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Christian Terwiesch
Wharton's Applied Knowledge Capstone Project enables you to apply your analytic skills to real business challenges – including your own. You’ll use your newly earned business skills to thoughtfully evaluate a real situation or opportunity from Wharton-governed companies like Shazam and SnapDeal.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/cfz5m6/wharton
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What's inside
Syllabus
Start Here
Welcome to the Business Foundations Capstone Project! We've used this course shell to bring you the resources and tools you need to envision, plan, develop, and submit your Capstone Project. Please study the readings below which provide you with the resources and timeline you need to complete a successful capstone. Then, please take the Project Scope Quiz. You must score 100% on all 5 questions to pass the quiz, but you have multiple opportunities to retake the quiz until you score 100%.
Read more
Syllabus
Start Here
Welcome to the Business Foundations Capstone Project! We've used this course shell to bring you the resources and tools you need to envision, plan, develop, and submit your Capstone Project. Please study the readings below which provide you with the resources and timeline you need to complete a successful capstone. Then, please take the Project Scope Quiz. You must score 100% on all 5 questions to pass the quiz, but you have multiple opportunities to retake the quiz until you score 100%.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Provides real-world experience by using case studies from Wharton-governed businesses
Allows you to apply your acquired knowledge to solve practical problems
Suitable for those with an interest in business and strategic planning
Involves writing a marketing plan and evaluating opportunities
Requires students to present their findings, which enhances communication skills
No prior knowledge of business is required, making it accessible to a broader audience
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Reviews summary
Applying business foundations through capstone project
According to learners, this course serves as a valuable capstone experience for applying business fundamentals learned in prerequisite courses. Many find the project highly relevant and beneficial for consolidating knowledge, particularly when applying concepts to their own business ideas or real-world cases. However, students frequently highlight the peer review process as a significant variable, with feedback quality often being inconsistent or unhelpful for some. While the project structure is generally well-received, a few reviews suggest the course itself offers minimal new material beyond applying prior knowledge. Overall, it's seen as a solid way to cement learning if you come in with a strong foundation, though the reliance on peer feedback can be a potential drawback.
Builds heavily on prerequisite knowledge.
"Relies heavily on prior knowledge."
"You really need to have absorbed the prior courses though."
"Requires strong understanding from previous courses."
"Only valuable for the project itself... if you know how to do a business plan, this course adds nothing except busy work..."
Consolidates learning by forcing application.
"Solid capstone experience. Brought together concepts well."
"Useful course to consolidate learning."
"Fantastic culmination of the specialization... forces you to think critically across disciplines."
"It's the perfect way to cement your understanding by applying it."
Applying skills to real cases or own ideas.
"Great course to apply everything learned. The project was challenging but very relevant."
"Excellent capstone! Applying the foundations to my own business idea was invaluable."
"Working on a real idea was great. The course structure provides good guidance."
"A good capstone. Project is key and provides real-world application."
"It's the perfect way to cement your understanding by applying it."
Feedback quality is often inconsistent or low.
"Some peer reviews weren't very detailed."
"Found the peer review feedback inconsistent, sometimes not very useful."
"Relies too much on peers for feedback, and some reviewers weren't helpful."
"Peer review quality is inconsistent but expected in this format."
"Disappointing. The peer review system is flawed, got low-effort feedback."
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 Wharton Business Foundations Capstone with these
activities:
Review presentation skills
Show steps
Improve your presentation skills by reviewing effective techniques.
Browse courses on
Presentation Skills
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Review Calculus
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of Calculus. This is an important prerequisite for this course.
Browse courses on
Mathematics
Show steps
Find a mentor
Show steps
Connect with someone who can provide guidance and support as you develop your business skills.
Browse courses on
Mentorship
Show steps
-
Identify your goals
-
Find a potential mentor
-
Reach out and introduce yourself
-
Build a relationship
-
Ask for help and guidance
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Attend networking events
Show steps
Connect with other professionals in your field of interest and expand your network.
Browse courses on
Networking
Show steps
-
Research networking events
-
Attend networking events
-
Connect with other professionals
-
Follow up with new connections
Develop a business plan
Show steps
Develop a business plan for a new product or service. This will help you apply the concepts you learn in this course.
Browse courses on
Business Plan
Show steps
-
Identify a problem or opportunity.
-
Develop a solution.
-
Create a marketing plan.
-
Develop a financial plan.
-
Create a timeline for implementation.
Write a marketing plan
Show steps
Improve your communication skills by writing a marketing plan for a new product or service.
Browse courses on
Marketing
Show steps
-
Understand your target audience
-
Develop your marketing message
-
Choose your marketing channels
-
Implement your marketing plan
Practice financial modeling
Show steps
Develop your financial modeling skills by practicing with real-world data.
Browse courses on
Financial Modeling
Show steps
-
Find a financial modeling dataset
-
Build a financial model
-
Analyze the results
-
Draw conclusions
Contribute to an open-source project
Show steps
Gain experience in software development and contribute to the community by contributing to an open-source project.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
-
Find an open-source project that interests you
-
Contribute to the project
-
Get feedback from the community
-
Learn from the experience
Develop a financial pitch
Show steps
Develop your financial pitching skills by creating a presentation for a new business.
Show steps
-
Identify a business opportunity
-
Develop a financial model
-
Create a presentation
-
Practice your pitch
-
Deliver your pitch
Review presentation skills
Show steps
Improve your presentation skills by reviewing effective techniques.
Browse courses on
Presentation Skills
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
Review Calculus
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of Calculus. This is an important prerequisite for this course.
Browse courses on
Mathematics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
Find a mentor
Show steps
Connect with someone who can provide guidance and support as you develop your business skills.
Browse courses on
Mentorship
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify your goals
- Find a potential mentor
- Reach out and introduce yourself
- Build a relationship
- Ask for help and guidance
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Attend networking events
Show steps
Connect with other professionals in your field of interest and expand your network.
Browse courses on
Networking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research networking events
- Attend networking events
- Connect with other professionals
- Follow up with new connections
Develop a business plan
Show steps
Develop a business plan for a new product or service. This will help you apply the concepts you learn in this course.
Browse courses on
Business Plan
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a problem or opportunity.
- Develop a solution.
- Create a marketing plan.
- Develop a financial plan.
- Create a timeline for implementation.
Write a marketing plan
Show steps
Improve your communication skills by writing a marketing plan for a new product or service.
Browse courses on
Marketing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Understand your target audience
- Develop your marketing message
- Choose your marketing channels
- Implement your marketing plan
Practice financial modeling
Show steps
Develop your financial modeling skills by practicing with real-world data.
Browse courses on
Financial Modeling
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a financial modeling dataset
- Build a financial model
- Analyze the results
- Draw conclusions
Contribute to an open-source project
Show steps
Gain experience in software development and contribute to the community by contributing to an open-source project.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find an open-source project that interests you
- Contribute to the project
- Get feedback from the community
- Learn from the experience
Develop a financial pitch
Show steps
Develop your financial pitching skills by creating a presentation for a new business.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a business opportunity
- Develop a financial model
- Create a presentation
- Practice your pitch
- Deliver your pitch
Career center
Learners who complete Wharton Business Foundations Capstone will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst examines an organization's business processes and technology systems to identify areas for improvement. Through the Wharton Business Foundations Capstone Project, you will evaluate a real situation or opportunity for Wharton-governed companies such as Shazam and SnapDeal. This will equip you with the necessary skills to analyze and optimize business processes, making you a valuable asset to any organization as a Business Analyst.
Consultant
Consultant
Consultants provide expert advice to businesses and organizations on a wide range of issues, including strategy, operations, and technology. As part of the Wharton Business Foundations Capstone Project, you will work on real-world business challenges, giving you hands-on experience in problem-solving and strategic thinking. This experience will make you a highly sought-after Consultant.
Product Manager
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for overseeing the development and launch of new products. The Wharton Business Foundations Capstone Project will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of marketing, finance, and operations, which are all essential for success in this role. You will also gain valuable experience in working with cross-functional teams to bring a product to market.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products and services. Through the Wharton Business Foundations Capstone Project, you will gain a strong foundation in marketing principles and strategies. You will also develop the skills needed to conduct market research, develop marketing plans, and measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. This experience will make you a valuable asset to any organization looking to grow its brand and reach new customers.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts provide financial advice to individuals and organizations. The Wharton Business Foundations Capstone Project will provide you with a solid understanding of financial markets and investment strategies. You will also gain experience in analyzing financial data and making investment recommendations. This experience will prepare you for a successful career as a Financial Analyst.
Operations Manager
Operations Manager
Operations Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a business. The Wharton Business Foundations Capstone Project will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of business operations, including supply chain management, inventory control, and quality assurance. You will also gain experience in managing teams and projects. This experience will make you a valuable asset to any organization looking to improve its operational efficiency.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. The Wharton Business Foundations Capstone Project will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of project management principles and best practices. You will also gain experience in managing project teams and budgets. This experience will make you a valuable asset to any organization looking to successfully complete projects.
Business Development Manager
Business Development Manager
Business Development Managers are responsible for generating new business for an organization. The Wharton Business Foundations Capstone Project will provide you with a strong foundation in sales and marketing principles. You will also gain experience in developing and executing business development strategies. This experience will make you a valuable asset to any organization looking to grow its revenue.
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs start and operate their own businesses. The Wharton Business Foundations Capstone Project will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. You will also gain experience in developing and executing business plans. This experience will give you the confidence and skills needed to start your own business or take your existing business to the next level.
Investment Banker
Investment Banker
Investment Bankers provide financial advice to corporations and governments on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and other financial transactions. The Wharton Business Foundations Capstone Project will provide you with a strong foundation in financial markets and investment banking principles. You will also gain experience in analyzing financial data and making investment recommendations. This experience will prepare you for a successful career as an Investment Banker.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. The Wharton Business Foundations Capstone Project will provide you with a strong foundation in data analysis techniques and tools. You will also gain experience in working with large datasets and communicating your findings to stakeholders. This experience will make you a valuable asset to any organization looking to make data-driven decisions.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. The Wharton Business Foundations Capstone Project will provide you with a strong foundation in business principles and software development best practices. You will also gain experience in working with cross-functional teams to deliver software solutions. This experience will make you a valuable asset to any organization looking to develop and deploy software applications.
Accountant
Accountant
Accountants prepare and maintain financial records for businesses and organizations. The Wharton Business Foundations Capstone Project will provide you with a strong foundation in accounting principles and best practices. You will also gain experience in preparing financial statements and managing financial data. This experience will make you a valuable asset to any organization looking to manage its finances effectively.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers oversee the human resources function for an organization, including recruiting, hiring, training, and development. The Wharton Business Foundations Capstone Project will provide you with a strong foundation in human resources principles and best practices. You will also gain experience in managing human resources teams and programs. This experience will make you a valuable asset to any organization looking to attract and retain top talent.
Customer Success Manager
Customer Success Manager
Customer Success Managers are responsible for ensuring that customers are satisfied with a company's products or services. The Wharton Business Foundations Capstone Project will provide you with a strong foundation in customer service principles and best practices. You will also gain experience in managing customer relationships and resolving customer issues. This experience will make you a valuable asset to any organization looking to improve its customer satisfaction.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/cfz5m6/wharton
Reading list
We've selected 25 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
Wharton Business Foundations Capstone.
Classic in the field of marketing and provides a comprehensive overview of the key concepts and principles of marketing. It would be a valuable resource for students in this course who want to learn more about the fundamentals of marketing.
Save
Provides a framework for understanding and analyzing the strategic challenges facing businesses. It would be helpful for students in this course who want to learn more about how to develop and implement effective business strategies.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of operations management. It would be a valuable resource for students in this course who want to learn more about how to manage the operations of a business.
Provides a framework for developing and testing business models. It useful reference for entrepreneurs and business students who want to learn more about how to create and validate a business idea.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of financial management. It would be a valuable resource for students in this course who want to learn more about how to manage the financial resources of a business.
Provides a framework for using data and analytics to improve business performance. It useful reference for business leaders and students who want to learn how to use data to make better decisions.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the role of information technology in business. It would be a valuable resource for students in this course who want to learn more about how to use information technology to improve the performance of a business.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the ethical issues facing businesses. It would be a valuable resource for students in this course who want to learn more about how to make ethical decisions in business.
Provides a framework for understanding how businesses can innovate and avoid the innovator's dilemma. It would be helpful for students in this course who want to learn more about how to develop and implement innovative products and services.
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Explores the two systems of thinking that our brains use: System 1 and System 2. It provides a valuable framework for understanding how we make decisions and how to improve our decision-making skills.
Save
Explores the science of motivation and how it can be used to improve our lives and work. It useful reference for anyone who wants to learn more about how to motivate themselves and others.
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Provides a simple framework for developing and evaluating business strategies. It would be helpful for students in this course who want to learn more about how to write effective business plans.
Provides a methodology for developing and testing new products and services. It would be helpful for students in this course who want to learn more about how to launch successful startups.
Save
Explores the science of habits and how they can be used to improve our lives and work. It useful reference for anyone who wants to learn more about how to change their habits and achieve their goals.
Save
Explores the irrational ways that we make decisions. It provides a valuable framework for understanding why we make the choices that we do and how to improve our decision-making skills.
Explores the concept of "nudges" and how they can be used to improve our decision-making. It provides a valuable framework for understanding how to design policies and programs that help people make better choices.
Provides practical advice on how to build and manage a successful technology company. It would be helpful for students in this course who want to learn more about the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.
Save
Explores the concept of vulnerability and how it can be used to build more meaningful relationships and live a more authentic life. It provides a valuable framework for understanding how to embrace your vulnerability and build a more fulfilling life.
Save
Explores the concept of "starting with why" and how it can be used to inspire others and build a successful business. It provides a valuable framework for understanding how to identify your "why" and use it to create a more meaningful life and career.
Provides a framework for personal and professional development. It useful reference for anyone who wants to learn how to become more effective in all areas of their life.
Explores the concept of emotional intelligence and how it can be used to improve our lives and work. It provides a valuable framework for understanding how to manage our emotions and build relationships.
Explores the science of happiness and how it can be used to improve our lives and work. It provides a valuable framework for understanding how to cultivate a positive mindset and build a more fulfilling life.
Provides a framework for building successful technology companies. It would be helpful for students in this course who want to learn more about how to start and grow a successful business.
Save
Explores the power of introverts and how they can succeed in a world that is often dominated by extroverts. It provides a valuable framework for understanding how to leverage your strengths as an introvert and build a successful career.
Save
Provides a framework for developing and executing a traction strategy for a new business. It would be helpful for students in this course who want to learn more about how to get their business off the ground.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/cfz5m6/wharton
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Effort
5 weeks of study, 3-5 hours/week
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Pennsylvania
Instructor
Christian Terwiesch
Language
English
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Business Foundations. It's comprised of six courses:
- Wharton Business Foundations Capstone (viewing)
- Introduction to Marketing
- Introduction to Operations Management
- Managing Social and Human Capital
- Introduction to Financial Accounting
- Introduction to Corporate Finance
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