Set the Right Strategy with BCG Matrix from Coursera

In this 1-hour long project-based course, you will be able to formulate your corporate strategy with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Matrix. BCG matrix is a strategic decision-making framework that helps in resource allocation among different strategic business units (SBUs) by categorizing them based on their ability to generate cash inflows against cash outflows. The matrix classifies business portfolio into four categories based on industry attractiveness (growth rate of that industry), and competitive position (relative market share). The growth vs share model provides an indication of which products an organization should invest in, those they should develop, and the ones they should get rid of. The framework is a simple but powerful tool for maximizing corporate competitiveness, and sustainability by allowing them to strike the right balance between exploitation and exploration. To demonstrate the application of the BCG matrix, we will use a spreadsheet to analyze an energy services company that has five Strategic Business Units (SBUs). The example of the case study would empower you to use the model to analyze your company or any other company of your choice. The project is for business leaders who want formulate their corporate strategy with the goal of effective resource allocation. Also, for strategist who are interested in helping organization in making informed strategic decisions. At the end of the project, you will be able to use the BCG Matrix for long-term corporate strategic planning, and make effective investment decisions with your resources

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches how to weigh industry attractiveness against competitive position to determine how to best allocate corporate resources

Utilizes the spreadsheet format for its practical application example

Invaluable tool for developing corporate strategy and improving competitiveness

Relevant for business leaders and strategists looking to make informed strategic decisions

Reviews summary

Unimpressive bcg matrix course

This course on the BCG Matrix has received mostly negative feedback. Learners felt that it was too basic and could have been more efficient with preloaded data.

Could have been more efficient with preloaded data

"It could have been more efficient by having the input datas available."

Too basic and beginner-friendly

"the course should be categorized as intermediate."

"Its beginner at best."

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 Set the Right Strategy with BCG Matrix with these activities:

Attend industry events and conferences on business strategy

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Expand knowledge and connections by engaging with experts and professionals in business strategy.

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Identify and attend industry events.
Network with attendees and speakers.
Attend presentations and discussions on business strategy.

Review spreadsheet modeling

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Reinforce data analysis skills using spreadsheet modeling software to analyze corporate performance.

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Review basic spreadsheet functions and formulas.
Practice creating and formatting charts and graphs.
Experiment with conditional formatting and pivot tables.

Explore case studies on BCG Matrix applications

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Enhance understanding of BCG Matrix implementation through real-world examples.

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Identify relevant case studies.
Analyze the application of BCG Matrix in each case.
Summarize key takeaways and lessons learned.

Five other activities

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Analyze industry trends and competitor strategies

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Deepen understanding of industry dynamics and competitive landscapes.

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Identify and collect relevant industry data.
Perform SWOT analysis on competitors.
Develop insights and recommendations based on analysis.

Mentor a peer on applying BCG Matrix to their organization

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Enhance your understanding by sharing knowledge and providing guidance to others in applying BCG Matrix.

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Find a mentee who is interested in applying BCG Matrix.
Provide guidance on industry and competitive analysis.
Assist in mapping businesses into the BCG Matrix.
Support in developing and implementing strategic recommendations.

Develop a hypothetical BCG Matrix for a chosen industry

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Demonstrate application of BCG Matrix by creating an analysis for a specific industry.

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Select an industry.
Identify industry attractiveness and competitive position.
Map businesses into the BCG Matrix.
Derive strategic recommendations.
Present findings in a report or presentation.

Present a strategic plan based on BCG Matrix analysis

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Apply BCG Matrix to develop and present a comprehensive strategic plan.

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Analyze industry and competitive environment.
Map businesses into the BCG Matrix.
Develop strategic recommendations for each business unit.
Create a strategic plan outlining the implementation of recommendations.

Implement a BCG Matrix analysis for your own organization

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Gain practical experience by applying BCG Matrix to a real-world business problem.

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Gather data and analyze industry and competitive landscape.
Map businesses into the BCG Matrix.
Develop and implement strategic recommendations.
Monitor and evaluate the impact of recommendations.

Career center

Learners who complete Set the Right Strategy with BCG Matrix will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Management Consultant

Management Consultants advise businesses on a wide range of strategic issues, including growth, profitability, and efficiency. The BCG Matrix framework is a key tool for management consultants, as it helps them to analyze the competitive landscape and make recommendations for how to improve a company's position. By taking this course, you will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to use the BCG Matrix effectively, which will make you a more valuable asset to your clients.

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Corporate Strategy

Corporate Strategists develop long-term plans for companies and make decisions about how to allocate resources. The BCG Matrix framework is a key tool for corporate strategists, as it helps them to analyze the competitive landscape and make informed decisions about how to allocate resources. By taking this course, you will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to use the BCG Matrix effectively, which will make you a more valuable asset to your company.

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Business Analyst

As a Business Analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing and interpreting data, identifying inefficiencies, and developing solutions to improve business processes. The BCG Matrix framework learned in this course will provide you with a valuable tool for analyzing industry attractiveness and competitive position, which are critical factors in developing successful business strategies. By understanding how to use the BCG Matrix, you can make informed recommendations that drive business growth and profitability.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. The BCG Matrix framework can be a valuable tool for product managers, as it helps them to prioritize products and make decisions about which products to invest in. By understanding how to use the BCG Matrix, you can make informed decisions that will increase the likelihood of new product success.

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Business Development

Business Development professionals identify and develop new business opportunities for companies. The BCG Matrix framework can be a valuable tool for business development professionals, as it helps them to understand the competitive landscape and identify new opportunities. By understanding how to use the BCG Matrix, you can become a more effective business development professional and help your company grow.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing campaigns. The BCG Matrix framework can be a valuable tool for marketing managers, as it helps them to understand the competitive landscape and make decisions about how to allocate marketing resources. By understanding how to use the BCG Matrix, you can develop more effective marketing campaigns that will drive brand awareness and sales.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers oversee the sales force of a business. The BCG Matrix framework can be a valuable tool for sales managers, as it helps them to understand the competitive landscape and make informed decisions about how to allocate sales resources. By understanding how to use the BCG Matrix, you can become a more effective sales manager and help your business grow.

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Investment Banker

Investment Bankers advise companies on mergers and acquisitions, and other financial transactions. The BCG Matrix framework can be a valuable tool for investment bankers, as it helps them to analyze the competitive landscape and make recommendations on how to structure transactions. By understanding how to use the BCG Matrix, you can become a more effective investment banker and help your clients achieve their financial goals.

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Financial Planner

Financial Planners assist individuals and families with financial planning and investment management. The BCG Matrix framework can be a valuable tool for financial planners, as it helps them to understand the competitive landscape and make informed decisions about how to allocate investment resources. By understanding how to use the BCG Matrix, you can become a more effective financial planner and help your clients achieve their financial goals.

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Market Research Analyst

Market Research Analysts collect and analyze data to understand customer needs and preferences. The BCG Matrix framework can be a valuable tool for market research analysts, as it helps them to understand the competitive landscape and make informed decisions about how to allocate research resources. By understanding how to use the BCG Matrix, you can become a more effective market research analyst and help your company make better decisions.

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Marketing Research Manager

Marketing Research Managers oversee the marketing research department of a business. The BCG Matrix framework can be a valuable tool for marketing research managers, as it helps them to understand the competitive landscape and make informed decisions about how to allocate research resources. By understanding how to use the BCG Matrix, you can become a more effective marketing research manager and help your business make better decisions.

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Business Intelligence Analyst

Business Intelligence Analysts collect and analyze data to help businesses make informed decisions. The BCG Matrix framework can be a valuable tool for business intelligence analysts, as it helps them to understand the competitive landscape and make informed decisions about how to allocate data resources. By understanding how to use the BCG Matrix, you can become a more effective business intelligence analyst and help your business make better decisions.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to help businesses make informed decisions. The BCG Matrix framework can be a valuable tool for data analysts, as it helps them to understand the competitive landscape and make informed decisions about how to allocate data resources. By understanding how to use the BCG Matrix, you can become a more effective data analyst and help your company make better decisions.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts evaluate the financial performance of companies and make recommendations on investments. The BCG Matrix framework can be a valuable tool for financial analysts, as it helps them to analyze the competitive landscape and make informed investment decisions. By understanding how to use the BCG Matrix, you can make better investment decisions that will increase your returns.

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Operations Manager

Operations Managers oversee the daily operations of a business. The BCG Matrix framework can be a valuable tool for operations managers, as it helps them to understand the competitive landscape and make informed decisions about how to allocate resources. By understanding how to use the BCG Matrix, you can become a more effective operations manager and help your business run more efficiently.

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