Montana State University-Bozeman College of Business

Example of learning objectives for the capstone strategy course (2002-2003)

• Students will master the terminology and models of competitive strategic analysis and how they apply to a variety of organizations and firms.
• Students will understand the meaning and significance of strategic concepts and develop a strategic perspective for observing and managing organizations.
• Students will acquire the ability to use the concepts learned in the core courses so as to develop a competitive firm perspective.  This perspective includes understanding the development of a long-term sustainable organization that meets the needs of multiple stakeholders.
• Students will develop critical thinking skills, including: production of effective oral and written communication, assessment of organizational performance to identify significant problems and/or opportunities, and creation of relevant solutions to these problems/opportunities.  These solutions should balance the economic, behavioral, and societal needs of stakeholders.
• Students will recognize organizational contexts where quantitative analysis may provide useful insights, will select and apply the appropriate technique, and will be able to formulate conclusions based upon analytical results.  Students will also be able to understand and allow for the limitations of these techniques when forming conclusions.