Action-Driven Business Plan: From the ‘Classroom’ to the World from Coursera

"Action-Driven Business Plan: From the ‘Classroom’ to the World" is a capstone project, that requires you, our learner, to pull together all you will have learned in the three courses that comprise the "Startup Entrepreneurship" Specialization. This course is in fact the culmination of the process designed to provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate what you have learned on a real-world project of your choice.

During the following six weeks you will gradually create, improve and refine your business plan, moving from one milestone to another. Each week will begin with a short note from Prof. Maital, explaining what the current phase is about and providing you with points to consider while working on the assignments. We encourage you to practice what you have learned using the self-assessment practice quizzes and brainstorm with your peers in the weekly forums.

During the first week you will create a non-business plan as an initial step towards creating your business plan. In weeks two, three and five, you will be required to submit three assignments for peer evaluation, which will help you to prepare your final business plan. At the end of the course you will prepare and submit your completed business plan and an effective two-minute video describing your idea. Your business plan will include the following sections: The Need, the Product, Unique Features, The Market and Future Developments, a Gantt chart and a project budget.

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome & Make a Plan

Create a completed non-business plan (a series of actions each of which moves your idea toward implementation), including a list of the activities to be undertaken, with degrees of importance (scale of 1 to 3, where 1 is ‘most important’).

Zoom Out

Write a diary: recording conversations, data, insights, day by day, gleaned from a variety of sources, by face-to-face chats, email, Web searches, etc.

Zoom In

A revision of the original product or service idea, in light of information gathered in the Zoom Out process

Shape the Business Design - part 1

Begin to design the business or organization that will successfully implement your creative idea. Prepare an activity map.

Shape the Business Design - part 2

Prepare an initial cash flow statement, showing money flowing out (operations; capital) and flowing in. Estimate your capital needs realistically. Prepare a bootstrapping option (self financing). Prepare a risk map.

Write a Business Plan

Prepare a business plan comprising five sections: The Need; The Product; Unique Features; The Market; Future Developments. Include a Gantt chart (project plan – detailed activities and starting and ending dates); and a project budget. Prepare an effective two-minute video describing your idea, including your ‘pitch’

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Strengthens an existing foundation for intermediate learners by focusing on specific segments of business planning

Provides a comprehensive overview of the different sections of a business plan

Provides opportunities to practice what you have learned using self-assessment practice quizzes throughout the course

Encourages interaction with peers through weekly forums

Requires multiple peer evaluations, which can provide valuable feedback for improving your work

Taught by a renowned professor with experience in entrepreneurship and business planning

Reviews summary

Action-driven business plan: from the ‘classroom’ to the world

Learners overwhelmingly agree that this action-driven business plan course is insightful and helpful. Students say the course assignments and instructors are great! They note that deadlines should be improved.

Useful Course Content

"Very helpful"

"very usefull"

"Useful content. Keep going."

Insightful Assignments

"very very good"

"Nice. Good Content"

"Very good course over all !"

Exceptional Instructors

"Great Course, Great Teachers"

"Very helpful"

"Thanks a lot. "

Unclear Deadlines

"Need solve the peers avaliation."

"no comment"

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 Action-Driven Business Plan: From the ‘Classroom’ to the World with these activities:

Review course materials

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Reviewing course materials can help you refresh your memory and better understand the concepts of action-driven business planning.

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Review lecture notes.
Read assigned readings.
Watch videos.
Do practice exercises.

Review business models

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Refresh your knowledge of business models to better understand action-driven business planning.

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Review notes and materials from previous business courses.
Read articles and books on business models.
Attend a workshop or webinar on business models.

Write a business plan outline

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Create a business plan outline to help you organize your thoughts and ideas for your action-driven business plan.

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Identify the key sections of a business plan.
Brainstorm ideas for each section.
Write a brief outline of each section.

Four other activities

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Solve business case studies

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Practice solving business case studies to develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills for action-driven business planning.

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Find business case studies online or in textbooks.
Analyze the case study and identify the key issues.
Develop and evaluate potential solutions.
Write a summary of your findings.

Mentor other students in the course

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Mentoring other students in the course can help you solidify your own understanding of action-driven business planning.

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Sign up to be a mentor.
Meet with your mentees regularly.
Provide guidance and support to your mentees.

Participate in a business plan competition

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Participate in a business plan competition to get feedback on your plan and network with other entrepreneurs.

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Find a business plan competition that is a good fit for your business.
Develop a strong business plan.
Practice your presentation skills.
Submit your business plan and present it to the judges.

Start a business

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The best way to learn about action-driven business planning is to start your own business.

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Identify a problem or opportunity.
Develop a business plan.
Raise capital.
Launch your business.

Career center

Learners who complete Action-Driven Business Plan: From the ‘Classroom’ to the World will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst is responsible for identifying and analyzing business needs, as well as developing solutions to improve efficiency and productivity. This course provides a solid foundation in business planning, market research, and financial analysis, which are all essential skills for a successful Business Analyst. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and implement effective business plans, which can lead to a successful career as a Business Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs are individuals who start and manage their own businesses. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the entrepreneurial process, from idea generation to business planning to market research. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to launch and grow your own business, which can lead to a successful career as an Entrepreneur.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for managing the development and launch of new products. This course provides a solid foundation in product development, market research, and financial analysis, which are all essential skills for a successful Product Manager. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and launch successful products, which can lead to a successful career as a Product Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and controlling projects. This course provides a comprehensive overview of project management, from project planning to risk management to stakeholder management. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to manage projects successfully, which can lead to a successful career as a Project Manager.

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Consultant

Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics, including business strategy, marketing, and operations. This course provides a solid foundation in business analysis, problem-solving, and communication, which are all essential skills for a successful Consultant. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to provide valuable advice to clients, which can lead to a successful career as a Consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Business Development Manager

Business Development Managers are responsible for generating new business for their organizations. This course provides a solid foundation in sales, marketing, and negotiation, which are all essential skills for a successful Business Development Manager. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to generate new business for your organization, which can lead to a successful career as a Business Development Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Development Manager

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns. This course provides a solid foundation in marketing principles, market research, and campaign management, which are all essential skills for a successful Marketing Manager. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and execute successful marketing campaigns, which can lead to a successful career as a Marketing Manager.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for leading and managing sales teams. This course provides a solid foundation in sales management, team leadership, and customer relationship management, which are all essential skills for a successful Sales Manager. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and manage sales teams successfully, which can lead to a successful career as a Sales Manager.

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Operations Manager

Operations Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and controlling the operations of an organization. This course provides a solid foundation in operations management, process improvement, and supply chain management, which are all essential skills for a successful Operations Manager. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to plan, execute, and control operations successfully, which can lead to a successful career as an Operations Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts are responsible for analyzing financial data and making recommendations on investment decisions. This course provides a solid foundation in financial analysis, valuation, and portfolio management, which are all essential skills for a successful Financial Analyst. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze financial data and make sound investment decisions, which can lead to a successful career as a Financial Analyst.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to support decision-making. This course provides a solid foundation in data analysis, statistics, and machine learning, which are all essential skills for a successful Data Analyst. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to collect, analyze, and interpret data to support decision-making, which can lead to a successful career as a Data Analyst.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and testing software applications. This course provides a solid foundation in software engineering principles, software development methodologies, and programming languages, which are all essential skills for a successful Software Engineer. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to design, develop, and test software applications, which can lead to a successful career as a Software Engineer.

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Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for designing and developing websites. This course provides a solid foundation in web development principles, web design tools, and programming languages, which are all essential skills for a successful Web Developer. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to design and develop websites, which can lead to a successful career as a Web Developer.

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Graphic designer

Graphic Designers are responsible for creating visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. This course provides a solid foundation in graphic design principles, design software, and typography, which are all essential skills for a successful Graphic Designer. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to create visual concepts that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers, which can lead to a successful career as a Graphic Designer.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers are responsible for creating technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. This course provides a solid foundation in technical writing principles, documentation tools, and style guides, which are all essential skills for a successful Technical Writer. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to create technical documentation that is clear, concise, and accurate, which can lead to a successful career as a Technical Writer.

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