School/Faculty/Institute Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences
Course Code IR 331
Course Title in English Strategic Decision Making
Course Title in Turkish Stratejik Karar Verme
Language of Instruction EN
Type of Course Ters-yüz öğrenme
Level of Course Orta
Semester Spring
Contact Hours per Week
Lecture: 3 Recitation: 0 Lab: 0 Other: 2
Estimated Student Workload 133 hours per semester
Number of Credits 5 ECTS
Grading Mode Standard Letter Grade
Pre-requisites None
Co-requisites None
Expected Prior Knowledge None
Registration Restrictions Only Undergraduate Students
Overall Educational Objective Teaching strategic thinking and decision making
Course Description This course aims at introducing undergraduate students from all disciplines to the concepts of strategy, strategic thinking, and strategic decision-making in an interdependent and uncertain international security environment. Students will be first given the theoretical foundations of strategic thinking and decision-making through the assigned book chapters and journal articles. Then, students will enhance their understanding of strategic thinking and planning, strategic decision-making processes, and the significance of leadership in difficult crisis times through the case studies that will be presented by the first-hand observers who have been involved in the crisis in mention.

Course Learning Outcomes and Competences

Upon successful completion of the course, the learner is expected to be able to:
1) Know the basic concepts of strategy and strategic thinking;
2) Understand the stages of strategic decision-making processes;
3) Analyze real world cases of international crises presented by first-hand observers.
Program Learning Outcomes/Course Learning Outcomes 1 2 3
1) Has a broad understanding of economics with a deep exposure to other social sciences and mathematics.
2) Demonstrates knowledge and skills in understanding the interactions of different areas of economics.
3) Displays a sound comprehension of microeconomic and macroeconomic theory.
4) Applies economic concepts to solve complex problems and enhance decision-making capability.
5) Uses quantitative techniques to analyze different economic systems.
6) Applies theoretical knowledge to analyze issues regarding Turkish and global economies.
7) Demonstrates proficiency in statistical tools and mainstream software programs to process and evaluate economic data.
8) Behaves according to scientific and ethical values at all stages of economic analysis: data collection, interpretation and dissemination of findings.
9) Uses written and spoken English effectively (at least CEFR B2 level) to exchange scientific information.
10) Exhibits individual and professional ethical behavior and social responsibility.
11) Displays learning skills necessary for further study with a high degree of autonomy

Relation to Program Outcomes and Competences

N None S Supportive H Highly Related
     
Program Outcomes and Competences Level Assessed by
1) Has a broad understanding of economics with a deep exposure to other social sciences and mathematics. N
2) Demonstrates knowledge and skills in understanding the interactions of different areas of economics. N
3) Displays a sound comprehension of microeconomic and macroeconomic theory. N
4) Applies economic concepts to solve complex problems and enhance decision-making capability. N
5) Uses quantitative techniques to analyze different economic systems. N
6) Applies theoretical knowledge to analyze issues regarding Turkish and global economies. N
7) Demonstrates proficiency in statistical tools and mainstream software programs to process and evaluate economic data. N
8) Behaves according to scientific and ethical values at all stages of economic analysis: data collection, interpretation and dissemination of findings. N
9) Uses written and spoken English effectively (at least CEFR B2 level) to exchange scientific information. N
10) Exhibits individual and professional ethical behavior and social responsibility. N
11) Displays learning skills necessary for further study with a high degree of autonomy N
Prepared by and Date MUSTAFA KİBAROĞLU , January 2024
Course Coordinator MUSTAFA KİBAROĞLU
Semester Spring
Name of Instructor Asst. Prof. Dr. BARIŞ ÇAĞLAR

Course Contents

Week Subject
1) Introduction & Ground Rules
2) What is Strategy?
3) Evolution of Strategic Thinking and Planning
4) Evolution of Strategic Thinking and Planning
5) Strategic Decision-Making Processes
6) Strategic Decision-Making Processes
7) Mid-Term Examination
8) Case Study: US-USSR, Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)
9) Case Study: Türkiye-Greece: Kardak Crisis (1996)
10) Case Study: Türkiye-Greece, S-300 Crisis (1998)
11) Case Study: Türkiye-Greece, S-300 Crisis (1998)
12) Case Study: Türkiye-Israel, “Mavi Marmara” Crisis (2010)
13) Case Study: Türkiye-Russia, SU-24 Crisis (2015)
14) Case Study: Russia-Ukraine Crisis and the War (2022)
15) Final Exams Week
16) Final Exams Week
Required/Recommended Readings• Carl Von Clausewitz, On War, Michael Howard and Peter Paret (eds.), Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1993. • Peter Paret, Gordon A. Craig, Felix Gilbert, Makers of Modern Strategy from Machiavelli to the Nuclear Age, Princeton University Press, 2010, • Graham Allison and Philip Zelikow, Essence of Decision, Longman, New York, 1999. • Mustafa Kibaroğlu and Ayşegül Kibaroğlu, Global Security Watch – Turkey: A Reference Handbook, Praeger Security International, Greenwood Publishing Group, Westport, Connecticut, 2009. • Instructor’s personal website: www.mustafakibaroglu.com
Teaching MethodsFlipped Learning method
Homework and ProjectsThere are three requirements that must be fulfilled successfully to get a passing grade: • First requirement is active participation in the group discussions as well as in the debates that will occasionally take place after some of the case study lectures, which will count for 25% of the students’ overall grade; • Second requirement is to take the Quizzes after each of the 7 case study lectures, which will count for 35% of the overall grade; • Third requirement is to take the Mid-Term Exam, tentatively scheduled on ../../.., which will count for 40% of the overall grade.
Laboratory WorkN/A
Computer UseN/A
Other ActivitiesN/A
Assessment Methods
Assessment Tools Count Weight
Attendance 14 % 25
Quiz(zes) 7 % 35
Midterm(s) 1 % 40
TOTAL % 100
Course Administration mustafa.kibaroglu@mef.edu.tr
Rectorate Building
Attendance and active participation are required. There would be no make-up exams unless medical report provided. MEF university values academic integrity. Therefore, all students must understand the meaning and consequences of cheating, plagiarism and other academic offences under the code of student conduct and disciplinary procedures. Any improper behavior, academic dishonesty or plagiarism is subject to the YÖK Disciplinary Regulation.

ECTS Student Workload Estimation

Activity No/Weeks Hours Calculation
No/Weeks per Semester Preparing for the Activity Spent in the Activity Itself Completing the Activity Requirements
Course Hours 14 2 3 2 98
Presentations / Seminar 10 1 1 20
Midterm(s) 1 12 3 15
Total Workload 133
Total Workload/25 5.3
ECTS 5