Competitive Strategy and Organization Design Project from Coursera

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Syllabus

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This section will prepare you for your capstone project. You will get to know our partner company and learn about current issues they are facing. Throughout the capstone project you are asked to analyze one of the consulting report questions posed by the company and write a report giving recommendations to the company. Your final report will be forwarded to the company. This week is supposed to give you the possibility to revise relevant content from the three courses in the specialization, to learn about the partner company and their questions and to get familiar with the capstone project and what is to expect in the upcoming weeks.

Milestone I – In-Depth Research

In this module you will focus on one of the questions posed by the company and collect relevant information for answering the question. You will learn how to work yourself through various sources of data and to evaluate their quality and relevance for the topic at hand. At the end of the module you have the chance to share your work by handing in a three-page description of your method, sources and key findings. This is an optional peer reviewed assignment and it will not count towards the final grade. However it presents a great opportunity for you to receive feedback and improve your industry project.

Milestone II - Analysis

After having identified relevant data sources and information in the previous week, you will analyze your findings this week. You will work to combine, aggregate and analyze information from various sources and try to find the most appropriate way to present your insights. As in the previous module you have the opportunity to share your work by handing in a one-page description and four graphical representations of your findings. This assignment is again optional, yet provides a great opportunity to receive feedback that can help you to improve your final project.

Milestone III – Interpretation and Synthesis

In this module you will interpret and relate your findings from the last two modules to the theoretical concepts you have learned throughout the three specialization courses. This ideally leads to additional insights for answering the analyzed question. If you are interested in receiving feedback, you have the option to hand in a two-page interpretation of your findings, in which you relate them to relevant theoretical concepts.

Write and Finalize your Final Report

In the fifth week, you will work on and finalize your final assignment. Based on your work from the previous weeks you will write a consulting report for the partner company and develop recommendations for them on how to deal with the specific question at hand. In this week, there is no additional quiz or voluntary peer-review as you should focus on working on your final report that is due in the next week.

Submit your Final Report and Learn from Your Peers

In this final module, you will submit your final report and review the reports submitted by your peers.The submission of the final assignment is compulsory for passing the course. The final assignment is a report for the company that summarizes your in-depth research on the question, analysis and interpretation. After the summary of the project, the report is supposed to give recommendations for the company on how to deal with the investigated issue. The final report is supposed to comprise ten pages. Additionally, 3-6 graphical representations or tables of the findings must be attached to the report. After you have submitted your report, you will be asked to review reports from your peers. This will allow you to see different approaches to analyze the same question and will be an excellent opportunity to gather ideas for your future projects.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a hands-on experience working on an industry project

Involves conducting in-depth research, analysis, and interpretation of real-world business data

Focuses on practical problem-solving and applying theoretical concepts in a corporate context

Taught by industry experts, Tobias Kretschmer, who brings real-world knowledge and insights to the course

Structured into milestones that provide clear guidelines and deadlines for project completion

Incorporates peer-reviewed assignments for optional feedback and improvement

Reviews summary

Strategy project capstone

Learners say the capstone project, part of the Competitive Strategy and Organizational Design Project Coursera specialization, is difficult but interesting and engaging. While some say it's a good way to apply knowledge from the specialization, others say it has room for improvement. Reviewers also say that the teaching staff explains material clearly, but wish there were more interaction with other students. Overall, this well-received course is a good opportunity to apply knowledge gained in the specialization.

Exceptional teaching clarity.

"I am very happy to have completed the program, the clarity with which Tobías explains himself is exceptional."

"The contents are appropriate and the level of demand is consistent."

Challenging and engaging capstone project.

"The project is difficult, yet I found it very interesting and futuristic."

"Great project! Applying your new knowledge on a number of questions a IoT startup has. I liked it a lot though it requires quite some time, but very good practice!"

"A really good end for the specialization, the cae of study is really great, and the project is challenging."

Students wish there were more interaction with other students.

"However I wish they were more interaction with other participants."

"I really liked the project, but it would be great if the teaching staff reviews what people upload to the final project"

There are plagiarism concerns with peer submissions.

"an most important, peers submissions are plague with plagiarized reports (I have found at least 10 duplicated submissions) that does not care in at least changing their names, this is a shame."

The capstone project has areas where it can improve.

"It could led to more specific goals that forces to cover more of the material/techniques learned"

"Third course, organizational design, is barely covered here"

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 Competitive Strategy and Organization Design Project with these activities:

Review consulting skills

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Review foundational consulting skills, such as problem-solving and communication, to prepare for coursework

Browse courses on Consulting Skills

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Identify and list relevant consulting skills
Research and read articles and books on consulting best practices
Practice applying these skills in mock consulting scenarios

Review data analysis techniques

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This will ensure that you have a solid foundation before starting the course.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Review your notes from previous courses
Read articles and blog posts on data analysis
Complete online tutorials or courses

Connect with industry professionals

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These insights can help you learn about career paths and gain valuable advice.

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Identify potential mentors
Reach out to mentors and introduce yourself
Request informational interviews

Six other activities

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Create a study guide

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This guide will help you organize and review the key concepts covered in the course.

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Gather your course materials
Identify the key concepts
Create a summary of each concept

Explore data visualization tools

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These tutorials will provide you with hands-on experience with the tools you'll need to succeed in the course.

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Choose a data visualization tool
Follow online tutorials
Practice creating different types of visualizations

Analyze case studies

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Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by analyzing real-world business issues

Browse courses on Case Study Analysis

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Review the case study and identify key issues
Research and gather relevant data
Develop and evaluate potential solutions
Present findings and recommendations

Practice industry report writing

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These exercises will help you develop a solid understanding of the concepts covered in the course.

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Identify a topic for your report
Conduct thorough research
Write a draft of your report
Get feedback from your peers or instructor

Design a consulting plan

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This project will give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills to a real-world problem.

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Identify a business problem
Research the problem
Develop a consulting plan
Present your plan to the client

Develop a presentation on a course topic

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This project will allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the course material and your ability to communicate your ideas effectively.

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Choose a topic for your presentation
Research your topic
Create a PowerPoint presentation
Practice your presentation

Career center

Learners who complete Competitive Strategy and Organization Design Project will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Analyst

Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data in order to provide insights to businesses. They work with data to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies. This course may be useful to someone looking to become a Data Analyst because it provides a foundation in the principles of data analysis. The course covers topics such as data collection, data cleaning, and data analysis, which are all essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Consultant

Consultants are individuals who provide advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of business issues. They work with clients to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement those solutions. This course may be useful to someone looking to become a Consultant because it provides a foundation in the principles of consulting. The course covers topics such as problem solving, decision making, and communication, which are all essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs are individuals who start their own businesses. They identify business opportunities, develop business plans, and launch new businesses. This course may be useful to someone looking to become an Entrepreneur because it provides a foundation in the principles of entrepreneurship. The course covers topics such as market research, business planning, and financial management, which are all essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing business needs and recommending solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness. They work with stakeholders to understand their needs and develop solutions that meet those needs. This course may be useful to someone looking to become a Business Analyst because it provides a foundation in the principles of business analysis. The course covers topics such as requirements gathering, process improvement, and data analysis, which are all essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for the development and implementation of sales strategies. They work with sales teams to create and execute sales plans, and to track and measure the results of sales campaigns. This course may be useful to someone looking to become a Sales Manager because it provides a foundation in the principles of sales. The course covers topics such as sales strategy, sales management, and sales negotiation, which are all essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Management Consultant

Management Consultants help organizations to improve their performance by providing advice and recommendations on a variety of management issues. They work with clients to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement those solutions. This course may be useful to someone looking to become a Management Consultant because it provides a foundation in the principles of management consulting. The course covers topics such as problem solving, decision making, and communication, which are all essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Business Development Manager

Business Development Managers are responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities. They work with potential customers to develop and implement business plans, and to track and measure the results of business development initiatives. This course may be useful to someone looking to become a Business Development Manager because it provides a foundation in the principles of business development. The course covers topics such as market research, business planning, and financial analysis, which are all essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Development Manager

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and management of products. They work with stakeholders to define the product vision, develop the product roadmap, and launch the product to market. This course may be useful to someone looking to become a Product Manager because it provides a foundation in the principles of product management. The course covers topics such as product development, product marketing, and product launch, which are all essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Operations Manager

Operations Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of an organization. They work with employees to ensure that the organization's goals are met and that the organization is running smoothly. This course may be useful to someone looking to become an Operations Manager because it provides a foundation in the principles of operations management. The course covers topics such as process improvement, quality control, and supply chain management, which are all essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Account Manager

Account Managers are responsible for managing relationships with existing customers. They work with customers to ensure that they are satisfied with the company's products and services, and to identify and develop new business opportunities. This course may be useful to someone looking to become an Account Manager because it provides a foundation in the principles of account management. The course covers topics such as customer relationship management, sales negotiation, and communication, which are all essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Account Manager

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for the development and implementation of marketing campaigns. They work with marketing teams to create and execute marketing plans, and to track and measure the results of marketing campaigns. This course may be useful to someone looking to become a Marketing Manager because it provides a foundation in the principles of marketing. The course covers topics such as marketing research, marketing strategy, and marketing communication, which are all essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Strategy Consultant

Strategy Consultants are business professionals that help organizations to develop and implement strategies for success. They help organizations to identify their goals, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and develop plans to achieve their objectives. This course "Competitive Strategy and Organization Design Project" may be useful to someone looking to become a Strategy Consultant because it provides a foundation in the theories and practices of strategic management. The course covers topics such as competitive analysis, industry analysis, and organizational design, which are all essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Strategy Consultant

Supply Chain Manager

Supply Chain Managers are responsible for the planning, execution, and control of the supply chain. They work with suppliers and customers to ensure that the organization has the right products and materials at the right time and at the right cost. This course may be useful to someone looking to become a Supply Chain Manager because it provides a foundation in the principles of supply chain management. The course covers topics such as inventory management, transportation management, and supplier management, which are all essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Supply Chain Manager

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They work with stakeholders to define the project scope, develop the project plan, and manage the project budget. This course may be useful to someone looking to become a Project Manager because it provides a foundation in the principles of project management. The course covers topics such as project planning, project execution, and project closeout, which are all essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts are responsible for providing financial advice to individuals and organizations. They analyze financial data and make recommendations on investments, financial planning, and risk management. This course may be useful to someone looking to become a Financial Analyst because it provides a foundation in the principles of financial analysis. The course covers topics such as financial statement analysis, valuation, and portfolio management, which are all essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst