Discussion Thread: Setting Direction, Advantages / Disadvantages, and Decision Models

• Read: Gamble, Peteraf, & Thompson: Chapter 2
• PageRead: Rumelt: Chapters 1, 3 – 7
• PageRead: Keller: Chapters 4 – 6
• PageWatch: How to Evaluate Sources for your Research

The discussions in this class will focus on a series of questions in the areas of Process
(steps to be taken), Strategic Thinking (current theory), and Decision Models (decision making
methodology. The student should organize their main thread by using the bolded headings provided
and then respond to the question. The student will post a reply to a single main thread and should
organize their reply by using the bolded headings provided.
Discussion Thread: Strategy Development, Strategy Decisions, and Decision Models
Developing strategy begins with thinking strategically and knowing what the key decisions are. The
decision models that you employ will directly impact the quality of the decisions you make so
understanding them is critical.
Minimum of 500 words in the body.
Minimum of 2 sources from the literature in addition to course texts.
Use bolded headings below in the discussion.
Current APA format must be used.
Use the following outline:
• Introduction
• Process: Business Strategy Development – What is the process for developing a business
strategy? Discuss the process in no less than 200 words.
• Strategic Thinking: Key Decisions – What are the key decisions necessary for making
strategy choices and why are they important? Discuss the key decisions and their
importance in no less than 150 words.
• Decision Model – What are my current decision models and how do they aid / hinder
this process. Discuss your current decision models and how they aid / hinder the strategy
development process in no less than 150 words.
• Conclusion
Support your factual assertions with citations.
Include an Annotated Bibliography, in current APA format, of the 2 additional Sources:
• Minimum of 250 words in each annotation
• Use the bolded headings below for each annotation
Use the following outline:
• Summary of Key Points
• Evaluation of the Quality of the Publication
• Evaluation of the Quality of the Author(s)
• Where this fits into the discussion
 

Strategy is critical to the process of charting a company’s direction in the business environment. When evaluating strategic choices, it is important to understand key advantages and disadvantages of the various options under consideration. Decision models continue to impact strategy development and should continuously be evaluated, and others considered.

For your main thread, perform the following:

1. Discuss the process of setting the company’s direction with strategy.
2. Discuss a key advantage or disadvantage created by strategic choices.
3. Discuss your current decision model(s) and others that are being considered.
4. Develop an Annotated Bibliography for the additional references used in your discussion.
5. Support all of your factual assertions with citations.