To launch the rich dialogue of what is expected throughout this course, choose a company that has been recognized recently as successfuland is located in the Middle East. Then, in an original post, present well-written answers to the following questions:

1. What is the strategy of the organization?

2. What aspects of the strategy have been successful and/or unsuccessful?

3. How does the strategy compare with the four components that form the basis of the strategy framework shown in Figure 1.1 of Chapter 1?

4. How does the company’s strategy align with Saudi Vision 2030 strategies? Be specific.

Embed course material concepts, principles, and theories (require supporting citations) in your initial response along withat least one scholarly, peer-reviewed journal article.Keep in mind that these scholarly references can be found in the Saudi Digital Library by conducting an advanced search specific to scholarly references.

You are required to reply to at least two peer responses to this week’s discussion question and/or your instructor’s response to your posting. Your replies need to be substantial and constructive in nature. They should add to and evaluate/analyze the content of the post answer. Normal course dialogue doesn’t fulfill these two peer replies but is expected throughout the course. Answering all course questions is also required.

Use Saudi Electronic University academic writing standards and APA style guidelines.

Module Introduction

In this module, we study the concept of strategy and introduce a basic framework for strategic analysis. Strategic analysis involves external analysis of the industry and competition, as well as internal analysis of company resources and capabilities. Strategy develops as a result of the information gathered, and since external and internal environments change over time, strategic planning is both dynamic and ongoing.

One thing is clear: Strategy is linked to success. Strategy contributes to the success of organizations and individuals by clarifying the relationship between the internal and external environments. This clarification then guides strategy formulation and strategy implementation. Developing a great strategy is of no value if the strategy cannot be effectively implemented. Knowledge of the external and internal environment has a great influence on a company’s successful implementation. Strategic management evolves into new strategic plans through reassessment accomplished by strategic analysis.

This week you should focus on developing the ability to identify and describe the strategy of a firm and consider how strategy is made in organizations. Consider your current (or former) organization and its process for developing strategy. Alternatively, think about your strategy for life and work. Were these strategies developed through a rational analysis or did they emerge through adaptation to circumstances? Either way, you will see that strategy resides in between the dynamic external and internal environments.

Readings

Note: The following readings may require you to be logged in to the Saudi Digital Library. You may do thathere.

Required Chapter 1 in Contemporary Strategy Analysis Chapter 1 PowerPoint slides in Contemporary Strategy Analysis Bradley, C., Hirt, M., & Smit, S. (2018).Eight shifts that will take your strategy into high gear. McKinsey & Company. The Quincy Group. (2019).Vision 2030.

Recommended Ansoff, H. I. (1991).Critique of Henry Mintzberg’s ‘The design school: Reconsidering the basic premises of strategic management’. Strategic Management Journal, 12(6), 449–461.

For Your Success

History shows us how concepts, terms, and principles have changed over time. By studying history, we learn to avoid using analytic or decision-making processes that have been proven faulty. We learn to embrace aspects that are relevant to our company or organization and to dismiss those that are irrelevant. In this module, students are advised to compare the definitions of terms that will be used throughout the course. Further, students should determine which definitions best fit individual situations. There is no one use of a term that every scholar must embrace; think critically and define terms that work for you.

As noted in the Module Overview, an important principle in this course is the emphasis on the implementation of successful strategies. Therefore, students are advised to study each module thoroughly, with a focus on how strategy implementation may be affected. Students should also note the textbook author’s attention to analysis, as necessary, to make informed strategic decisions.

Remember that participation in the Discussion Board and completion of the graded quizzes are required and due by 11:59 p.m. on Saturday. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the schedule for Critical Thinking Assignments to note when they are due and in which modules. As part of that, examine the corresponding grading rubrics to ensure that you understand exactly how you will be scored.

Your first assignment this week is to get to know the team of learners you will be working with by introducing yourself in the Introductions area of Module 1. Share your major, your location, your career aspirations, and any personal experience or knowledge that may relate to the course.

In this course, the Discussion Boards are an excellent way to share your observations and learn from the history and experience of others. This week’s Discussion Question asks you to choose a company that has been recognized recently as successful and is located in the Middle East. Then, in an original post, present well-written answers to the following questions: How has your chosen company performed against the common elements in successful strategies? (See Figure 1.1 in the textbook to review the common elements.) Focus on strategy in this post and describe your chosen company’s strategy in terms of competing in the present and preparing for the Saudi Vision 2030. In your Discussion Board post, embed course material concepts, principles, and theories, which require supporting citations along with at least one scholarly peer-reviewed reference in supporting your answer unless the assignment calls for more. Keep in mind that these scholarly references can be found in the Saudi Digital Library by conducting an advanced search specific to scholarly references. You need to reply to at least two of your peers’ Discussion Question answers to this week’s Discussion Question. These post replies need to be substantial and constructive in nature. They should add to the content of the post and evaluate/analyze that post answer. Normal course dialogue doesn’t fulfill these two peer replies but is expected throughout the course. Answering all course questions is also required. Use Saudi Electronic University academic writing standards and APA style guidelines.

Make sure to read all of the required readings this week and complete the Check Your Understanding activity.Please note that your instructor will be hosting the first required Live Session this week.

Learning Outcomes Explain the evolution of strategy. Identify the role of strategy in success. Apply the basic framework for strategy analysis.