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Jeff Flesher

The capstone is a strategic leadership and management plan where you’ll apply what you will learn to an actual business situation with participation by one or more focal companies. The deliverable will be designed to create value from the perspective of potential employers while achieving pedagogical and experiential goals for learners.

This course is part of the iMBA offered by the University of Illinois, a flexible, fully-accredited online MBA at an incredibly competitive price. For more information, please see the Resource page in this course and onlinemba.illinois.edu.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Capstone Course Overview and Case Introduction
In this module you will become familiar with the Capstone course, your instructor, your classmates, and our learning environment. This Capstone course is based on an extended case study; through the module assignments you will have the opportunity to demonstrate learning gains from the courses that make up the Strategic Leadership and Management Specialization.
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Module 2: Building a Leadership Team
In this module you will analyze performance and situational data to create the systems and processes used to lead a senior management team, applying what you have learned during completion of the Strategic Leadership and Management Specialization in two assignments.
Module 3: Identifying Opportunities
In this module you will analyze planning data to identify potential in-unit and division level opportunities and planning priorities, applying what you have learned during completion of the Strategic Leadership and Management Specialization in two assignments.
Module 4: Optimizing Support
In this module you will analyze planning data to identify modifications to support function organization and services, applying what you have learned during completion of the Strategic Leadership and Management Specialization in an assignment.
Module 5: Planning for Growth
In this module you will analyze planning data to identify modifications to goals, organization structure, metrics and division value propositions applying what you have learned during completion of the Strategic Leadership and Management specialization in an assignment.
Module 6: Leadership Development
In this module you will consider the opportunities and needs for leadership development within the Digital Dental division and your personal continued development applying what you have learned during completion of the Strategic Leadership and Management specialization in an assignment.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Meets the needs of learners who want a virtual MBA in strategic leadership and management
Taught by Jeff Flesher, who is experienced in strategic leadership and management
Explores strategic leadership and management concepts based on an extended case study
Covers topics such as building leadership teams, identifying opportunities, optimizing support, planning for growth, and leadership development
Provides hands-on experience through assignments and a capstone project
Requires extensive background knowledge in strategic leadership and management

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Reviews summary

Positive capstone experience

Learners say this capstone offers an excellent learning experience. They highly recommend it, especially after completing the specialization courses. Students particularly enjoyed the quizzes, peer review activities, and the opportunity to work on the Sorriso Development Planning Guide. While some students found the course challenging, they appreciated the real-world applications and the insights gained from reviewing their assignments.
While some learners found the peer review process to be inconsistent, others appreciated the opportunity to receive feedback from their peers.
"Many thank to the organizers of this specialization course."
"The project material is quite vague."
"The work that the colleagues put in is very variable."
Learners valued the practical aspects of the course, particularly the case studies and assignments that allowed them to apply their learning to real-world situations.
"By doing some assignments it tested my ability to tackle real world problems that I might be facing in the future"
"The course is an asset for anyone who plans to hold or is already holding management or leadership position in the private, nonprofit and public sectors."
"The case studies really helped me to understand the concepts from a more practical angle."
Many students appreciated the challenging nature of the course, as it pushed them to apply their knowledge and skills.
"The course is very tough and I like it that way."
"It has been a while I was drilled on assignments."
"The last assignment in module six was the toughest and I was able to learn from all assignments I reviewed."
Overall, learners found this capstone to be a positive and valuable experience.
"Excellent learning experience!"
"Working on the "Sorriso Development Planning Guide" was a tremendous way to complete this program."
"It is great achievement for me, when I dreamed of getting this specialization completed in August 17, 2022 and now i feel motivated to go for my higher studies from University of Illinois...."

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 Leadership and Management Capstone with these activities:
Review of Leadership Theories and Concepts
Refresh your knowledge of foundational leadership theories and concepts to strengthen your understanding of the course material.
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  • Review textbooks and academic articles on leadership
  • Identify key leadership theories and their implications
  • Summarize and synthesize your findings
Explore Thought Leadership Articles and Videos
Regularly engage with thought leadership content such as articles and videos to stay informed about current trends and perspectives in leadership and management.
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  • Identify reputable sources for thought leadership content
  • Read or view thought leadership content on a weekly basis
  • Reflect on key insights and implications for your own learning and practice
Compile Resource Materials
Create a repository of materials including case studies, industry reports, and academic articles to support your learning.
Browse courses on Strategic Management
Show steps
  • Identify relevant resources aligned with course topics
  • Gather and organize materials into a central location or digital platform
  • Categorize and label resources for easy retrieval
  • Review and synthesize materials to enhance understanding
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Peer Discussion Groups
Engage in regular discussion groups with peers to exchange ideas, share insights, and gain diverse perspectives on course topics.
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  • Form or join a peer discussion group
  • Establish ground rules and meeting schedule
  • Prepare discussion topics based on course readings and assignments
  • Actively participate in discussions, sharing your thoughts and listening to others
Develop a Business Simulation Plan
Embark on a simulated business project that will challenge you to apply your leadership and management skills in a practical and interactive environment.
Show steps
  • Form a team and define project objectives
  • Research industry trends and competitive landscape
  • Develop a comprehensive business plan
  • Implement your plan through simulated business activities
  • Monitor progress and adjust strategies based on performance
Case Study Analysis Exercises
Engage in regular case study analysis exercises to deepen your understanding of real-world business challenges and develop your analytical and decision-making skills.
Browse courses on Case Studies
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  • Read and analyze case studies provided by the instructor or external sources
  • Identify key issues and challenges faced by the organizations in the case studies
  • Develop and evaluate alternative solutions and strategies
  • Present your analysis and recommendations to peers or the instructor for feedback
Attend Industry Webinars and Conferences
Participate in webinars and conferences hosted by industry experts to stay updated on current trends, gain insights from thought leaders, and network with professionals.
Browse courses on Industry Trends
Show steps
  • Identify relevant webinars and conferences related to course topics
  • Register and actively participate in live sessions
  • Take notes and summarize key takeaways
  • Network with speakers and attendees to expand your professional connections
Develop a Strategic Leadership Plan
Synthesize your learnings by creating a comprehensive strategic leadership plan that outlines your vision, goals, strategies, and implementation roadmap for a hypothetical business venture.
Browse courses on Strategic Planning
Show steps
  • Define the scope and objectives of your strategic plan
  • Conduct industry research and environmental analysis
  • Establish clear strategic goals and objectives
  • Develop and evaluate multiple strategic options
  • Create an implementation plan with timelines, resources, and metrics

Career center

Learners who complete Strategic Leadership and Management Capstone will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Director
A Director is responsible for a specific area of a company's operations. They work closely with the CEO, President, and VP to develop and implement strategic plans. This course can help an individual become a better Director because it provides them with the skills and knowledge needed to lead a team, identify opportunities, optimize support, plan for growth, and develop their leadership skills. Directors need to have a strong understanding of business strategy and management, which this course can provide.
Chief Operating Officer
A Chief Operating Officer is responsible for the operational aspects of a company. They work closely with the CEO to develop and implement strategic plans. This course can help an individual become a better COO because it provides them with the skills and knowledge needed to lead a team, identify opportunities, optimize support, plan for growth, and develop their leadership skills. COOs need to have a strong understanding of business strategy and management, which this course can provide.
Vice President
A Vice President is responsible for a specific area of a company's operations. They work closely with the CEO and President to develop and implement strategic plans. This course can help an individual become a better VP because it provides them with the skills and knowledge needed to lead a team, identify opportunities, optimize support, plan for growth, and develop their leadership skills. VPs need to have a strong understanding of business strategy and management, which this course can provide.
President
A President is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a company. They work closely with the CEO to develop and implement strategic plans. This course can help an individual become a better President because it provides them with the skills and knowledge needed to lead a team, identify opportunities, optimize support, plan for growth, and develop their leadership skills. Presidents need to have a strong understanding of business strategy and management, which this course can provide.
Chief Executive Officer
A Chief Executive Officer manages the entire company. They develop strategic plans for the company and are responsible for the overall success of the organization. This course can help an individual become a better CEO because it provides them with the skills and knowledge needed to lead a team, identify opportunities, optimize support, plan for growth, and develop their leadership skills. CEOs need to have a strong understanding of business strategy and management, which this course can provide.
General Manager
A General Manager is responsible for the overall operations of a company's division or subsidiary. They work closely with the CEO and President to develop and implement strategic plans. This course can help an individual become a better GM because it provides them with the skills and knowledge needed to lead a team, identify opportunities, optimize support, plan for growth, and develop their leadership skills. GMs need to have a strong understanding of business strategy and management, which this course can provide.
Manager
A Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a specific area of a company. They work closely with the CEO, President, VP, and Director to develop and implement strategic plans. This course can help an individual become a better Manager because it provides them with the skills and knowledge needed to lead a team, identify opportunities, optimize support, plan for growth, and develop their leadership skills. Managers need to have a strong understanding of business strategy and management, which this course can provide.
Consultant
A Consultant provides advice and guidance to companies on a variety of topics, including strategic planning, leadership development, and organizational change. This course can help an individual become a better Consultant because it provides them with the skills and knowledge needed to lead a team, identify opportunities, optimize support, plan for growth, and develop their leadership skills. Consultants need to have a strong understanding of business strategy and management, which this course can provide.
Analyst
An Analyst gathers and analyzes data to help companies make informed decisions. This course can help an individual become a better Analyst because it provides them with the skills and knowledge needed to identify opportunities, optimize support, plan for growth, and develop their leadership skills. Analysts need to have a strong understanding of business strategy and management, which this course can provide.
Project Manager
A Project Manager plans and executes projects to achieve specific goals. This course can help an individual become a better Project Manager because it provides them with the skills and knowledge needed to lead a team, identify opportunities, optimize support, plan for growth, and develop their leadership skills. Project Managers need to have a strong understanding of business strategy and management, which this course can provide.
Business Development Manager
A Business Development Manager identifies and develops new business opportunities for a company. This course can help an individual become a better Business Development Manager because it provides them with the skills and knowledge needed to identify opportunities. Business Development Managers need to have a strong understanding of business strategy, which this course can provide.
Entrepreneur
An Entrepreneur starts and runs their own business. This course can help an individual become a better Entrepreneur because it provides them with the skills and knowledge needed to identify opportunities, plan for growth, and develop their leadership skills. Entrepreneurs need to have a strong understanding of business strategy and management.
Product Manager
A Product Manager develops and manages products for a company. This course can help an individual become a better Product Manager because it provides them with the skills and knowledge needed to identify opportunities, plan for growth, and develop their leadership skills. Product Managers need to have a strong understanding of business strategy and management.
Sales Manager
A Sales Manager leads and manages a team of salespeople. This course can help an individual become a better Sales Manager because it provides them with the skills and knowledge needed to lead a team. Sales Managers need to have a strong understanding of business strategy, which this course can provide.
Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager develops and executes marketing campaigns for a company. This course can help an individual become a better Marketing Manager because it provides them with the skills and knowledge needed to identify opportunities. Marketing Managers need to have a strong understanding of business strategy, which this course can provide.

Reading list

We've selected 15 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 Leadership and Management Capstone.
Written by a renowned strategist, this classic offers a comprehensive overview of corporate strategy, including industry analysis, competitive positioning, and the role of top management in driving organizational success.
This foundational text covers key concepts in strategic management, including industry analysis, firm capabilities, competitive advantage, corporate governance, and strategy implementation, with in-depth case studies of industry leaders.
This academic text provides a comprehensive overview of strategic leadership theories, research findings, and best practices, offering insights into how leaders can effectively guide their organizations.
This accessible and engaging book presents a simple framework for evaluating the quality of a strategy, emphasizing clarity, focus, and alignment with an organization's capabilities.
Drawing on their extensive business experience, the authors provide practical guidance on how to effectively execute strategies, overcome obstacles, and achieve organizational goals.
This innovative framework challenges traditional thinking on competition, advocating for creating new markets with unique value propositions that render competitors irrelevant.
Based on decades of research, this practical guide outlines the five essential practices of effective leadership, providing actionable insights for aspiring and experienced leaders.
This influential book explores the challenges faced by established organizations in responding to disruptive innovations, offering insights into how incumbents can avoid being overtaken by new entrants.
This bestselling book provides a behind-the-scenes look at Toyota's legendary management practices, offering insights into how continuous improvement, respect for people, and a learning culture drive organizational success.
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This groundbreaking book explores the intrinsic motivators that drive human behavior, challenging traditional notions of reward and punishment and offering insights into how to create a more motivating work environment.
This influential book introduces the concept of lean startup methodology, a customer-centric approach to building and validating new products and services with minimal waste and maximum learning.
This popular book emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership and team performance, offering tools for developing self-awareness, managing emotions, and building strong relationships.
This engaging fable illustrates the power of personal and organizational accountability, offering practical strategies for creating a culture of responsibility and high performance.
This thought-provoking book challenges the traditional MBA model and proposes innovative approaches to business education that emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world experience.

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