Mendoza College of Business. Course MGT 70690/699 Strategic Business Technology Spring 2011

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1 Course MGT 70690/699 Strategic Business Technology Spring 2011 Instructor Kevin Butterbaugh Campus Office preferred address Office Phone: Cell Phone: Office Hours: By Appointment Course Description Technology is transforming companies, markets and processes with great speed. This provides management with valuable opportunities along with serious challenges. Many companies look to technology to solve problems, become more efficient and competitive. Sometimes technology is seen as a cure to all their problems. But in broader terms, the synchronization of business strategy with technology can be a catalyst for organizational change, as the enabler of new business models, and as an integrating force that transcends organizational silos to focus the firm on achievement of it s goals. The value of technology comes from new products and services that are enabled or supported by the technology and the organizational change that often occurs when the technology is implemented. Management must evolve to enhance their ability to harness and extend the business impact that technology can bring to their organization. Technologies range from the sophisticated high-speed networks, enterprise application systems, the explosion of the Internet and the advent of customer centric application systems that drive a firm s value chain. Application software has emerged as the backbone of business architecture and has influenced the corporation s strategy, operations and communication. The firm s competitiveness and survival are at stake. Radical changes in technology, coupled with the increasingly global nature of business and risk management, makes it essential for managers to keep informed and educated on technology in order to make intelligent decisions on strategic direction and tactical plans.

2 Course Objectives The MGT 70690/70699 course takes a strategic, business focused approach to technology. The curriculum is non-technical and emphasizes the analysis of business frameworks used to maximize the value of a technology to reshape organizational strategy and culture. Class topics explore best practices of companies that excel at creating value through successful implementation of technology. Other topics are intended to expose the potential impact resulting from mismanaged technology projects which can threaten the survival of the firm. Some topics are focused on an emerging technology and its potential impact on the economy, industries and populations. The goal is to provide an understanding of the challenges posed in the alignment of technology solutions with business strategy. We will explore issues to fundamental questions surrounding the use of technology: Why do firms need an Information Technology strategy? What value does technology provide to the company? Can emerging technology enable the firm to gain a competitive advantage? The student should gain an appreciation for: identifying the business value and strategic impact of technology methods used to integrate technology into the structure and culture of an organization best practices and business models in use that leverage various technologies Course Organization The teaching style of this course is based on a seminar approach; a mix of presentation of material, general discussion and case study. I view this course as a cooperative learning experience. I expect students to share insights they have gained from prior experience and readings. Class participation is essential. To prepare for each class, you should read and complete the assignments and study questions. Be ready to discuss key issues, concepts and details. This preparation sets the tone for our class discussions. Each class topic has required readings designed to provide current information. In some cases, additional articles and websites are provided as suggested readings intended expand your exposure to topical information. For exams, I provide a study guide intended to focus your study efforts on those topics and issues I believe to be most relevant in the course. If you follow these guidelines, preparing for exams should position you to be successful.

3 Course Materials Readings, Cases and most class material will be provided online using Notre Dames InsideND intranet site. A group will be established for all students to access for course material. There is no text book. Grading The grade earned in the course is based on the following: Assignment Percentage of Course Points Executive Summary of Business Case Topics Topic One 5 % Topic Two 5 % Topic Three 5 % Topic Four 5 % Topic Five 5 % Topic Six 5 % Business Case Analysis Team Written Analysis 20 % Class Presentation 20 % Class Participation 5 % Final Exam 25 % 100 % Grading criteria for assignment of final course grade is based on: Percentage of Course Points Earned Grade Earned 93.0 % and above A from 90.0 % but less than 93.0 % A- from 87.0 % but less than 90.0 % B+ from 83.0 % but less than 87.0% B from 80.0 % but less than 83.0% B- from 77.0 % but less than 80.0 % C+ from 73.0 % but less than 77.0 % C from 70.0 % but less than 73.0 % C- from 67.0 % but less than 70.0 % D+ from 63.0 % but less than 67.0 % D from 60.0 % but less than 63.0 % D- less than 60.0% F

4 Note on Exams A final exam will be given for the class. The exam is based on material contained in readings, class presentations and discussions. The test may include a combination of short answer, multiple choice, true/false and essay questions, aimed to evaluate your understanding of the topics. Note on Executive Summary of Business Case Assignments The business cases have been selected for their relevance to the strategic topic scheduled for class discussion during the term. Each student will prepare a one (1) page summary of the case presented, including assigned topic and readings. The summary is designed to enhance the student s ability to write a concise abstract identifying the key topic, issue and outcome of the business case presented in the material. The paper should communicate the essence of the strategic issue and provide the reader with enough information in order to form an opinion or make a decision on the subject. Management, when communicating a strategic issue to executives and a board of directors, often uses this form of concise communication. Note on Business Case Analysis These business cases focus on a specific company and a technology strategy issue that has a significant impact on the organization. Students will be grouped into small teams to perform the analysis and present their work to the class. Each team member will be required to participate in the presentation which should be 30 to 45 minutes with 20 to 30 minutes for questions and discussion. A written analysis composed by the team of students will also be required. The written portion should be less than 10 pages. Each student will receive a grade for their portion of the presentation and written analysis. The case study and presentation methodology provides you the opportunity to illustrate what you have learned in this class, other coursework and personal experience. The case readings are intended to present theory and concepts to help reveal what is happening in the company/technology and allow you to evaluate the solution implemented or comment on options that are available. The case study analysis should examine the issues presented in the case materials, often, not just a single document, but over the entire body of information included in the case material; which can include written articles, videos, podcasts, etc. These materials are intended to present an overall picture of what is happening from which you must discover

5 and grasp the key issues and specific problems. Generally, the case analysis, presentation and written portion can include these areas: history, development and forecast of the company or technology state the major issue state any subsequent issues that add complexity to the situation identify the company s internal strengths and weaknesses a SWOT analysis the kind of corporate-level or industry-level strategy presented in the case the nature or scope of the business-level strategy the company or industry structure and how they match or conflict with the technology identify decisions to be made identify risk factors define remedial options compare options considering SWOT and other risk factors recommendations with supporting justification Note on Class Participation Your class participation is based on your ability to add to class discussions with additional insight, personal experience and opinions. You are expected to be prepared with the reading assignments and should actively engage in the classroom learning experience. I believe we all have something to contribute to the collective learning experience of each class.

6 MGT 70690/70699 Strategic Business Technology Semester: Spring 2011 Module 4 Tuesday & Thursday 08:00am to 09:50 am Room: Mendoza 159 Planned Course Topic Schedule Date Class # Class Topic Mar 22, Introduction / A Frame of Reference Future Possibilities Mar 24, Strategic Leadership and the Role of Technology in Business Mar 29, Emerging Technology - Cloud Computing Technology Mar 31, Emerging Technology - Mobile and Wireless Technologies Apr Emerging Technology - Web 2.0 The Future of the Web Apr 07, Business Case: Communications Technology - Cisco Apr 12, Business Case: Mobile Technology The Industry and its Players Apr 14, Business Case: Internet Search Technology - Google Apr 19, Business Case: Social Networking Technology - FaceBook Apr 21, Apr 26, Apr 28, May 03, May 10, Business Case: Technology Innovation - Apple Business Case: Media Technology Digital Entertainment Business Case: Retailing on the Internet Business Value of Information Technology Final Exam Due