Understanding growth drivers and business risks are essential parts of analyzing a business or in formulating a solid corporate strategy. This can be achieved using a top-down approach, by first looking at the broader economy, followed by industry analysis, then at the company itself; this course introduces frameworks to assess each level in specific detail. We’ll look at how to conduct a PESTEL analysis before diving into the Porter’s 5 Forces framework to help understand the bargaining power of suppliers and of buyers, as well as the threat of new entrants.
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Understanding growth drivers and business risks are essential parts of analyzing a business or in formulating a solid corporate strategy. This can be achieved using a top-down approach, by first looking at the broader economy, followed by industry analysis, then at the company itself; this course introduces frameworks to assess each level in specific detail. We’ll look at how to conduct a PESTEL analysis before diving into the Porter’s 5 Forces framework to help understand the bargaining power of suppliers and of buyers, as well as the threat of new entrants.
Understanding growth drivers and business risks are essential parts of analyzing a business or in formulating a solid corporate strategy. This can be achieved using a top-down approach, by first looking at the broader economy, followed by industry analysis, then at the company itself; this course introduces frameworks to assess each level in specific detail. We’ll look at how to conduct a PESTEL analysis before diving into the Porter’s 5 Forces framework to help understand the bargaining power of suppliers and of buyers, as well as the threat of new entrants.
We’ll also explore the industry life cycle, competitive advantage and positioning, as well as Ansoff’s Matrix, before completing a SWOT analysis. Finally, we’ll work on two example case studies to demonstrate how the findings from these frameworks might help inform an analyst’s model assumptions.
Upon completing this course, you will be able to:
• Define key categories of growth drivers and business risks
• Compare different business analysis frameworks
• Define how economic, industry and company-level characteristics may influence business strategies and outcomes
• Interpret the results of qualitative assessments
• Explain how these results may inform financial analysis
This course is perfect for beginner and intermediate business and finance enthusiasts, including aspiring financial analysts, management consultants, and entrepreneurs.
What's inside
Syllabus
Getting Started
This course introduces frameworks to assess each level in specific detail. We’ll look at how to conduct a PESTEL analysis before diving into the Porter’s 5 Forces framework to help understand the bargaining power of suppliers and of buyers, as well as the threat of new entrants.
We’ll also explore the industry life cycle, competitive advantage and positioning, as well as Ansoff’s Matrix, before completing a SWOT analysis. Finally, we’ll work on two example case studies to demonstrate how the findings from these frameworks might help inform an analyst’s model assumptions.
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Syllabus
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Activities
Review syllabus and readings
Show steps
Get a clear understanding of the course expectations and materials to build a strong foundation.
Show steps
-
Read and understand the course syllabus for an outline of the course.
-
Review all assigned readings, especially those in the first module.
Explore Coursera's online resources on business analysis
Show steps
Supplement the course materials with additional resources to enhance your understanding.
Show steps
-
Search for and enroll in Coursera courses related to business analysis.
-
Watch video tutorials and complete interactive exercises.
Read 'Competitive Strategy' by Michael Porter
Show steps
Gain insights into competitive positioning and industry analysis, essential concepts for this course.
View
HBR at 100: The Most Influential and Innovative...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
-
Identify the different types of competitive strategies.
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Complete PESTEL Analysis for a chosen industry
Show steps
Apply the PESTEL framework to understand the external factors influencing businesses in a specific industry.
Show steps
-
Select an industry of interest.
-
Identify the key political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors.
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Analyze the impact of each factor on businesses in the industry.
Attend office hours or join a study group
Show steps
Engage with peers and instructors to clarify concepts and exchange insights.
Show steps
-
Attend office hours to ask questions and receive feedback.
-
Join or form a study group to collaborate on assignments and practice problems.
Develop a SWOT analysis for a company of your choice
Show steps
Demonstrate your understanding of company analysis by conducting a comprehensive SWOT analysis.
Show steps
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Select a company that interests you.
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Identify the company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
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Write a report summarizing your findings and providing recommendations.
Create a presentation on a specific growth driver or business risk
Show steps
Present your analysis and insights to solidify your understanding and practice communication skills.
Show steps
-
Choose a growth driver or business risk to focus on.
-
Research and gather data on the topic.
-
Create a presentation that includes key findings and recommendations.
Create a business plan for a new product or service
Show steps
Develop a comprehensive business plan to simulate real-world business decision-making.
Show steps
-
Identify a new product or service.
-
Conduct market research and identify your target audience.
-
Develop a marketing and sales strategy.
Review syllabus and readings
Show steps
Get a clear understanding of the course expectations and materials to build a strong foundation.
Show steps
- Read and understand the course syllabus for an outline of the course.
- Review all assigned readings, especially those in the first module.
Explore Coursera's online resources on business analysis
Show steps
Supplement the course materials with additional resources to enhance your understanding.
Show steps
- Search for and enroll in Coursera courses related to business analysis.
- Watch video tutorials and complete interactive exercises.
Read 'Competitive Strategy' by Michael Porter
Show steps
Gain insights into competitive positioning and industry analysis, essential concepts for this course.
View
HBR at 100: The Most Influential and Innovative...
on Amazon
Show steps
- Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
- Identify the different types of competitive strategies.
Complete PESTEL Analysis for a chosen industry
Show steps
Apply the PESTEL framework to understand the external factors influencing businesses in a specific industry.
Show steps
- Select an industry of interest.
- Identify the key political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors.
- Analyze the impact of each factor on businesses in the industry.
Attend office hours or join a study group
Show steps
Engage with peers and instructors to clarify concepts and exchange insights.
Show steps
- Attend office hours to ask questions and receive feedback.
- Join or form a study group to collaborate on assignments and practice problems.
Develop a SWOT analysis for a company of your choice
Show steps
Demonstrate your understanding of company analysis by conducting a comprehensive SWOT analysis.
Show steps
- Select a company that interests you.
- Identify the company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
- Write a report summarizing your findings and providing recommendations.
Create a presentation on a specific growth driver or business risk
Show steps
Present your analysis and insights to solidify your understanding and practice communication skills.
Show steps
- Choose a growth driver or business risk to focus on.
- Research and gather data on the topic.
- Create a presentation that includes key findings and recommendations.
Create a business plan for a new product or service
Show steps
Develop a comprehensive business plan to simulate real-world business decision-making.
Show steps
- Identify a new product or service.
- Conduct market research and identify your target audience.
- Develop a marketing and sales strategy.
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