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Rejie George Pallathita, P D Jose, and Sai Yayavaram

In this business and management course, you will develop a strong understanding of how firms compete by learning about important analytical approaches that underlie business strategy.

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In this business and management course, you will develop a strong understanding of how firms compete by learning about important analytical approaches that underlie business strategy.

This course will show you how a business views itself in its "totality" and in the context of its environment. The course will be taught from the perspective of a manager or chief executive officer (CEO).

This course aims to equip you with a good understanding of:

  • What managing a firm strategically implies?
    • How one analyzes the industry in which a firm competes?
    • How does a firm create competitive advantage?
    • How does a firm sustain its competitive advantage?

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Industry and competitive analysis
  • Resource and competency analysis
  • Analysing strategy across corporate and business levels

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction to Strategic Management Week 2: Analyzing the External Environment Week 3: Analyzing the Internal Environment Week 4: Competitive Positioning Week 5: Managing the Multi-business Firm

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Relevant to professionals in marketing, finance, strategy, or operations as all benefit from understanding competitive dynamics
Demonstrates how industry leaders and top management view their business holistically and within its environment
Develops foundational industry knowledge and strategy analysis techniques
Covers industry analysis, competitive positioning, and multi-business firm management
Applies concepts learned to hypothetical business cases
May require additional time and effort to complete assessments

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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 Strategic Management with these activities:
Review Microeconomics Concepts
Enhance your understanding of business strategy by refreshing your knowledge of microeconomic principles and supply and demand dynamics.
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  • Review textbooks or online resources on microeconomics.
  • Practice solving microeconomic problems, such as supply and demand curves.
  • Discuss microeconomics concepts with peers or a tutor.
Attend Industry Conference
Expand your network and gain insights into industry trends by attending an industry conference.
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Show steps
  • Research industry conferences and identify relevant ones to attend.
  • Register for the conference.
  • Attend sessions and networking events.
  • Follow up with new connections after the conference.
Course Material Compilation
Reinforce your learning by organizing and reviewing the key concepts and materials covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Gather all course notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
  • Organize and review the materials regularly.
  • Identify areas where further clarification or review is needed.
Six other activities
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Show all nine activities
Review Book - The Innovator's Dilemma
Learn about industry disruption and how to create sustainable competitive advantage by reviewing this classic business book.
Show steps
  • Read the book, taking notes and highlighting key concepts.
  • Summarize the main arguments and frameworks.
  • Identify examples from your own industry or experience.
Industry Analysis Exercise
Develop your analytical skills by conducting an in-depth analysis of an industry using Porter's Five Forces model.
Show steps
  • Select an industry and gather data on its key characteristics.
  • Apply Porter's Five Forces to identify industry dynamics and competition.
  • Develop recommendations for how a firm can position itself in the industry.
Strategy Discussion Group
Engage in discussions with peers to enhance your understanding of strategic management concepts.
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  • Form a discussion group with other students in the course.
  • Select topics to discuss, such as industry analysis or competitive advantage.
  • Meet regularly to discuss your ideas and learn from each other.
Contribute to Strategy Open Source Project
Deepen your understanding of strategy implementation by contributing to an open source project focused on strategic management.
Browse courses on Strategy
Show steps
  • Make meaningful contributions to the project.
  • Identify open source projects related to strategic management.
  • Select a project to contribute to.
  • Join the project community and follow their guidelines.
Competitive Advantage Report
Demonstrate your understanding of competitive advantage by analyzing a company's resources and capabilities and identifying its sustainable competitive advantage.
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Show steps
  • Research and gather data on a specific company.
  • Identify and analyze the company's resources and capabilities.
  • Determine the company's sustainable competitive advantage.
  • Write a report outlining your findings and recommendations.
Strategy Consulting Project
Apply your learning by developing a comprehensive strategic plan for a real-world client or organization.
Browse courses on Strategy
Show steps
  • Identify a client or organization to work with.
  • Conduct a thorough analysis of the client's industry, competition, and internal capabilities.
  • Develop and present a strategic plan that addresses the client's challenges and opportunities.
  • Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the strategic plan.

Career center

Learners who complete Strategic Management will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Chief Executive Officer
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of their organization's operations. An understanding of strategic management is vital, as the CEO must have a comprehensive understanding of the company, its industry, and its competitors. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a CEO. You will learn how to analyze the external and internal environment, develop and implement competitive strategies, and manage the multi-business firm.
Strategy Consultant
A Strategy Consultant helps organizations develop and implement their strategies. This role requires a strong understanding of strategic management. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a Strategy Consultant. You will learn how to analyze the external and internal environment, develop and implement competitive strategies, and manage the multi-business firm.
Chief Operating Officer
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of an organization. A strong understanding of strategic management is a plus, as the COO must be able to execute the company's strategic plan and ensure that the organization is operating efficiently and effectively. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a COO. You will learn how to analyze the external and internal environment, develop and implement competitive strategies, and manage the multi-business firm.
Corporate Planner
A Corporate Planner helps an organization develop and implement its long-term strategy. A corporate planner must have a strong understanding of strategic management. This course may be useful in helping you understand the role of a corporate planner.
Venture Capitalist
A Venture Capitalist provides funding to early-stage companies with high growth potential. A strong understanding of strategic management is a must, as Venture Capitalists must be able to assess the potential of a company and its management team. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a Venture Capitalist. You will learn how to analyze the external and internal environment, develop and implement competitive strategies, and manage the multi-business firm.
Investment Banker
An Investment Banker provides financial advice to companies and governments on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and other strategic transactions. A sound understanding of strategic management is beneficial, as it provides a framework for understanding how companies operate and make decisions. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as an Investment Banker. You will learn how to analyze the external and internal environment, develop and implement competitive strategies, and manage the multi-business firm.
Business Development Manager
A Business Development Manager is responsible for generating new business opportunities for an organization. A grasp of strategic management is an advantage, as it helps you understand how to identify and exploit market opportunities. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a Business Development Manager. You will learn how to analyze the external and internal environment, develop and implement competitive strategies, and manage the multi-business firm.
Management Analyst
A Management Analyst studies an organization's structure, policies, and procedures. A solid understanding of strategic management is an advantage in this career, as it provides a framework for understanding how organizations operate and make decisions. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a Management Analyst. You will learn how to analyze the external and internal environment, develop and implement competitive strategies, and manage the multi-business firm.
Management Consultant
A Management Consultant analyzes and solves problems faced by clients who come from a variety of industries. A deep understanding of strategic management is essential. You will learn how to conduct industry and competitive analysis, resource and competency analysis, and analyze strategy across corporate and business levels. This course may be useful in helping you understand management consulting better.
Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager is responsible for developing and implementing marketing campaigns. A background in strategic management may be an advantage, as it provides a framework for understanding how organizations operate and make decisions. This course may be useful in helping you understand marketing within the business environment.
Operations Manager
An Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a company. A grasp of strategic management may be an advantage, as it provides a framework for understanding how organizations operate and make decisions. This course may be useful in helping you understand the operations of a company.
Project Manager
A Project Manager plans, organizes, and executes projects. An understanding of strategic management may be an advantage, as it provides a framework for understanding how organizations operate and make decisions. This course may be useful in helping you understand project management.
Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst provides financial advice to companies and individuals. A broad understanding of strategic management may be an advantage, as it provides a framework for understanding how organizations operate and make decisions. This course may be useful in developing your understanding of the role of a financial analyst.
Product Manager
A Product Manager is responsible for developing and launching new products. A grasp of strategic management may be an advantage, providing a framework for understanding how organizations operate and make decisions. This course may be useful in helping you understand the role of a product manager.
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help organizations make better decisions. Data analysts may benefit from an understanding of strategic management, as it provides a framework for understanding how organizations operate and make decisions. Also, this course may be useful in developing your understanding of data analysis.

Reading list

We've selected 20 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 Strategic Management.
Strategic Management: Text and Cases widely used textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of strategic management, including industry and competitive analysis, resource and competency analysis, and strategy analysis at the corporate and business levels.
Provides a simple and clear framework for developing and evaluating strategies. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their strategic thinking skills.
Introduces the concept of creating new market space to avoid competition.
Must-read for understanding how established companies can avoid being disrupted by new technologies.
Competitive Advantage classic work on strategy that introduced the concept of the five forces model. It provides a framework for understanding industry competition and developing strategies for competitive advantage.
Blue Ocean Strategy provides a framework for creating new market space and achieving sustainable competitive advantage. It shows readers how to identify and exploit uncontested market opportunities.
The Power of Habit provides insights into the role of habits in our lives and businesses. It shows readers how to understand, change, and create new habits to achieve their goals.
The Art of War classic work on strategy that has been studied by military leaders and business executives for centuries. It provides insights into the principles of warfare and how to achieve victory in competitive situations.
Positioning provides a framework for understanding how consumers perceive brands and products. It shows readers how to position their products and services for success in the marketplace.
The McKinsey Way provides insights into the consulting firm's approach to problem solving and strategic planning. It shows readers how to use the McKinsey problem-solving framework to analyze complex issues and develop effective solutions.

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