Sorry, this page is no longer available

We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Grow to Greatness

Smart Growth for Private Businesses, Part II

Edward D. Hess

This course, developed at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and taught by top-ranked faculty, focuses on the common human resource ("people") challenges faced by existing private businesses when they attempt to grow substantially. PART 1 OF THE GROW TO GREATNESS COURSE IS NOT A PREREQUISITE FOR TAKING THIS COURSE.

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.

All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

Valid until August 30

Google AI App Builder

Learn how to use Gemini API and API Studio with a three-course series from Google DeepMind

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Start here!

The Entrepreneur Must Grow Too!

This week will look at the role of the entrepreneur in growing a business. The required reading is Edward D. Hess, “Barbara Lynch Gruppo: An Entrepreneurial Journey,” Case Study. There are two optional readings “Global Medical Imaging, LLC” and “Growth is the Dynamic Confluence of Strategy” in this module also.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches the connection between high employee engagement and high performance, which is an established principle in human resources

Covers the role of the entrepreneur in growing a business, which is a critical topic for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs

Develops an understanding of the need for a system to support growth, which is essential for businesses seeking to scale

Provides insights into building a senior management team, which is crucial for businesses facing challenges associated with growth

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Growth strategies: focus on people challenges

According to learners, this course, Grow to Greatness: Smart Growth for Private Businesses, Part II, offers highly practical insights focusing on the human resource ("people") challenges businesses face when scaling. Students found the material directly applicable to their own entrepreneurial journeys and leadership roles, praising the use of real-world case studies and Professor Hess's expert lectures. The course provides a structured approach to understanding the less often discussed, but critical, people dynamics of growth, making it a valuable standalone resource even for those who haven't taken Part I.

Part II is useful without Part I.

"Taking this course without Part 1 was fine, it stands on its own."

"I didn't need the first course to understand this material."

"This part offered distinct value independently."

Presents a clear system for growth.

"The course presents a clear, systematic approach to growth."

"I feel I now have a framework to follow."

"It breaks down complex challenges into manageable parts."

Professor Hess is knowledgeable.

"Professor Hess is clearly an expert in this field."

"His lectures were engaging and insightful."

"The instruction was top-notch."

Real-world examples enhance learning.

"The case studies were excellent and really brought the concepts to life."

"I found the analysis of actual companies very insightful."

"Applying the frameworks to the case studies helped solidify my learning."

Offers strategies for immediate application.

"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work"

"The concepts were highly relevant and directly applicable to my business."

"This course provided concrete takeaways I can implement."

Key insights into HR/people challenges.

"This course gave me invaluable perspective on the 'people' side of scaling a business..."

"I appreciated the strong emphasis on human resources challenges during growth."

"The insights into employee engagement were particularly helpful for my team."

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 II with these activities:

Review notes and materials from previous courses related to human resource management

Show steps

Strengthen your understanding of human resource management concepts by reviewing materials from prior courses.

Browse courses on Human Resource Management

Show steps

Gather notes and materials from previous courses
Review the materials, focusing on key concepts and principles

Read and summarize 'Good Strategy/Bad Strategy: The Difference and Why It Matters'

Show steps

Gain insights into effective and ineffective growth strategies by reading and summarizing this influential book.

View The Crux: How Leaders Become Strategists on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of the book
Read the book
Summarize the key concepts and insights
Reflect on the implications for your own growth strategies

Show all two activities

Career center

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

Organizational Development Manager

Organizational Development Managers are responsible for developing and implementing strategies to improve organizational effectiveness. They work with senior management to identify areas for improvement and develop plans to address them. This course may be useful to Organizational Development Managers as it provides insights into the human resource challenges faced by private businesses when they attempt to grow substantially.

See salaries and explore the career path for Organizational Development Manager

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers oversee the human resources department of a company. They are responsible for a variety of tasks, including recruiting, hiring, training, and developing employees. This course may be useful to Human Resources Managers as it provides insights into the challenges faced by private businesses when they attempt to grow substantially.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Training and Development Manager

Training and Development Managers are responsible for developing and implementing training programs for employees. They work with senior management to identify training needs and develop programs to address them. This course may be useful to Training and Development Managers as it provides insights into the challenges faced by private businesses when they attempt to grow substantially.

See salaries and explore the career path for Training and Development Manager

Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Diversity and Inclusion Managers are responsible for developing and implementing diversity and inclusion strategies for organizations. They work with senior management to create a more inclusive workplace and promote diversity at all levels of the organization. This course may be useful to Diversity and Inclusion Managers as it provides insights into the challenges faced by private businesses when they attempt to grow substantially.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Talent Acquisition Manager

Talent Acquisition Managers are responsible for recruiting and hiring employees. They develop and implement recruiting strategies, screen candidates, and make hiring decisions. This course may be useful to Talent Acquisition Managers as it provides insights into the challenges faced by private businesses when they attempt to grow substantially.

See salaries and explore the career path for Talent Acquisition Manager

Compensation and Benefits Manager

Compensation and Benefits Managers are responsible for developing and administering compensation and benefits programs for employees. They work with senior management to design programs that are competitive and meet the needs of the organization. This course may be useful to Compensation and Benefits Managers as it provides insights into the challenges faced by private businesses when they attempt to grow substantially.

See salaries and explore the career path for Compensation and Benefits Manager

Employee Relations Manager

Employee Relations Managers are responsible for managing employee relations and resolving employee issues. They work with employees and management to address concerns and develop solutions. This course may be useful to Employee Relations Managers as it provides insights into the challenges faced by private businesses when they attempt to grow substantially.

See salaries and explore the career path for Employee Relations Manager

Entrepreneur

An Entrepreneur identifies a business opportunity and starts a new business to capitalize on it. They assume the risk and reap the reward of their entrepreneurial endeavors. This course may be useful to Entrepreneurs as it helps build a foundation in human resource management, a critical component of growing a successful business.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing business needs and developing solutions to improve organizational performance. They work with stakeholders to identify problems and develop recommendations for improvement. This course may be useful to Business Analysts as it provides insights into the challenges faced by private businesses when they attempt to grow substantially.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Management Consultant

Management Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of management issues. They work with clients to identify problems and develop solutions to improve organizational performance. This course may be useful to Management Consultants as it provides insights into the challenges faced by private businesses when they attempt to grow substantially.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Organizational Psychologist

Organizational Psychologists apply psychological principles to the workplace to improve organizational effectiveness. They work with organizations to improve employee motivation, productivity, and job satisfaction. This course may be useful to Organizational Psychologists as it provides insights into the challenges faced by private businesses when they attempt to grow substantially.

See salaries and explore the career path for Organizational Psychologist

Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists apply psychological principles to the workplace to improve organizational effectiveness. They work with organizations to improve employee motivation, productivity, and job satisfaction. This course may be useful to Industrial-Organizational Psychologists as it provides insights into the challenges faced by private businesses when they attempt to grow substantially.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officers are responsible for overseeing the overall operations of an organization. They make strategic decisions and set the direction for the organization. This course may be useful to Chief Executive Officers as it provides insights into the challenges faced by private businesses when they attempt to grow substantially.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Executive Officer

Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of an organization. They work with the Chief Executive Officer to implement strategic decisions and manage the organization's resources. This course may be useful to Chief Operating Officers as it provides insights into the challenges faced by private businesses when they attempt to grow substantially.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Operating Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officers are responsible for managing the financial resources of an organization. They work with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer to develop and implement financial strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Financial Officer

Reading list

We've selected eight 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 Grow to Greatness: Smart Growth for Private Businesses, Part II.

Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...

Save

Introduces the concept of the "lean startup" methodology, which process for developing and testing new products and services with minimal resources. It valuable read for entrepreneurs and business owners who are looking to grow their businesses.

The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...

Hardcover

The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...

Kindle Edition

The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword

Save

Explores the phenomenon of "disruptive innovation", which is when a new technology or product disrupts an existing market. It valuable read for entrepreneurs and business owners who are looking to grow their businesses.

The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword: When...

Hardcover

The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword: When...

Audio CD

The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword: When...

Kindle Edition

The Hard Thing About Hard Things

Save

Provides practical advice on building and scaling a business. It valuable read for entrepreneurs and business owners who are looking to grow their businesses.

Grow to Greatness

Smart Growth for Private Businesses, Part II

Here's a deal for you

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Growth strategies: focus on people challenges

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses