Grow to Greatness: Smart Growth for Private Businesses, Part I from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

This module introduces the course.

The Truth About Growth

This module presents an overview of growth in business with common myths and truths. There is a required reading: Edward D. Hess, "Growth is the Dynamic Confluence of Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Values." An option case study reading on Eyebobs Eyeware, Inc is also available. Please visit the Eyebobs website at https://www.eyebobs.com and think about whether Julie's vision and customer value proposition connects with you. What do you like about the site? What do you dislike? Why is her website so important to her business? What should Julie do to keep her website "fresh"?

Fellers Gourmet Workshop

This module presents a series of questions to discover if you are ready for growth. The required reading is by Edward D. Hess, 3 Fellers Bakery, Case Study.

The 4 P's

This module presents the four P's of growing a business: planning, prioritization, pace and processes. The four ways to grow your business are improvements, innovations, scaling, and strategic acquisitions. The required reading is Edward D. Hess, "Defender Direct, Inc.: A Business of Growing Leaders," Case Study.

Four Ways to Grow a Business

This module reviews the four ways to grow a business. The required reading is Edward D. Hess, Sanju Jacob and Monidipa Mukherjee,"Enchanting Travels," Case Study. Enchanting travels can be found at http://www.enchantingtravels.com.

Creating a Growth Plan

This module dives into the logistics of creating a growth plan for Barger & Sons, Inc. The required reading is Edward D. Hess, "C.R. Barger & Sons, Inc.," Case Study. Eric Barger faces a big growth challenge. His primary product is concrete septic tanks. His product does not differ from his competitor's products. His business is not well known. He does not sell to the end user. His customers buy based primarily on price. His business has stopped growing and is not that profitable. His father has said the business must grow or it will be closed. Your assignment is to use the concepts you learned in the previous modules to create a growth plan for this business. For this assignment, please list all the growth ideas you can create for him to consider. Do not narrow his choices, but be realistic with your ideas. It will help you to think about growth options using the four ways to grow a business: improvements, innovation, scaling, and strategic acquisitions. A second way to think about his growth options is in functional business terms: product design; supply of raw materials; product manufacturing; product pricing and terms; product sales; delivery; customer service; technology; and marketing. Your end work should be a list of realistic growth ideas.

Final Exam

This is the final exam.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Instructs on principles of business strategy, entrepreneurship, and values, all essential skills for the business leader

Covers common myths and truths about business growth

Utilizes case studies to provide practical examples of growth challenges and solutions

Provides a structured approach to creating and implementing a growth plan

Emphasizes the importance of innovation and strategic acquisitions as key drivers of growth

Taught by top-ranked faculty from a renowned business school, ensuring quality of instruction

Reviews summary

Enthusiastic business growth

Learners say this course is largely positive. Engaging assignments, great lectures, and an enthusiastic instructor are key features. This introductory course focuses on the smart growth of private businesses.

Engaging and passionate instructor.

"Prof Ed was very engaged , and very passionate."

"It felt like he was physically in front and teaching."

"One could feel the course. It's just awesome, how he could connect so well with a non visible audience !"

High quality course materials.

"This class is completely awesome."

"One of the best made MOOC I have attended to."

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 Grow to Greatness: Smart Growth for Private Businesses, Part I with these activities:

Revisit Growth Strategies

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Review key concepts and theories related to business growth, such as the 4 P's and the growth matrix.

Browse courses on Growth Strategies

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Review the course description and syllabus.
Identify the key growth concepts and theories covered in the course.
Summarize the main points of each concept or theory.

Read 'The Lean Startup'

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Gain insights from Eric Ries's bestseller on how to build and validate a successful business model.

View The Startup Way: How Modern Companies Use... on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow a copy of 'The Lean Startup'.
Read the book at your own pace.
Take notes and highlight key passages.
Apply the lessons learned to your own business or growth strategy.

Discuss Growth Strategies with Peers

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Engage with peers to share insights, discuss challenges, and develop innovative growth strategies.

Browse courses on Growth Strategies

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Identify a group of peers who are also taking the course.
Schedule a time to meet regularly to discuss growth strategies.
Come prepared to each meeting with specific questions or topics to discuss.
Be open to sharing your own insights and experiences.

Five other activities

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Explore Case Studies on Growth Challenges

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Analyze real-world case studies to understand the complexities and challenges involved in business growth.

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Identify a case study that is relevant to your own business or industry.
Read the case study and identify the key challenges faced by the company.
Analyze the strategies and solutions implemented by the company.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies and solutions.

Develop a Growth Plan for a Business

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Apply the concepts learned in the course to create a comprehensive growth plan for a specific business.

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Identify a specific business to develop a growth plan for.
Analyze the business's current situation and identify areas for growth.
Develop a set of growth strategies and tactics.
Create a timeline and budget for implementing the growth plan.
Monitor the progress of the growth plan and make adjustments as needed.

Develop a Growth Strategy Presentation

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Showcase your understanding of growth strategies by creating a compelling presentation that outlines your plan for business growth.

Browse courses on Growth Strategies

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Choose a specific business to develop a growth strategy for.
Develop a set of growth strategies and tactics.
Create a PowerPoint or Google Slides presentation that outlines your growth strategy.
Practice your presentation and get feedback from peers.
Deliver your presentation to your instructor or a group of peers.

Participate in a Business Plan Competition

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Test your growth strategies and business acumen by participating in a business plan competition.

Browse courses on Business Planning

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Identify a business plan competition that aligns with your interests.
Develop a business plan for the competition.
Submit your business plan to the competition.
Attend the competition and present your business plan.
Win the competition!

Implement a Growth Strategy for a Business

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Put your knowledge into practice by implementing a growth strategy for a real business.

Browse courses on Growth Strategies

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Identify a business that is willing to let you implement a growth strategy.
Develop a set of growth strategies and tactics.
Implement the growth strategies and tactics.
Monitor the progress of the growth strategies and make adjustments as needed.
Evaluate the success of the growth strategies.

Career center

Learners who complete Grow to Greatness: Smart Growth for Private Businesses, Part I will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Small Business Owner

Small Business Owners are responsible for all aspects of running their own businesses. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities involved in owning and operating a small business.

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Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs are responsible for starting and growing their own businesses. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities involved in growing a business, making it a valuable resource for aspiring entrepreneurs.

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Strategy Consultant

Strategy Consultants help businesses develop and implement growth strategies. This course provides a strong foundation in strategy consulting, which is essential for success in this role.

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Management Consultant

Management Consultants help businesses improve their performance. This course provides a strong foundation in business strategy and operations, which is essential for success in this role.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing campaigns. This course provides a strong foundation in marketing principles and practices, which is essential for success in this role.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts are responsible for providing financial advice to businesses and individuals. This course provides a strong foundation in financial analysis, which is essential for success in this role.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. This course provides a strong foundation in product management, which is essential for success in this role.

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Venture Capitalist

Venture Capitalists provide funding to early-stage businesses. This course provides a strong foundation in venture capital, which is essential for success in this role.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for leading and motivating sales teams. This course provides a strong foundation in sales management, which is essential for success in this role.

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Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning and executing projects. This course provides a strong foundation in project management, which is essential for success in this role.

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Operations Manager

Operations Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a business. This course provides a strong foundation in operations management, which is essential for success in this role.

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Consultant

Consultants work closely with clients to help them develop and implement growth strategies. This course helps build a foundation in strategy, entrepreneurship, and values, all of which are essential for success in consulting.

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Investment Banker

Investment Bankers help businesses raise capital and provide financial advice. This course provides a strong foundation in finance and accounting, which is essential for success in this role.

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Business Analyst

A Business Analyst is responsible for identifying opportunities for growth within a company. Knowledge of 'smart growth' techniques like those taught in this course may be helpful for someone in this role.

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Accountant

Accountants prepare and maintain financial records. While this course does not provide a foundation in accounting, it may be helpful for accountants who are looking to grow their careers into management or consulting.

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