown, grade scale, and key course policies. Know exactly how your grade is calculated and what is expected.

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Module Schedule & Due Dates

Complete weekly schedule with all assignment due dates, module topics, and key semester deadlines at a glance.

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Free Learning Materials

Free eBook, updated PowerPoint slides, video presentations, and strategicmanagementinsight.com — use all four resources together to fully understand the material.

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Weekly Discussions

Each module has a discussion where you apply concepts to real companies. Initial post due Friday — respond to two classmates by Sunday.

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Case Analyses

Analyze real companies like Netflix using strategic frameworks from class. These build the skills you need for the final project.

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Final Strategic Plan

The capstone — a full strategic analysis of a real company with your team. Three submissions: March 1, April 12, and May 10. Worth 30% of your grade.

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Late Work Policy

No late work. No make-ups. Only exception: a doctor's note covering the entire time the assignment was open. Start early — you have plenty of time!

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AI Usage Policy

AI tools are allowed but AI-generated content cannot exceed 35% of any submission. Use AI to help you think — not to do your work for you.

Available 24 / 7

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