STRATEGY MANAGEMENT

版权声明：转载时请以超链接形式标明文章原始出处和作者信息及本声明
http://strategy.blogbus.com/logs/2522695.html

Introduction

The roots of Strategic Management are deeply embedded in military history going back to the times of Sun Tzu in approximately 500 BC. This famous Chinese General was noted for being able to accurately assess the outcome of a battle before the action started by simply observing the opposing forces on the field, how they positioned themselves and how well they were equipped. Many authors refer to the crafting of strategy as an art form. In fact, the word ‘strategy’ is derived from the Greek word ‘strategos’ which means ‘the art of the General’. In today’s business context, the crafting of a competitive strategy, with so many opposing forces and factors to take into account, is indeed an art form, requiring a special kind of thinking, insight and creativity.       

Many of you will be students who have majored in International Business, trade and finance. This paper is an opportunity for you to bring all of the insights, observations and knowledge gained in those subjects into one area and to develop your capacity to craft a meaningful competitive strategy, not solely for business, but for yourself as well. The world is full of opportunity and this program is as much about developing a competitive personal strategy as it is about understanding the dynamics of business strategy. Your future growth and development rest firmly on the premise that, as an individual, your competitive advantage lies primarily between your ears. Develop your mind, keep your eyes and ears open, constantly look at your alternatives, map out a personal strategy for your development and you’ll be fine. The world and business needs people who can think strategically and convert those thoughts into action.

My main concern in this program is to develop your capacity to think strategically, a characteristic which is in short supply throughout the world in many businesses. You will be required to question, challenge, debate, assess and justify everything done in this course. If you passively accept what is presented to you in this program you will achieve little. This is not a paper where there are right or wrong answers indeed I will say things during this program to facilitate your challenge and debate, some of which will be totally contrary to your perspective. I enjoy spirited debate and I trust you will develop the same passion I have for this art form.         

The paper is presented over one semester (12 lectures) and counts 12.5 points toward your degree. This is loosely interpreted as requiring 12.5 hours of your time (including lectures) each week in order to successfully complete the paper. However, it is also a stage 3 management paper requiring a higher standard of input on your behalf. To do the program justice and to enhance your ultimate grade I encourage you to read beyond the scope of this material and look at what is happening around you, think about what this means to you, your future and businesses in general. Above all, I want you to have fun and enjoy this program. I look forward to meeting you in lectures.

Welcome and warm regards,

Bill Kirkley

Paper co-ordinator, Massey University, Albany Campus.