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Business Strategy in Practice (Project-centered Course)
Michael Lenox
and
Jared Harris
Michael Lenox
and
Jared Harris
A Capstone Project is an assignment designed specifically to apply and showcase the skills you learned in the Specialization. To this end, the Business Strategy Capstone Project, a comprehensive Strategic Analysis, provides an opportunity for you to synthesize concepts and knowledge from the four prerequisite courses in the specialization. In this course, developed at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia, you will be guided through your project by top-ranked faculty. You may continue with the organization you selected for previous assignments or select a new organization for this project. You will analyze the current state of the organization, strategic issues facing the organization, strategic paths the organization might pursue, make a recommendation of the best path for the organization to pursue, and write an Executive Summary. Your finished project will serve as an artifact showcasing your ability to conduct research on/within an organization, select and apply the most appropriate analytical tools, build a well-supported case for a specific position, and effectively communicate key points with executive leadership.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/1hl6re/business
What's inside
Syllabus
Welcome and Getting Started
Welcome to the Business Strategy in Practice project-centered course and congratulations on completing the four prerequisite courses! In this course, you will bring together all that you have learned and employ your toolkit to develop your comprehensive Strategic Analysis. To get started, watch our "Welcome to the Business Strategy in Practice" video lecture. Then, read our Course Overview so you get a sense of what's ahead, including four milestones to help keep you on track to complete your project within the eight weeks. We are excited to watch you put your learning into action! Good luck, work hard, encourage one another, and enjoy!
Read more
Syllabus
Welcome and Getting Started
Welcome to the Business Strategy in Practice project-centered course and congratulations on completing the four prerequisite courses! In this course, you will bring together all that you have learned and employ your toolkit to develop your comprehensive Strategic Analysis. To get started, watch our "Welcome to the Business Strategy in Practice" video lecture. Then, read our Course Overview so you get a sense of what's ahead, including four milestones to help keep you on track to complete your project within the eight weeks. We are excited to watch you put your learning into action! Good luck, work hard, encourage one another, and enjoy!
Read more
WIP Milestone 1
Welcome to Week 2. This week you should continue working on WIP Milestone 1 so that you are ready to submit your assignment by the end of the week. Good luck and work hard -- thorough research will help you build a solid foundation for your project!
WIP Milestone 1 Peer Reviews, Start WIP Milestone 2
Welcome to Week 3. This is "buffer" week allowing time to complete your peer reviews -- providing as much constructive feedback as possible -- and then to start working on WIP Milestone 2.
WIP Milestone 2
Welcome to Week 4. This week you should continue working on WIP Milestone 2 so that you are ready to submit your assignment by the end of the week. Good luck and work hard -- you will need a solid understanding of the different options and strategic paths in order to make your recommendation in the next milestone!
WIP Milestone 2 Peer Reviews, Start WIP Milestone 3
Welcome to Week 5. This is another "buffer" week allowing time to complete your peer reviews -- providing as much constructive feedback as possible -- and then to start working on WIP Milestone 3.
WIP Milestone 3
Welcome to Week 6. This week you should continue working on WIP Milestone 3 so that you are ready to submit your assignment by the end of the week. Looking ahead, Week 7 is a busy week: you will need to wrap up your peer reviews for WIP Milestone 3 and then prepare for the Final Milestone, putting the finishing touches on and then submitting your Strategic Analysis! So don't delay -- get going and work hard to meet your deadlines!
From WIP Milestone 3 to the Final Milestone
Welcome to Week 7. This is a busy week: you will need to wrap up your peer reviews for WIP Milestone 3 and then prepare for the final milestone: submitting your finished project! To prepare for the final milestone, you will pull together the work you completed for previous milestones, write a cogent and concise executive summary, put the finishing touches on your project, and then submit it for one final round of peer review. We are excited to see your finished projects!
Finished Project Peer Reviews
Welcome to Week 8, our final week together. This is another "buffer" week allowing time to complete your peer reviews. While we only require three peer reviews, please consider completing an additional review or two to help your peers who might still be waiting for their final grade and Specialization Certificate. Additionally, we have a discussion opportunity for you to share final comments, reflections, and thoughts on your capstone experience.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Teaches strategic analysis, which is a core skill in business
Provides a comprehensive view across all aspects of business strategy
Taught by Michael Lenox and Jared Harris, who are top-ranked faculty at the Darden School of Business
Emphasizes the practical application of business strategy concepts
Requires students to conduct in-depth research and analysis
Provides opportunities for peer feedback and collaboration
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Save Business Strategy in Practice (Project-centered Course) to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Capstone project with well-structured lectures
Learners say this capstone project course is well-designed with well-structured lectures. According to students, the assignments also help provide a safe practice environment for applying acquired knowledge.
Capstone course improves business knowledge.
"It is a good exercise to recap the other courses, however the need to complete peer reviews put unnecessary pressure."
"The course is great and improved my business knowledge regarding strategy"
"This is a very good course for professionals of all backgrounds to deepen their business knowledge and an eye opener for those of us with technical background"
Videos are well-structured.
"This course was very well designed and I enjoyed watching all the videos and learning about all the different analysis methods."
"The videos are very well structured, examples are super relevant and the assignments top it up giving plenty of opportunity to practice in a safe environment."
"Really happy I chose this"
Peer reviews can be improved.
"My only complaint is the peer review process needs to be regulated more to prevent plagiarism and for fair grading in a timely manner."
"The entire grading system revolving around peer review is fundamentally flawed and does not show mastery over the subject matter."
"While the other courses were extremely promising, the professors/school has done a great job in preparing its students, I think Coursera has done a POOR job in aiding learners in the final stretch of completion."
Career center
Learners who complete Business Strategy in Practice (Project-centered Course) will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Management Consultant
Management Consultant
Management Consultants help companies improve their performance. This course is a great fit for anyone who wants to work as a Management Consultant because it provides a comprehensive overview of the management consulting process. Students will learn how to analyze a company's current situation, identify areas for improvement, and develop and implement solutions. They will also learn how to communicate their recommendations to senior management. This course will give students the skills and knowledge they need to be successful as Management Consultants.
Business Strategy Consultant
Business Strategy Consultant
Business Strategy Consultants help companies develop and implement strategic plans. This course is a perfect fit for anyone who wants to work as a Business Strategy Consultant because it provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic planning process. Students will learn how to analyze a company's current situation, identify strategic issues, and develop and evaluate strategic options. They will also learn how to communicate their recommendations to senior management. This course will give students the skills and knowledge they need to be successful as Business Strategy Consultants.
Corporate Strategy Manager
Corporate Strategy Manager
Corporate Strategy Managers are responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans for their companies. This course is a great fit for anyone who wants to work as a Corporate Strategy Manager because it provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic planning process. Students will learn how to analyze a company's current situation, identify strategic issues, and develop and evaluate strategic options. They will also learn how to communicate their recommendations to senior management. This course will give students the skills and knowledge they need to be successful as Corporate Strategy Managers.
Investment Banker
Investment Banker
Investment Bankers help companies raise capital and make acquisitions. This course is a good fit for anyone who wants to work as an Investment Banker because it provides a comprehensive overview of the investment banking process. Students will learn how to analyze a company's financial situation, develop and execute financial plans, and negotiate and close deals. They will also learn how to communicate their recommendations to clients and senior management. This course will give students the skills and knowledge they need to be successful as Investment Bankers.
Venture Capitalist
Venture Capitalist
Venture Capitalists invest in early-stage companies. This course is a good fit for anyone who wants to work as a Venture Capitalist because it provides a comprehensive overview of the venture capital investment process. Students will learn how to analyze a company's financial situation, develop and execute investment plans, and negotiate and close deals. They will also learn how to communicate their recommendations to clients and senior management. This course will give students the skills and knowledge they need to be successful as Venture Capitalists.
Private Equity Investor
Private Equity Investor
Private Equity Investors invest in private companies. This course is a good fit for anyone who wants to work as a Private Equity Investor because it provides a comprehensive overview of the private equity investment process. Students will learn how to analyze a company's financial situation, develop and execute investment plans, and negotiate and close deals. They will also learn how to communicate their recommendations to clients and senior management. This course will give students the skills and knowledge they need to be successful as Private Equity Investors.
Operations Manager
Operations Manager
Operations Managers are responsible for planning and managing the operations of a company. This course is a good fit for anyone who wants to work as an Operations Manager because it provides a comprehensive overview of the operations management process. Students will learn how to analyze business processes, develop and implement operational plans, and manage operations teams. They will also learn how to communicate their recommendations to senior management. This course will give students the skills and knowledge they need to be successful as Operations Managers.
Business Development Manager
Business Development Manager
Business Development Managers are responsible for developing and implementing business development strategies. This course is a good fit for anyone who wants to work as a Business Development Manager because it provides a comprehensive overview of the business development process. Students will learn how to analyze market opportunities, develop business plans, and manage sales teams. They will also learn how to communicate their recommendations to senior management. This course will give students the skills and knowledge they need to be successful as Business Development Managers.
Sales Manager
Sales Manager
Sales Managers are responsible for developing and executing sales strategies. This course is a good fit for anyone who wants to work as a Sales Manager because it provides a comprehensive overview of the sales process. Students will learn how to analyze customer needs, develop sales strategies, and manage sales teams. They will also learn how to communicate their recommendations to senior management. This course will give students the skills and knowledge they need to be successful as Sales Managers.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts provide financial advice to businesses and individuals. This course is a good fit for anyone who wants to work as a Financial Analyst because it provides a comprehensive overview of the financial analysis process. Students will learn how to analyze financial data, develop financial models, and make investment recommendations. They will also learn how to communicate their recommendations to clients and senior management. This course will give students the skills and knowledge they need to be successful as Financial Analysts.
Product Manager
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for developing and managing products. This course is a good fit for anyone who wants to work as a Product Manager because it provides a comprehensive overview of the product management process. Students will learn how to analyze customer needs, develop product specifications, and manage product development. They will also learn how to communicate their recommendations to senior management. This course will give students the skills and knowledge they need to be successful as Product Managers.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns. This course is a good fit for anyone who wants to work as a Marketing Manager because it provides a comprehensive overview of the marketing process. Students will learn how to analyze customer needs, develop marketing strategies, and manage marketing campaigns. They will also learn how to communicate their recommendations to senior management. This course will give students the skills and knowledge they need to be successful as Marketing Managers.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts analyze data to identify trends and patterns. This course may be useful for anyone who wants to work as a Data Analyst because it provides a comprehensive overview of the data analysis process. Students will learn how to collect data, analyze data, and develop data visualization. They will also learn how to communicate their findings to clients and senior management. This course will give students the skills and knowledge they need to be successful as Data Analysts.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning and managing projects. This course may be useful for anyone who wants to work as a Project Manager because it provides a comprehensive overview of the project management process. Students will learn how to develop project plans, manage project teams, and track project progress. They will also learn how to communicate their recommendations to senior management. This course will give students the skills and knowledge they need to be successful as Project Managers.
Research Analyst
Research Analyst
Research Analysts provide research and analysis to businesses and individuals. This course may be useful for anyone who wants to work as a Research Analyst because it provides a comprehensive overview of the research process. Students will learn how to conduct research, analyze data, and develop research reports. They will also learn how to communicate their findings to clients and senior management. This course will give students the skills and knowledge they need to be successful as Research Analysts.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/1hl6re/business
Reading list
We've selected 16 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Business Strategy in Practice (Project-centered Course).
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of strategic management concepts and frameworks, and includes case studies to illustrate how these concepts are applied in practice. It valuable resource for students who are new to strategic management or who want to refresh their understanding of the field.
Explores the challenges that established companies face when they try to innovate. It provides insights into why so many companies fail to innovate successfully, and offers a framework for how companies can overcome these challenges.
Save
Introduces the concept of blue ocean strategy, which strategy for creating new markets and avoiding competition. It valuable resource for students who want to learn how to develop innovative and disruptive strategies.
Provides a contrarian perspective on business and innovation. It valuable resource for students who want to learn how to think differently about business and who are interested in creating new markets.
Explores the characteristics of successful innovators. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about how to become more innovative.
Save
Provides a simple framework for evaluating the quality of a strategy. It valuable tool for students who want to learn how to develop and evaluate effective strategies.
Provides a practical guide to building a successful startup. It valuable resource for students who are interested in starting their own businesses or who want to learn more about the startup process.
Introduces the concept of the learning organization. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about how to create and sustain a learning organization.
Provides insights into the challenges and rewards of being a CEO. It valuable resource for students who are interested in leadership or who want to learn more about the challenges of running a business.
Provides a practical guide to using Lean Six Sigma to improve business processes. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about Lean Six Sigma or who want to apply it in their own organizations.
Provides a comprehensive overview of project management. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about project management or who want to prepare for the PMP certification exam.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of business strategy. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about business strategy or who want to prepare for a career in management consulting.
Save
Provides insights into the McKinsey & Company consulting firm. It valuable resource for students who are interested in learning more about management consulting or who want to prepare for a career at McKinsey & Company.
Save
Introduces the BCG Matrix, which tool for evaluating business units. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about business strategy or who want to prepare for a career in management consulting.
Introduces the Balanced Scorecard, which tool for measuring and managing business performance. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about business strategy or who want to prepare for a career in management consulting.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of business strategy. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about business strategy or who want to prepare for a career in management consulting.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/1hl6re/business
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Effort
8 weeks of study, 2-4 hours/week
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Virginia
Instructors
Michael Lenox
Jared Harris
Language
English
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آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Business Strategy. It's comprised of five courses:
- Foundations of Business Strategy
- Business Growth Strategy
- Strategic Planning and Execution
- Business Strategy in Practice (Project-centered Course) (viewing)
- Advanced Business Strategy
Good to know
Teaches strategic analysis, which is a core skill in business
Provides a comprehensive view across all aspects of business strategy
Taught by Michael Lenox and Jared Harris, who are top-ranked faculty at the Darden School of Business
Emphasizes the practical application of business strategy concepts
Requires students to conduct in-depth research and analysis
Provides opportunities for peer feedback and collaboration
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