All teaching materials are available on Blackboard (http://my.usf.edu).

Strategic Plan for Learning: An 8-Step Plan for Success in the Classroom

Teaching Philosophy

 I remember the good old days of my undergraduate education - sitting in big lecture halls, struggling to stay awake as I squinted at scribbled notes the professor wrote on a board or projector, copying all the words down as fast as I could in a cheap spiral notebook. I later would read through these notes (where legible), memorize the key words, and then parrot them back on exams. And then I'd pretty much forget it all. Yes, those were the days! Now that I'm on the professoring side of the equation, I aim to do better. Sure, there are still terms and concepts that students must get to know, even memorize, in order to properly speak and understand the language of strategic management. But there's also much more necessary to make our semesters together a worthwhile experience.

I could, of course, spoon-feed you concepts and terms throughout each class session, but that won't help you to learn. Especially in the every-changing world of business, learning must go well beyond memorization. Terms learned today may be of no value tomorrow. Instead, the crucial knowledge to take with you is the process - the way of thinking. All else is just a history lesson. In fact, I cannot "learn" you anything. It is entirely up to you to learn. I mainly serve as facilitator and moderator. I set up a framework for discussion, and I guide this discussion in appropriate directions. You and your classmates must actively participate for this to be a true learning experience. A good portion of what you will get out of my classes depends upon the dynamics of each unique class interaction. So I expect you to be there, and I expect you to participate in each class discussion.

Each of you will also be a part of a group responsible for a coordinated project and presentation dealing with a real-world company. That is, as with Corporate America, there's teamwork. I believe it is important to apply the sometimes-abstract concepts of strategic management within realistic settings. That's why your team project involves researching a real company, and that's why I also make use of games, exercises, popular press articles, videos, and especially cases. With applied examples, the concepts become more familiar and memorable, helping you to take this knowledge beyond the exam period, and hopefully into your future employment.

Finally, I believe in frequent feedback. I'll give you ample feedback along the way so that you know where you stand in the class. This means there are many quizzes, and a few exams along the way. I also break up the team project into a set of milestones so that you can gauge your progress. But I also expect you to provide me with frequent feedback. I seek feedback from students after every class so that I know whether you're grasping the material, and whether the class dynamics are fine-tuned appropriately. In short, it's an involved experience - one that will hopefully facilitate learning, retention, and dare I say, perhaps even some enjoyment.

There are many sections of strategic management available each semester here at USF. Before you sign up for my sections, be sure you are ready to be involved. I will do my best to ensure no one can remain passive in class or in outside team projects. Simply put, there's no room to hide and little chance to free ride.

Current Teaching Assignments - All teaching materials are available on Blackboard (http://my.usf.edu).

GEB 4890 - Strategic Management

Other Courses Taught

Business Policy and Strategy