Putting it All Together: Problem-Solve Like an Entrepreneur from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction

Welcome to Putting It All Together! This course is the final step in the course “Reframing Your Mindset to Be a Tech Entrepreneur and Innovator.” In this course, you will work to bring your innovation vision to paper, so you can one day bring it to the world. As you get started, take a look at your notes on your ideas and the processes that go into the entrepreneurial process.

Module 1: Becoming an Efficient Problem Solver

Welcome to Module 1! This module is Becoming an Efficient Problem Solver. To become an efficient problem solver, you’ll need to be able to interpret lean startup and similar innovation methodologies. In this module, you will examine common methodologies used in innovation work and how specific methodologies have been used in ventures.

Module 2: The Truth Only Exists Outside—in the Marketplace

Welcome to Module 2! This module is The Truth Only Exists Outside—in the Marketplace. One of the hallmarks of innovative thinking is the understanding that the truth—what you need to know—only exists in the marketplace. To learn about your customers, you will need to know how to work with those customers and move outside to where the truth lies. In this module, you will look at the use of marketplace conversations and how you can use them to identify customer needs.

Module 3: Evidence-based Pitch Narratives

Welcome to Module 3! This module is Evidence-based Pitch Narratives. Design is an interactive process requiring creation, critique, and revision. Since the core of innovation is design, it makes sense that the approach to technology entrepreneurship and innovative solutions is iterative. After all, it makes it possible to design your venture concept quickly for discussion and advance. An entrepreneur needs to be able to iteratively design a new venture concept for critique and advancement. In this module, you will sketch your plans for a new venture in support of your marketplace conversations and pitch deck.

Module 4: Solution Hypotheses

Welcome to Module 4! This module is Solution Hypotheses. In innovation, we set hypotheses and work with them. At the heart of it, innovation requires an entrepreneur to be able to predict a solution. They do this based on marketplace evidence. The story of your work as an entrepreneur is told in your pitch deck, which is aligned with the work you did as you designed and refined your technology solution, conducted marketplace conversations, and then refined your solutions and pitch deck. An entrepreneur needs to be able to predict a viable technology solution based on marketplace evidence to date. In this module, you will refine your solution and pitch deck.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops innovative problem-solving skills that are highly relevant in technology entrepreneurship

Focuses on the design thinking process, which is crucial for creating effective technology solutions

Emphasizes the importance of gathering marketplace evidence and customer feedback to validate innovative ideas

Taught by Brent Sebold, an established instructor in technology entrepreneurship and innovation

Suitable for aspiring technology entrepreneurs and professionals looking to develop their innovative mindset

Requires access to technology and the Internet, which may not be readily available to all learners

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 Putting it All Together: Problem-Solve Like an Entrepreneur with these activities:

Review 'The Lean Startup'

Show steps

Provides a strong foundation in lean startup principles, which are essential for developing innovative solutions.

View The Startup Way: How Modern Companies Use... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book
Summarize the key concepts
Identify how these concepts apply to your own innovation project

Design Thinking Exercises

Show steps

Develops problem-solving and ideation skills, which are crucial for innovation.

Browse courses on Design Thinking

Show steps

Identify a problem to solve
Brainstorm potential solutions
Evaluate and select the best solution

Follow Tutorials on Innovation Methodologies

Show steps

Provides additional guidance and support in understanding and applying innovation methodologies.

Browse courses on Agile

Show steps

Identify relevant innovation methodologies
Find online tutorials
Follow the tutorials and apply the concepts to your own project

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Peer Discussion on Innovation Challenges

Show steps

Fosters collaboration and exchange of ideas, enhancing problem-solving and innovation skills.

Browse courses on Problem Solving

Show steps

Identify common innovation challenges
Discuss and brainstorm potential solutions
Provide feedback and support to each other

Develop an Evidence-Based Pitch

Show steps

Provides an opportunity to apply course concepts to a real-world scenario, improving understanding and retention.

Browse courses on Pitch Deck

Show steps

Gather evidence to support your innovation idea
Create a compelling narrative
Design visually appealing slides

Prototype Solution

Show steps

Encourages hands-on experience in solution development, fostering a deeper understanding of the design process.

Browse courses on Prototyping

Show steps

Define the problem to be solved
Brainstorm and evaluate potential solutions
Build a prototype

Contribute to Open-Source Innovation Projects

Show steps

Provides real-world experience in innovation and collaboration, fostering a deeper understanding of the open-source ecosystem.

Browse courses on Open Source

Show steps

Identify open-source projects aligned with your interests
Find opportunities to contribute
Collaborate with other contributors

Career center

Learners who complete Putting it All Together: Problem-Solve Like an Entrepreneur will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists research and develop new computer technologies. They work on a variety of projects, such as developing new algorithms, designing new computer architectures, and creating new software applications. This course may be useful for Computer Scientists because it will help them develop a deep understanding of computer science principles and learn how to use design thinking to develop innovative solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers design, develop, and maintain biomedical devices and systems. They work with a variety of technologies to create devices and systems that can diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. This course may be useful for Biomedical Engineers because it will help them develop a deep understanding of biomedical engineering principles and learn how to use design thinking to develop innovative solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer

UX Designer

UX Designers are responsible for the user experience of products and services. They work with a variety of stakeholders to design user interfaces, conduct user research, and improve the overall user experience. This course may be useful for UX Designers because it will help them develop a problem-solving mindset and learn how to use design thinking to develop innovative solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer

Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers design, develop, and maintain robots. They work with a variety of technologies to create robots that can perform a variety of tasks, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation. This course may be useful for Robotics Engineers because it will help them develop a deep understanding of robotics principles and learn how to use design thinking to develop innovative solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design, develop, and maintain machine learning models. They work with a variety of data sources and machine learning algorithms to create models that can make predictions or decisions. This course may be useful for Machine Learning Engineers because it will help them develop a deep understanding of machine learning principles and learn how to use design thinking to develop innovative solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. They work with a variety of data sources to identify trends, patterns, and insights. This course may be useful for Data Scientists because it will help them develop a deep understanding of data science principles and learn how to use design thinking to develop innovative solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Neuroengineer

Neuroengineers design, develop, and maintain neuroengineering systems. They work with a variety of technologies to create systems that can interface with the nervous system and brain. This course may be useful for Neuroengineers because it will help them develop a deep understanding of neuroengineering principles and learn how to use design thinking to develop innovative solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Neuroengineer

Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Artificial Intelligence Engineers design, develop, and maintain artificial intelligence systems. They work with a variety of data sources and artificial intelligence algorithms to create systems that can learn, reason, and make decisions. This course may be useful for Artificial Intelligence Engineers because it will help them develop a deep understanding of artificial intelligence principles and learn how to use design thinking to develop innovative solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and execution of product strategies. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to bring new products to market. This course may be useful for Product Managers because it will help them develop a deep understanding of customer needs and learn how to use design thinking to develop innovative products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts help organizations understand their business needs and develop solutions to improve their operations. They work with a variety of stakeholders to gather requirements, analyze data, and develop recommendations. This course may be useful for Business Analysts because it will help them develop a problem-solving mindset and learn how to use design thinking to develop innovative solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work with a variety of technologies to create user-friendly and efficient software. This course may be useful for Software Engineers because it will help them develop a problem-solving mindset and learn how to use design thinking to develop innovative solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. They work with a variety of data sources to identify trends, patterns, and insights. This course may be useful for Data Analysts because it will help them develop a problem-solving mindset and learn how to use design thinking to develop innovative solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They work with a variety of stakeholders to ensure that projects are completed on time, on budget, and to the required quality standards. This course may be useful for Project Managers because it will help them develop a problem-solving mindset and learn how to use design thinking to develop innovative solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Technology Consultant

Technology Consultants help organizations solve problems related to technology. They may be involved in a variety of projects, such as developing new products, implementing new systems, or improving existing processes. This course may be useful for Technology Consultants because it will help them develop a problem-solving mindset and learn how to use design thinking to develop innovative solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technology Consultant

Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites and web applications. They work with a variety of technologies to create user-friendly and efficient websites. This course may be useful for Web Developers because it will help them develop a problem-solving mindset and learn how to use design thinking to develop innovative solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer