This course focuses on the skills needed by leaders and managers to understand and develop business
strategies. A primary emphasis of the course is Jack Welch's approach to developing and evaluating a
strategy compared and contrasted with traditional and theoretical approaches. The course describes the
various stages in the strategic planning process, including an analysis of the external environment and
internal organizational capabilities. The course explores criteria for, and the impact of, mergers and
acquisitions and analyzes organic growth strategies to achieve a competitive advantage. The overriding goal
of the course is to enable students to effectively use strategy to develop an overall plan of action
designed to achieve the higher-level goals of an organization.