MG473ZA · Spring 2026

Weekly Discussions

Discussions are how you practice applying strategic management concepts to real companies and learn from your classmates. They are worth 100 points total and are a key part of your participation grade.

Deadlines Every Week

Friday

Initial Post Due

Your original response to the discussion prompt

Sunday

Responses Due

Reply meaningfully to at least two classmates

How to Write a Great Discussion Post

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Answer every part of the prompt Read the questions carefully. There are usually multiple parts. Address each one specifically — do not give a general answer.

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Use real companies and examples Apply the frameworks to actual businesses. Vague answers without examples will lose points. The more specific you are, the better your grade.

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Show your thinking Do not just state what a company does — explain WHY using the strategic concepts from class. Connect your answer to PESTEL, Porter's Five Forces, VRIO, or whichever framework is relevant.

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Respond to classmates meaningfully "Great post!" is not enough. Agree or disagree and explain why. Add something new to the conversation. Ask a follow-up question. Build on what they said.

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Write professionally Use proper grammar and spelling. Avoid slang. You are practicing professional business communication — treat it that way.

What Discussions Cover Each Module

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Module 1 — Strategic Issues & Financial Analysis Tesla's key strategic issue · Company performance comparison · Debt analysis · AMC vs Cinemark stock decision

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Module 2 — Team Formation Find your group project team this week. Participate early — teams fill up fast!

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Module 6 — Business-Level Strategy in the Real World Identify a LOCAL company in your hometown or Emporia (not Walmart or national chains). What strategy are they using? Are they stuck in the middle?

💡 Dr. Polly's Tip

Start your discussions early — do not wait until Friday night. Reading what your classmates write before you post can give you great ideas and help you respond more thoughtfully by Sunday. The best discussions feel like a real conversation, not just a checklist.