Analysis of Business Problems from Coursera

When does an opportunity to increase the bottom line become a liability for long-term brand sustainability and profitability? That is the question that GAS GAS, an off-road motorcycle manufacturer, is confronting.

In this culminating course, it’s time to use the business tools you have learned throughout the specialization to solve this real business problem. To help you as you develop a solution to the GAS GAS dilemma, in the Capstone you will also learn a six-step analysis of business problems methodology. By the end of the course, you will understand how to weave together considerations from accounting, finance, marketing and organizational behavior in order to arrive at a sound decision that will positively impact the firm’s future.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview and Week 1-Analysis of Business Problems: Capstone

Welcome! Before you start today's videos, please have a look at the syllabus. In this first session, I’ll introduce you to IESE’s six-step Analysis of Business Problems (ABP) methodology. This methodology is a very useful tool to help managers in their principal responsibility: making decisions. Because most business problems involve financial, technical and human issues, they are by nature complex. No matter how much thought you put into it, there is no “correct solution” and certainly no guarantee that your decision will yield the desired outcomes. Learning this six-step methodology is therefore a great help to many mangers as they take on their decision-making challenges, such as the one that GAS GAS faces. Objectives: To give learners a relevant and effective tool to make managerial decisions.

Week 2: GAS GAS Marketing Problem

Now that you understand a bit of the history of GAS GAS, it’s time to analyze the situation from a marketing perspective. The decision to manufacture bikes for KTM will undoubtedly have an impact on consumers, branding, pricing and channels. Will that impact be positive or negative? Are the risks worth the long-term benefit? What should the CEO take into consideration when making a decision? By the end of the session you should have enough information to advise Ramon Puente about the relevant marketing issues. Objective: To apply the marketing concepts acquired in Marketing: Understanding Your Customers in order to evaluate and make a decision about GAS GAS.

Week 3: GAS GAS Finance Problem

In this session, we will evaluate GAS GAS’ history and current situation and discuss the potential financial effect of partnering with KTM. After looking at some of the concepts we discussed in Module 3 - need of funds for operations (NFO), working capital (WC), sustainable growth and more – the learner will be able to understand how the financial outlook will influence the ultimate decision. Objective: To apply the financial concepts acquired in Operational Finance: Building a Robust Business in order evaluate the GAS GAS problem from a financial perspective.

Week 4: GAS GAS Organizational Behavior Problem

All business decisions have a direct impact on people. So that the board makes the best decision possible, it is important to examine whether they have the most effective tools at their disposal from an Organization Behavior perspective. Who are the people on the board and how well do they work together as a team? Whatever they decide will affect GAS GAS employees. This is a critical consideration for leadership to take into account as they weigh the financial and marketing issues you have already discussed. Objective: To apply the organizational behavior concepts acquired in Organizational Behavior: Managing People in order to evaluate and help Ramon Puente make a decision about GAS GAS.

Conclusion and Final Question

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides insights into the complexities of business decision-making by using real-life case studies

Develops a holistic perspective by integrating concepts from accounting, finance, marketing, and organizational behavior

Taught by Carlos García Pont, an experienced business professional with a strong track record in managerial decision-making

Suitable for professionals seeking to enhance their analytical skills and decision-making capabilities in a business context

Provides a structured approach to business problem analysis using the six-step Analysis of Business Problems methodology

Requires a strong foundation in business fundamentals, which may necessitate prerequisite courses or background knowledge

Reviews summary

In-depth business problem analysis

Learners say this course tackles complex business problems thoroughly and engagingly. Students highlight the instructor's knowledgeable teaching style and appreciate the insights provided by instructors from past courses.

Instructor expertise is strong.

"The instructor was knowledgeable and thorough"

Course leaves no stone unturned.

"The problem was thoroughly interesting."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Analysis of Business Problems with these activities:

Create a comprehensive study guide

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Organize and summarize key concepts, case studies, and discussion points to enhance understanding and retention of course material.

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Review course notes, slides, and case studies.
Identify key concepts and summarize them in a cohesive manner.
Include relevant examples and case studies to illustrate concepts.

Form study groups to discuss course concepts and case studies

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Engage with peers to share perspectives, clarify concepts, and gain diverse insights into the GAS GAS case.

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Find fellow students to form study groups.
Schedule regular meetings to discuss course material and case studies.

Read 'Marketing Management' by Philip Kotler

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Get a foundational understanding of marketing principles and strategies to enhance your understanding of the GAS GAS marketing problem.

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Read Chapters 1-3 to grasp the core concepts of marketing.
Summarize key marketing concepts and their relevance to GAS GAS.

Four other activities

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Contribute to GAS GAS marketing strategy discussion forum

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Engage in online discussions to share ideas, ask questions, and collectively develop creative marketing solutions for GAS GAS.

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Join the GAS GAS marketing strategy discussion forum.
Participate in discussions by sharing insights, asking questions, and offering suggestions.

Explore case studies of successful marketing campaigns

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Learn from real-world examples of how other companies have successfully addressed marketing challenges, providing valuable insights for GAS GAS.

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Identify case studies of marketing campaigns in the motorcycle industry or similar.
Analyze the case studies to understand the marketing strategies, tactics, and outcomes.
Extract lessons learned and identify potential applications for GAS GAS.

Solve financial ratio calculations

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Practice calculating and interpreting financial ratios to assess GAS GAS's financial health and make well-informed decisions.

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Review common financial ratios used in business analysis.
Calculate key financial ratios for GAS GAS using provided financial statements.
Interpret the ratios and identify areas of strength and potential risks.

Develop a marketing plan for GAS GAS

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Apply the marketing concepts learned in the course to develop a comprehensive marketing plan for GAS GAS, addressing the challenges and opportunities it faces.

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Conduct a market analysis to understand GAS GAS's target audience and competitive landscape.
Set marketing goals and objectives aligned with GAS GAS's business strategy.
Develop marketing strategies and tactics to achieve the marketing goals.
Outline a budget and timeline for the marketing plan.

Career center

Learners who complete Analysis of Business Problems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst studies an organization's processes and proposes ways to improve them. The skills learned in the Analysis of Business Problems course can be very useful for Business Analyst work. This course teaches how to approach problems systematically, identify their root causes, and develop solutions that maximize value for the organization. This could include improving efficiency, reducing costs, or increasing customer satisfaction. The knowledge gained in this course will provide a strong foundation for those aspiring to be Business Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Consultant

Consultants work with clients to help them solve business problems and improve their performance. The skills learned in the Analysis of Business Problems course can be very helpful for Consulting work. This course teaches how to analyze business problems, develop solutions, and communicate them to clients in a clear and persuasive manner. This could include working on projects such as developing new strategies, improving operations, or implementing new technologies. This course will provide valuable experience for those aspiring to be Consultants.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts examine financial data to make recommendations on investments and business decisions. The skills learned in the Analysis of Business Problems course can be very helpful for Financial Analyst work. This course teaches how to analyze financial statements, identify trends, and make sound investment decisions. This could include working on projects such as evaluating companies for potential investment, developing financial plans, or making recommendations on mergers and acquisitions. This course will provide a strong foundation for those aspiring to be Financial Analysts.

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Investment Banker

Investment Bankers provide financial advice to companies and governments, and help them raise capital. The skills learned in the Analysis of Business Problems course can be very helpful for Investment Banker work. This course teaches how to analyze financial statements, identify investment opportunities, and develop financial models. This could include working on projects such as advising companies on mergers and acquisitions, raising capital through public offerings, or providing financial advice to governments. This course will provide valuable experience for those aspiring to be Investment Bankers.

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Management Consultant

Management Consultants help organizations improve their performance by providing advice on strategy, operations, and technology. The skills learned in the Analysis of Business Problems course can be very helpful for Management Consultant work. This course teaches how to analyze business problems, develop solutions, and communicate them to clients in a clear and persuasive manner. This could include working on projects such as developing new strategies, improving operations, or implementing new technologies. This course will provide valuable experience for those aspiring to be Management Consultants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing plans to promote products and services. The skills learned in the Analysis of Business Problems course can be very helpful for Marketing Manager work. This course teaches how to analyze market research, identify customer needs, and develop effective marketing campaigns. This could include working on projects such as developing new products, launching new advertising campaigns, or managing social media marketing. This course will provide valuable experience for those aspiring to be Marketing Managers.

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Product Manager

Product Managers develop and manage products from concept to launch. The skills learned in the Analysis of Business Problems course can be very helpful for Product Manager work. This course teaches how to analyze market research, identify customer needs, and develop product specifications. This could include working on projects such as developing new products, launching new features, or managing product lifecycles. This course will provide valuable experience for those aspiring to be Product Managers.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan and execute projects to achieve specific goals. The skills learned in the Analysis of Business Problems course can be very helpful for Project Manager work. This course teaches how to define project goals, develop project plans, and manage project resources. This could include working on projects such as developing new products, launching new services, or implementing new technologies. This course will provide valuable experience for those aspiring to be Project Managers.

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Operations Manager

Operations Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a business. The skills learned in the Analysis of Business Problems course can be very helpful for Operations Manager work. This course teaches how to analyze business processes, identify inefficiencies, and develop solutions to improve efficiency. This could include working on projects such as improving customer service, reducing costs, or implementing new technologies. This course will provide valuable experience for those aspiring to be Operations Managers.

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Risk Manager

Risk Managers identify and assess risks to a business and develop strategies to mitigate those risks. The skills learned in the Analysis of Business Problems course can be very helpful for Risk Manager work. This course teaches how to analyze risks, develop risk management plans, and communicate risks to stakeholders. This could include working on projects such as developing risk management policies, conducting risk assessments, or managing insurance programs. This course will provide valuable experience for those aspiring to be Risk Managers.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers lead and motivate sales teams to achieve sales goals. The skills learned in the Analysis of Business Problems course can be very helpful for Sales Manager work. This course teaches how to analyze market research, identify customer needs, and develop sales strategies. This could include working on projects such as developing new sales channels, launching new sales campaigns, or managing sales teams. This course will provide valuable experience for those aspiring to be Sales Managers.

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Supply Chain Manager

Supply Chain Managers oversee the flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers. The skills learned in the Analysis of Business Problems course can be very helpful for Supply Chain Manager work. This course teaches how to analyze supply chains, identify inefficiencies, and develop solutions to improve efficiency. This could include working on projects such as developing new supply chain strategies, implementing new technologies, or managing supplier relationships. This course will provide valuable experience for those aspiring to be Supply Chain Managers.

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Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts design and implement computer systems to meet the needs of a business. The skills learned in the Analysis of Business Problems course can be very helpful for Systems Analyst work. This course teaches how to analyze business processes, identify inefficiencies, and develop solutions to improve efficiency. This could include working on projects such as developing new systems, implementing new technologies, or managing system upgrades. This course will provide valuable experience for those aspiring to be Systems Analysts.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation. The skills learned in the Analysis of Business Problems course may be helpful for Technical Writer work. This course teaches how to analyze information, organize content, and write clear and concise documentation. This could include working on projects such as writing user manuals, training materials, or marketing materials. This course will provide some experience for those aspiring to be Technical Writers.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. The skills learned in the Analysis of Business Problems course may be helpful for Web Developer work. This course teaches how to analyze information, organize content, and create user-friendly interfaces. This could include working on projects such as developing new websites, updating existing websites, or managing website maintenance. This course will provide some experience for those aspiring to be Web Developers.

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