Module 1: Strategic Management (MGT 703)

ABOUT THIS MODULE 1 (Spring 2016)

This module will give an overall view of the subject area. We will analyze its definition
and importance of strategic approach used by organizations in multiple ways. Separate
reading material has been mentioned for this and for upcoming modules. Reading
material of this module will give the basic flavor of the course. Upcoming modules will
give theoretical background of the course along with types of strategies and their
implementation in different situations. Strategic Management has become an inevitable
tool for the managers of modern era. Importance of strategic management is growing in today's
era of globalization and rapid change. All types of organizations (both commercial and noncommercial) have to plan, implement and evaluate strategies of different kind for gaining
competitive advantage in their business.
COURSE STRATEGY
Midterm and final term examination will carry bulk of the marks in this course. Students may ask
questions from instructor on Moderated Discussion Board (MDB). Research based GDB and
assignment questions would be given to the students keeping in view the objectives of this
course. Articles are provided to the students in the download section of LMS as reference
material for attempting course activities and to prepare for final examination.
Students are provided with different research papers, reference books and reference material to
prepare for this course. To meet the deficiency for the knowledge of strategic management,
students may consult video lectures of strategic management course (MGT 703) that are being taught
in VU. Additional academic material would be provided to the students via online sessions for
clarification of concepts. Students can also suggest useful material / articles etc for this subject.
OBJECTIVES OF MODULE 1:
Objectives of module 1 are,
1. To understand the basic terms and ideas of strategic management.
2. To understand the practical importance of strategic management for learners and

practitioners.
3. To build basic knowledge for teaching theories and applied strategies used in
strategic management.
OUTCOMES OF MODULE 1:
This module will provide basis for upcoming modules
CONTENTS OF MODULE 1:
Other than video lectures, following reading material is available in the download section of
LMS.
1. Strategic Management; Concepts and Cases
By: Fred. R. David (book in PDF format). Only part 1 and part 2 (first 6 chapters)
2. Nokia Case Study
3. Blue Ocean Strategy
4. Exploring Corporate Strategy, 8th edition.
By: Gerry Johnson, Richard Scholes & Whittington (book available in PDF format).
Only part 1, i.e. lesson 1 to 5 of this book
5. What is strategy
6. Analyzing the competitive advantages and disadvantages of Germany with the TOWS
matrixan alternative to Porter's model By: Heinz Weihrich
7. The external environments effect on management and Strategy A complexity theory
approach By: Roger B. Mason

Quick Facts
Duration of module: 2 to 3 weeks
Effort required: 2 hours per week
Work load: Low to moderate
Module design: Live online sessions (options), self-assessment (optional), End of module
assessment (Graded)
Included in exams: yes

COURSE AUDIENCE / TARGET

MARKET
This course of Strategic Management (MGT 703) is designed for MS level students of Virtual
University of Pakistan. Most of our MS level students have the previous knowledge of this course
at MBA level. But here they will have broader exposure to research in the area of strategic
management. Most of our students are working in different organizations either as serving
managers or as potential future managers and that's why, they will find it a very interesting and applied
course.

NOTE:
Those students who attend online sessions will be in a better position to attempt the assignments
and later on exams. Quick