Planning: Principled, Proposing, Proofing, and Practicing to a Success Plan from Coursera

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Syllabus

INTRODUCTION

This module re-establishes that the ultimate goal of the business development process is the Business Franchise Model - Business Plan. It then provides an overview of the components of this business development process,and the process to create them. Learning Goals: every arduous journey needs a clear and ever-visible goal to guide it. After successfully completing this module, you will be able to do the following. 1) Explain why the 'Business Franchise Model - Business Plan is the ultimate goal of the business development process, making it your clear and ever-visible goal. 2) You will also be able to list the core milestones of this business development process process and the steps to achieve them. Thus enabling you to follow those steps to achieve those milestones towards creating your own business.

PRINCIPLED PLANNING

Planning is a critical part of the business development process. The planning required by the 'New Business Paradigm' requires a different perspective and processing than what is traditionally thought of as planning. It seeks continual discovery as opposed to a static right solution. Learning Goals: Steve Jobs famously said, "Think Different". He wasn't just referring to what you think, but also how you think. After successfully completing this module, you will be able to do the following. 1) You will be capable of thinking differently with respect to planning. 2) You will be able to provide a rationale for this different way of thinking based on your understanding of its conceptual foundations. 3) After reviewing several illustrative examples for this type of planning, and illustrative examples of its execution you will move towards mastering the principles of this new planning process. Note! Mastering the principles that underlie this planning approach is a 'profession skill' required for all professionals, not just entrepreneurs in our new economy.

CREATING THE VALUE THAT WILL CREATE A CUSTOMER

The ultimate goal of any business, in fact the only goal is to create a customer. First and foremost in creating a customer is to create value. This lesson the nature of the value you have identified for your business and how it is expressed in a value proposition. After successfully completing this module, you will be able to do the following. 1. Dissect the problem you are trying to address in the market place into three categories: jobs or tasks the prospective customer is trying to achieve; the gains or benefits they seek in through those jobs or tasks; and the pains they are trying to relieve through those jobs or tasks, or the pains they endure in trying to perform those jobs or tasks. 2. Be able to compose a value proposition statement identifying what you believe to be the critical jobs, gains, or pains prospective customers will be willing to pay for. 3. Be able to test and validate that the jobs, gains, and/or pains you have identified are in fact the one most important to prospective customers, and that they are willing to pay for them. 4. Be able to make a compelling argument for why a prospective customer should in fact be your customer through your composition of this validated value proposition statement.

Construction Zone Two: Value Proposition

We have said several times that this course is somewhat unique as a online experience. Our goals involve more than just mastery of some content, or the execution of some task. Our goals include a tangible accomplishment: an ongoing business. You can put a time limit on an exam or an assignment, you can not dictate the time frame for a successful business. With this in mind we want to give you the learner extended time to truly engage your market and develop one of the most important aspects of one of your business development milestone. That being the value proposition. After successfully completing this model you will have successfully completed a set of activities that will give you a much clearer picture of the extent to which you have created a value that can potentially create a customer.

PROPOSING THE BUSINESS CONCEPT STATEMENT

This course presented six milestones in the business development process. This module presents lessons that guide the development (proposing) and testing (proofing) of the first of these, the business concept statement which includes a detailed value proposition statement. After successfully completing this module, you will be able to do the following. 1. Develop a Business Concept Statement. 2. Assess the quality of a Business Concept Statement in terms of whether all the required components are contained. 3. Be able to determine the validity of a Business Concept Statement.In addition to these capabilities, you will have completed the first of five milestones in your journey to have a functioning business at the end of the specialization.

The Business Model and Launch Plan

This module continues with the milestones of the Quad-P planning process presented in this course. It presents lessons that guide the development (proposing) and testing (proofing) of the Business Model and Launch Plan milestones. These milestones transition the business concept into a profitable business. After successfully completing this module you will 1) be able to recognize and categorize various business models in terms of their impact on financial documents, their narrative, or their infrastructure; and 2) be proficient in developing a business model canvas.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Designed for students without business experience, the course teaches key concepts step-by-step, bridging the gap between theory and practical implementation

Provides a solid foundation for entrepreneurship and new venture creation, with a focus on developing a scalable and replicable business model

Taught by experienced instructors with a proven track record in business development and innovation

Requires no prior business knowledge, making it accessible to learners from diverse backgrounds

Covers essential topics in business planning, including value proposition, market validation, and financial forecasting

Includes hands-on exercises and real-world case studies to reinforce learning and provide practical experience

Reviews summary

Well-received planning course

Learners say this well-received, intensive course is valuable and offers engaging assignments. Though some note that quizzes can be difficult, many students largely praised the course's materials and lecturers.

Learners enjoy the course's engaging assignments.

"Intensive and awesome!"

"that was good lesson learn."

"It was a bit hard but I love it"

Course is well-structured.

"Course cover lot of material that is really important."

"I am already through week 1 and I feel alot of things they have given as input has helped me to reiterate my launch plan again."

"It very a good course for a beginner startup like me to understand the nature of business."

Some learners noted that the quizzes can be difficult.

"kind of difficult"

"I'd actually rate this as a 0 if I could. The quizzes have questions on material that has not been taught yet."

"I am so disappointed of this certification, on the first 2 courses of the certification, everything was going well, although I noticed that the peers that they were doing the certification weren’t actually doing the activities."

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 Planning: Principled, Proposing, Proofing, and Practicing to a Success Plan with these activities:

Attend industry events and meetups

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Connect with professionals in your field and learn about industry trends.

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Identify industry events and meetups in your area.
Attend the events and introduce yourself to people.
Exchange contact information with potential collaborators.

Review Business Model Canvas

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Familiarize yourself with the Business Model Canvas framework.

Browse courses on Business Model Canvas

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Read the book "Business Model Generation" by Alexander Osterwalder and Yves Pigneur.
Review online resources and tutorials on the Business Model Canvas.
Complete a practice exercise using the Business Model Canvas template.

Join a startup discussion group or online forum

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Engage with other aspiring entrepreneurs and share insights.

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Find a startup discussion group or online forum that aligns with your interests.
Introduce yourself and participate in discussions.
Seek feedback on your business ideas from other members.

Five other activities

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Read "The Innovator's Dilemma" by Clayton M. Christensen

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Gain insights into why successful businesses often struggle to innovate.

View The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books) on Amazon

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Identify examples of companies that have failed to innovate.
Analyze the factors that contributed to these failures.
Consider how the lessons from this book can be applied to your own business.

Create a study guide for the course

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Organize and review key concepts and materials to strengthen understanding.

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Gather notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
Organize the materials into logical sections.
Highlight important concepts and terms.
Review the study guide regularly.

Develop a Business Model for Your Idea

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Create a concrete plan for how your business will operate.

Browse courses on Business Model

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Define your target market.
Identify your value proposition.
Develop a revenue model.
Estimate your costs.
Write a business plan.

Practice Financial Projections

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Build your skills in estimating and predicting financial performance.

Browse courses on Financial Projections

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Learn the basics of financial modeling.
Use a financial modeling template to create projections for your business.
Compare your projections to industry benchmarks.

Attend a Startup Weekend or Hackathon

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Experience the challenges and rewards of building a business in a fast-paced environment.

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Find a Startup Weekend or Hackathon in your area.
Register for the event and prepare your pitch.
Work with a team to develop a business idea and prototype.
Present your idea to a panel of judges.

Career center

Learners who complete Planning: Principled, Proposing, Proofing, and Practicing to a Success Plan will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs are individuals who start and run their own businesses. They are responsible for developing and implementing business plans, raising capital, and managing all aspects of their businesses. The course 'Planning: Principled, Proposing, Proofing, and Practicing to a Success Plan' is highly relevant to this role as it provides a comprehensive understanding of business planning and management. The course covers topics such as market analysis, financial planning, operations management, and human resources management, which are all essential skills for Entrepreneurs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts provide guidance to companies, organizations, and individuals on financial matters. They conduct research, analyze economic and financial data, and offer recommendations and advice on a range of financial issues. The course 'Planning: Principled, Proposing, Proofing, and Practicing to a Success Plan' is particularly relevant to this role as it provides a solid foundation in financial planning and analysis. The course covers topics such as financial modeling, budgeting, investment analysis, and risk management, which are all essential skills for Financial Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Management Consultant

Management Consultants help organizations improve their performance by providing advice and guidance on a range of business issues. They work with clients to identify opportunities for improvement, develop and implement solutions, and track progress. The course 'Planning: Principled, Proposing, Proofing, and Practicing to a Success Plan' is highly relevant to this role as it provides a comprehensive understanding of business planning and strategy. The course covers topics such as market analysis, financial planning, operations management, and human resources management, which are all essential skills for Management Consultants.

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Business Development Manager

Business Development Managers are responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities for their organizations. They work with clients to understand their needs, develop and implement marketing and sales strategies, and close deals. The course 'Planning: Principled, Proposing, Proofing, and Practicing to a Success Plan' is highly relevant to this role as it provides a strong foundation in business planning and development. The course covers topics such as market analysis, financial planning, sales management, and customer relationship management, which are all essential skills for Business Development Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Development Manager

Data Analyst

Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data to identify trends and patterns. They work with stakeholders to develop and implement data-driven solutions to business problems. The course 'Planning: Principled, Proposing, Proofing, and Practicing to a Success Plan' may be useful for this role as it provides a foundation in data analysis and interpretation. The course covers topics such as data mining, statistical analysis, and data visualization, which may be beneficial for Data Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and management of products throughout their lifecycle. They work with engineers, designers, and marketing teams to define product requirements, develop and launch new products, and track product performance. The course 'Planning: Principled, Proposing, Proofing, and Practicing to a Success Plan' may be useful for this role as it provides a foundation in product planning and development. The course covers topics such as market analysis, financial planning, and project management, which may be beneficial for Product Managers.

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Operations Manager

Operations Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and controlling the operations of an organization. They work with teams to develop and implement operational plans, manage resources, and track performance. The course 'Planning: Principled, Proposing, Proofing, and Practicing to a Success Plan' may be useful for this role as it provides a foundation in operations planning and management. The course covers topics such as financial planning, project management, and supply chain management, which may be beneficial for Operations Managers.

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Financial Planner

Financial Planners provide financial advice to individuals and families to help them achieve their financial goals. They work with clients to develop and implement financial plans, invest assets, and manage risk. The course 'Planning: Principled, Proposing, Proofing, and Practicing to a Success Plan' may be useful for this role as it provides a foundation in financial planning and analysis. The course covers topics such as financial modeling, budgeting, and investment analysis, which may be beneficial for Financial Planners.

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Auditor

Auditors are responsible for examining and evaluating financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance with financial regulations. They work with clients to identify and assess risks, develop and implement audit plans, and provide audit reports. The course 'Planning: Principled, Proposing, Proofing, and Practicing to a Success Plan' may be useful for this role as it provides a foundation in financial planning and analysis. The course covers topics such as financial modeling, budgeting, and investment analysis, which may be beneficial for Auditors.

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Accountant

Accountants are responsible for preparing and maintaining financial records, preparing financial statements, and providing financial advice. They work with clients to ensure compliance with financial regulations, prepare tax returns, and provide financial planning advice. The course 'Planning: Principled, Proposing, Proofing, and Practicing to a Success Plan' may be useful for this role as it provides a foundation in financial planning and analysis. The course covers topics such as financial modeling, budgeting, and investment analysis, which may be beneficial for Accountants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Accountant

Market Researcher

Market Researchers are responsible for conducting research to understand market trends and consumer behavior. They work with clients to collect and analyze data, identify market opportunities, and develop marketing strategies. The course 'Planning: Principled, Proposing, Proofing, and Practicing to a Success Plan' may be useful for this role as it provides a foundation in market research and analysis. The course covers topics such as survey design, data collection, and data analysis, which may be beneficial for Market Researchers.

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Tax Advisor

Tax Advisors provide guidance and advice on tax laws and regulations to individuals and businesses. They work with clients to prepare tax returns, minimize tax liability, and plan for future tax implications. The course 'Planning: Principled, Proposing, Proofing, and Practicing to a Success Plan' may be useful for this role as it provides a foundation in financial planning and analysis. The course covers topics such as financial modeling, budgeting, and investment analysis, which may be beneficial for Tax Advisors.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote products and services. They work with marketing teams to develop and execute marketing campaigns, manage marketing budgets, and track marketing performance. The course 'Planning: Principled, Proposing, Proofing, and Practicing to a Success Plan' may be useful for this role as it provides a foundation in marketing planning and strategy. The course covers topics such as market analysis, financial planning, and customer relationship management, which may be beneficial for Marketing Managers.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for leading and managing sales teams to achieve sales targets. They work with sales representatives to develop and implement sales strategies, manage sales pipelines, and track sales performance. The course 'Planning: Principled, Proposing, Proofing, and Practicing to a Success Plan' may be useful for this role as it provides a foundation in sales planning and management. The course covers topics such as financial planning, customer relationship management, and project management, which may be beneficial for Sales Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing business processes and systems to identify areas for improvement. They work with stakeholders to understand business needs, develop and implement solutions, and track progress. The course 'Planning: Principled, Proposing, Proofing, and Practicing to a Success Plan' may be useful for this role as it provides a foundation in business planning and analysis. The course covers topics such as financial planning, project management, and data analysis, which may be beneficial for Business Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst