.1 | UNIVERSITI TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN (UTAR)FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND FINANCE (FBF) |
Unit Plan
1. | Unit Code &Unit Title: | UBMM1011 SUN ZI’S ART OF WAR AND BUSINESS STRATEGIES | 2. | Course of Study: | Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) Accounting (AC)Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) (BBA)Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) Banking & Finance (BF)Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) Entrepreneurship (EN)Bachelor of Economics (Hons) Financial Economics (FE)Bachelor of Finance (Hons) (FN)Bachelor of Marketing (Hons) (MK)Bachelor of Social Science (Hons) Psychology (PY)Bachelor of Arts (Hons) English Education (EL)Bachelor of Arts (Hons) English Education (ED)Bachelor of Science (Hons) Chemistry (CE)Bachelor of Science (Hons) Statistical Computing and Operations Research (SC)Bachelor of Science (Hons) Biotechnology (BT)Bachelor of Science (Hons) Microbiology (MB)Bachelor of Science (Hons) Construction Management (CM)Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Electronic Engineering (EE)Bachelor of Information Tchnology (Hons) Communications And Networking (CN)Bachelor of Computer Science & Information Systems (Hons) (CS) | 3. | Year of Study: | Y2T1/T2 (BAC) Y1T2/T3 (BBA) Y2T1/T2 (BBF) Y2T1/T2 (BEN)Y2T1/T2 (BFE) Y1T3 (BFN) Y2T1/T2 (BMK) Y3T2 (PY)Y3T1/T2 (EL) Y1T1/T2/T3 (ED) Y1T1/T2/T3 (CE) Y2T1/T2 (SC) Y1T1/T2 (BT) Y1T1/T2 (MB) Y1T1/T2 (CM) Y1T1/T2/T3 (EE)Y1T2/T3 (CN) Y1T1 (CS) | 4. | Year and Semester: | 201205 | 5. | Credit Hour | 1 credit hour | 6. | Lecturing hours | 2 hours lecture per week for the duration of 7 weeks | 7. | Lecturers: | Ms. Cheah Ching Mun, MBAEmail: cheahcm@utar.edu.myMr. Lee Eng Keong, ACISEmail: leeek@utar.edu.my | 8. | Tutors: | N/A | 9. | Moderator | Dr. Wong Kee Luen, EdDEmail: teecw@utar.edu.my | 10. | Mode of Delivery: | Lecture | 11. | Objective: | To achieve a general understanding of the applicability of Sun Zi’s Art of War to modern business strategies and practices | 12. | Learning Outcome: | On completion of this unit, the students will be able to:1. Identify the strategies and methods of war from Sun Zi’s Art of War.2. Analyse the applicability of Su Zi’s Art of War to modern business strategies and practices.3. Apply the relevant principles and concepts of Sun Zi’s Art of War into modern business strategies and practices. | 13. | Synopsis | Sun Zi, a famous ancient Chinese general wrote the classic work on military strategy – Art of War. His treatise shed light on military warfare. There are great similarities between military strategy and business strategy. The central theme is to create a competitive advantage over the opponents and to take advantage of the situation fully.Some of the similarities include: 1. The elements of surprise, uncertainties and complexities 2. The need to compete and gain superiority 3. The need to allocate resources 4. The importance of leadership qualities 5. The need to be flexible | 14. | References: | Main Text: 1. Wee, C. H. (2003). Sun Zi Art of War: An illustrated translation with Asian perspectives and insights. Singapore: Pearson/Prentice Hall. 2. Wee, C. H., Lee K. S. & Hidajat, B. W. (2003). Sun Tzu: War and management. Singapore: Addison-Wesley Publishing Company.Additional Text: 1. Pearce II, J. A., & Robinson, R. B., Jr. (2007). Strategic Management – Formulation, Implementation, and Control (10th ed.). New York: McGraw Hill/Irwin. | 15. | Method of Assessment | The assessment consists of coursework ONLY. Students are required to obtain a pass mark (50%) for the unit. No. | Coursework | Total | A.B. | Quiz (40 marks)Group Assignment (60 marks) | 40%60% | | Total | 100% |
A. Quiz (40%)The quiz will be conducted in Week 7. The test paper comprises 40 objective questions. Students are tested from Chapters 1 to 7. The quiz exam date is on the last lecture class of each group.B. Group Assignment (60%)Students are required to form groups of five. Each group can use all 13 chapters of Sun Zi’s Art of War to write up their report using examples from other organizations. The report must be written with a minimum 2,500-word assignment on what Sun Zi Art of War concepts are and how the concepts are applied or can be applied to today’s business environment. Students within the same lecture group are NOT ALLOWED to select and analyse the same organization.The lecturer will explain to the students the expectations of the assignments and guide them accordingly. Marking Scheme: Contents | Marks | 1. Introduction * Introduction/background of Sun Zi Art of War and the organization selected. 2. Content * Explain the Sun Zi Art of War theories/concepts /models/assumptions using any 3 chapters from Sun Zi’s Art of War that are applicable to the organization using examples from other organizations. 3. Discussions * Identify key ideas from at least 3 chapters from Sun Zi’s Art of War implemented by the organization selected to face/solve their challenges and problems which are in line with Sun Zi’s Art of War Strategies. * Chapters used in Content should not be repeatable to discuss the selected organization. * Present the discussions in a systematic, logical, and critical manner. 4. Recommendations * Provide suggestions or recommendations on how the organization can apply and implement management practices more effectively. 5. ConclusionSummarize the report including the key success factors on how the organization can improve. Also discuss what you have learned from the project. 6. Quality of the written assignment * Structure, Grammar, Language, Citation and References | 5 10 2010-------------------------------------------------
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Students are expected to use APA referencing style for their assignment (Appendix III). The assignment should be neatly typed in Font 12 Times New Roman with 1.5 spacing on A4 size papers.The assignment must include a cover page as shown in Appendix I. All pages in the written assignment should be numbered except for the cover page and the table of contents. A copy of marking scheme (Appendix II) must be attached immediately after the cover page of the assignment. Each group shall submit the assignment by Week 7, 12 July 2012 (Thursday), before 4.00 pm. | 16 | Remark: | ACADEMIC REGULATIONSAttendanceAttendance at all lectures is compulsory. Students must give reasons for their absence by providing the supporting evidence(s) (e.g. medical certificate, letter from parents/guardians etc.) and apply for leave of absence from the respective Head of Department. Poor attendance without any approved leave of absence may prompt the faculty to take disciplinary action, which may include failing the unit.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is defined as the submission or presentation of work, in any form, which is not one's own, without acknowledgment of the sources. If a student obtains information or ideas from an outside source, that source must be acknowledged. Another rule to follow is that any direct quotation must be placed in quotation marks and the source immediately cited.
Plagiarism is also defined as copy of all or part of the work of another student(s) of current or previous batch of this University or another higher learning institution. The University's degree and other academic awards are given in recognition of the candidate's personal achievement. Plagiarism is therefore considered as an act of academic fraudulence and as an offence against University discipline. Intellectual PropertyThe University takes a strong stand against any illegal photocopying of textbooks and any other materials by students. Students are forewarned of the consequences and the penalty that may be meted out if they are "caught in the act".
Mode of ReferencingStudents are advised to incorporate proper academic modes of referencing. The normally acceptable mode of academic referencing is the American Psychological Association (APA) system.Fieldwork Clause (where applicable)Students are reminded of the importance to consider their personal safety when conducting research in the field. You will be exposing yourself in new situations and meeting with people who are unknown to you. It is important that you are aware of potential dangers and take the necessary safety steps. You have to be extra careful and cautious if you are going to interview or conduct survey with small, unknown organizations or individuals 'on site'. You should ensure you have the full details (full name, job title, organization name, address and telephone numbers) of anyone or organization you intend to conduct the field research. You should establish the credibility of these respondents before your groups visit them. The field research should be made in groups not alone. Leave word with your fellow classmates on your field visit (details of place, contact numbers, person you are interviewing or conducting survey with, expected time of return, etc). The field work should be during office hours. |
Teaching Plan
Week/Date | Lecture Topic | Assignment | Reference | W1(27 May 2012 to2 June 2012) | Introduction * Explaining the unit plan and the assessment requirements of the unit * Introduction to Sun Zi Art of WarChapter 1Detailed Assessment and Planning * Thorough analysis before war * 5 factors and 7 considerations * War is about deception * Business application: Importance and elements of planning | Group Assignment Date given: 1st lecture classWeek : 1Due date: 12/07/12 Week : 7(before 4.00pm to the lecturer)DescriptionWrite an assignment of a minimum 2,500 words.Week 1, 2 Registration of organization | Wee (2003)(Introduction & Chapter 1) | W2(3 June 2012 to 9 June 2012) | Chapter 2Waging War * Importance of swiftness * Using resources * Business application: Speed and resource planningChapter 3Strategic Attack * Aim for the entirety * 5 determinants of victory * Know the other side, then know yourself * Business application: Importance of leadership, understanding of strengths & weaknesses | | Wee (2003) (Chapters 2 & 3) | W3(10 June 2012to16 June 2012) | Chapter 4Disposition of the Army * Ensure undefeatedness * When to attack or defend * Evaluating chances of victory * Business application: Attacking and defending the competitorsChapter 5Forces * Managing troops and attacking * Direct and indirect forces * Momentum and timingBusiness application: Importance of organization and structure | | Wee (2003)(Chapters 4 & 5) | W4(17 June 2012to23 June 2012) | Chapter 6Weaknesses and Strengths * First mover * To dictate and not to be dictated * Be flexible like water * Business application: Change and staying flexibleChapter 7Military Manoeuvres * Tradeoffs in maneuvering * Rules of maneuvering * Principles of control * Business application: Stay upper-hand and in controlChapter 8Variations and Adaptability * Importance of being adapting to changing * Importance of careful deliberations * Preparedness * Business application: Pro-activeness and adaptability * | | Wee (2003)(Chapter 6,7 & 8) | W5(24 June 2012to30 June 2012) | Chapter 9Movement and deployment of troops * Principles of deployment of troops * Size matters, but no victory guaranteed * Loyalty, discipline and trust * Business application: Employee loyaltyChapter 10Terrain * 6 kinds of ground * 6 calamities of army * Treatment of troops * Business application: Importance of SWOT analysis | | Wee (2003)(Chapters 9,10) | W6(1 July 2012to 7 July 2012) | Chapter 11The Nine Battlegrounds * Matching strategies with group characteristics * Principles governing military campaigns * Business application: Winning factors in competitionChapter 12Attacking with Fire * 5 ways of attacking with fire * Rulers and generals * Business application: Importance of leadership | | Wee (2003)(Chapters 11 & 12) | W7(8 July 2012to 14 July 2012) | Chapter 13Intelligence and Espionage * Intelligence and espionage * Kinds of spies * Importance of double agent * Business application: Importance of business intelligence | QuizThe quiz comprises of 40 objective questions. Students will be tested from Chapters 1 to 7 of Sun Zi Art of War.Group AssignmentDue date for Group Assignment (Week 7) Note: Submission of Group Assignment: on or before 12/07/12 before 4.00 pm to the lecturer. | Wee (2003)(Chapters 13) |
Note: The information provided in this Unit Plan is subject to change by the Lecturers. Students shall be notified in advance of any changes.
This Unit Plan is:
Prepared by:_____________________Ms. Cheah Ching Mun Lead Lecturer | Moderated by:_____________________Dr. Wong Kee Luen Moderator | Reviewed and Approved by:_______________________Mr. Kuek Thiam YongHead of DepartmentDepartment of Business | Date: | Date: | Date: |
Notes: The information provided in this Unit Plan is subject to change by the Lecturers. Students shall be notified in advance of any changes.
Appendix I
UNIVERSITI TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN
FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND FINANCE
ACADEMIC YEAR: 2012/2013
MAY 2012 TRIMESTER
UBMM1011 SUN ZI’S ART OF WAR & BUSINESS STRATEGIES
UBMM1011 SUN ZI’S ART OF WAR & BUSINESS STRATEGIES
MARKING SCHEME FOR GROUP ASSIGNMENT
Section | Assessment | Mark Allocation | Marks Awarded | 1 | IntroductionIntroduction/background of Sun Zi Art of War and the organization selected. | 5 marks | | 2 | ContentsExplain the Sun Zi Art of War theories/concepts /models/assumptions using any 3 chapters from Sun Zi’s Art of War that are applicable to the organization using examples from other organizations. | 10 marks | | 3 | DiscussionsIdentify key ideas from at least 3 chapters from Sun Zi’s Art of War implemented by the organization selected to face/solve their challenges and problems which are in line with Sun Zi’s Art of War Strategies. | 20 marks | | 4 | Recommendations Provide suggestions or recommendations on how the organization can apply and implement management practices more effectively. | 10 marks | | 5 | ConclusionSummarize the report including the key success factors on how the organization can improve. Also discuss what you have learned from the project. | 10 marks | | 6 | Quality of the written assignment | 5 marks | | | Total marks | 60 marks | |
