Semester.ly

Johns Hopkins University | EN.660.420

Strategic Case Analysis

3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

(3.91)

This data-driven, writing-intensive course provides students with the skills to manipulate and leverage data to complement qualitative analyses when assessing growth potential for startups through multinational firms. Using a structured approach to case and data analysis, students will learn how to leverage data to complement qualitative factors to make the kinds of strategic decisions that will have a positive, long-term impact on a range of organizations. Across 25 MBA-level cases, students will gain exposure to and manipulate global market data (GDP per capita, population, ease of doing business rankings) using weighted average calculations across their chosen criteria; through customer lifetime value computations for strategic alternatives; through financial ratio/statement analysis and projections; for cost/benefit analyses of outsourcing; through the analysis of a large data set from an experiment with test and control groups to determine ROI; and by conducting cost/benefit analyses of global expansion alternatives (U.S. expansion, global expansion through direct investment). Cases will span a range of industries—from nanotechnology to consumer products—to domestic and foreign firms. In addition to analyzing cases individually, each student will be part of a multidisciplinary team that analyzes a case during the latter half of the semester, developing growth strategy recommendations, including financial projections, and presenting them to the class. No audits.

Spring 2013

(4.41)

Spring 2014

(3.33)

Spring 2015

(4.0)

Spring 2013

Professor: Leslie Kendrick

(4.41)

The best aspects of the course included the professor and practice lessons on marketing strategy. The professor was extremely helpful and students enjoyed the case studies they worked with. The worst aspects of the course included the weekly writing and reading assignments from a somewhat outdated textbook. The course would improve if the case studies were replaced with newer and better cases than the ones currently available. Prospective students should know that there is a quiz each week and lots of

Spring 2014

Professor: Leslie Kendrick

(3.33)

The aspects of this course rated highest were the case studies, the variety of industries studied, guest speakers, and the real world applicability of the skills learned. Several students noted that Professor Kendrick mentioned several internship or job opportunities to the class, and students had the impression that she was invested in her student’s success. Though student’s appreciated having case studies as real world examples, many students thought the ones provided in class were out of date. Additionally, the course was not on Blackboard, and much of the material was on paper. Many students cited this as the worst aspect of the course. More up to date case studies, fewer quizzes, and a better textbook were some suggestions for improving the course. Prospective students should know that the workload of the course is high, there is more quantitative work than other marketing courses at Hopkins, but many students recommend this course without much reservation.

Spring 2015

Professor: Leslie Kendrick

(4.0)

The best aspects of this course included the interactive nature of the course and the opportunity to learn how to make strategic decisions in marketing. Students felt that the workload each week was overwhelming and the cases used in class were outdated. Suggestions for improvement included posting student grades on the blackboard website, providing newer updated cases to be analyzed, and decreasing the work load for each week. Prospective students should be familiar with marketing and communications, and are encouraged to al ocate a sufficient amount of time to complete readings and assignments in a timely manner.

Lecture Sections

(01)

No location info
L. Kendrick
12:00 - 13:15