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Strategy Implementation

Even a thoroughly developed business strategy may fail if you don't pay enough attention to its implementation. This rings particularly true with strategies based on innovation or implemented in complex or fast-changing environments.

In the 20th century successful implementation leveraged stability and typically proceeded through hierarchy and control. Today the key is to stay vibrant and able to quickly respond to trends in competition and technology while not losing sight of the strategic objective. In this course we'll build a toolbox of techniques to execute today's business strategies to help them succeed.

After completing this course, you'll be able to:

- Create objectives and goals to guide strategy implementation

- Identify organizational structures that fit particular strategies

- Understand how to leverage company culture in implementation

- Describe how to communicate the strategy so that the organization "gets" it

- Detect and mitigate risks to implementation

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Syllabus

Course Intro. Translating Strategy Into Goals and Metrics

In this module we set the scene in strategy implementation and take a bird's-eye view of the course. We then dive into formulating actionable goals based on the strategy, good practices in creating metrics and setting objectives, and learn about two specific tools for deriving actionable, measurable goals from a strategy.

Aligning Strategy and Organizational Structure

The structure of your organization can be a good or poor fit to the strategy you are implementing. In this module we learn which choices of organizational structure are appropriate depending on your strategy.

Communicating the Strategy within the Organization

Getting communication right is crucial for successful implementation. In this module we find out how to communicate the strategy vertically, and how to facilitate collaboration and upward communication in the organization.

Managing Resistance and Other Implementation Risks

Strategy implementation is rarely an exercise in certainty. New strategies may cause concerns or resistance in the organization, or be vulnerable to other risks.

Leveraging Organizational Culture

Like structure, an organization's culture might be supportive or obstructive in implementation. In this module we define what culture is, learn how it can impact implementation, and explore when and how it can be changed.

Power and Informal Networks. Course Ending

The flatter the organization, the more likely are informal networks and power to matter in implementing a strategy. In this module we explore ways of using power and informal networks in the organization to facilitate strategy implementation. We then conclude the course and review the exam assignment.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers a range of techniques to implement complex and abstract business strategies

Taught by Nicolai Pogrebnyakov, who is recognized in strategy implementation

Covers how to translate strategies into measurable goals and metrics

Provides insight into organizational structure and its impact on strategy implementation

Explores the significance of company culture and how to leverage it in implementation

Examines the crucial role of communication in strategy implementation

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Reviews summary

Positively received strategy course

learners say that this engaging course provides a practical foundation in strategy implementation. Students also appreciate the great instructor and easy-to-follow course structure. The course is well-organized, with a logical progression of topics and assignments that help students to build on their knowledge. Students also find the real-world examples and case studies to be particularly helpful.

Course is well-organized and easy-to-follow

"The course is clearly structured, succinctly presented, everything is clear"

"Learned a lot. Great Course. Thank you so much."

"Structure provides reflection and for work."

Course is practical with real-world examples

"Practical and Innovative"

"All six strategies were explained very clearly."

"Very informative course."

Instructor is knowledgeable and engaging

"Nicolai is just fantastic!"

"The lecturer prepared his course perfectly!"

"Professor emphasized SIX aspects to implement the strategy."

Lecturer may be poor

"Professor was poor, it was easier to simply read the transcript than to listen to him."

"This the worst course in the specialization. The professor makes everthing sound so boring and dull and the concepts are not at all well explained."

Some content may be outdated

"Many of the links dont work anymore, contents are outdated. "

"This course is average, slightly outdated."

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 Strategy Implementation with these activities:

Review organizational theory

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Review general principles of organizational theory to bolster understanding of how organizational structures can change to accommodate strategy.

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Read the chapter on organizational theory from a management textbook.
Summarize the key concepts of organizational theory in your own words.
Identify the different types of organizational structures and their advantages and disadvantages.

Read 'Strategy Maps: Converting Intangible Assets into Tangible Outcomes'

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Read the seminal text on strategy maps and organizational structure to gain a deeper understanding of strategy implementation.

View Strategy Maps on Amazon

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Create alignment examples

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Practice creating alignment examples to improve understanding of how to align strategy and organizational structure.

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Brainstorm a list of different types of strategies.
For each strategy, identify the appropriate organizational structure.
Create an example of how the strategy and organizational structure can be aligned.

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Develop a communication strategy

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Develop a hypothetical communication strategy to implement a new strategic initiative.

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Identify the key stakeholders for the new strategic initiative.
Develop a communication plan that outlines the key messages, channels, and timing for communicating with each stakeholder group.
Create a presentation or other materials to communicate the communication strategy to senior leadership.

Attend a workshop on strategy implementation

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Attend a workshop to learn from experts and network with other professionals who are working on strategy implementation.

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Research different workshops on strategy implementation.
Choose a workshop that aligns with your learning goals.
Attend the workshop and take notes on the key concepts.
Apply the concepts you learned to your own work.

Contribute to an open source project on strategy implementation

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Contribute to an open source project to gain practical experience in strategy implementation.

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Find an open source project that is related to strategy implementation.
Review the project's documentation and codebase.
Identify an area where you can contribute to the project.
Make a pull request to the project with your contribution

Mentor other students on strategy implementation

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Mentor other students to reinforce your understanding of strategy implementation and develop your leadership skills.

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Join a mentoring program or find a student who is interested in learning about strategy implementation.
Meet with your mentee regularly to discuss their work and provide guidance.
Share your knowledge and experience in strategy implementation with your mentee.

Create a compilation of resources on strategy implementation

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Compile a list of resources on strategy implementation to enhance your understanding of the topic.

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Search for articles, books, and other resources on strategy implementation.
Create a list of the most relevant and helpful resources.
Share your compilation with other students or colleagues.

Career center

Learners who complete Strategy Implementation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Strategy Consultant

Strategy Consultants specialize in developing and implementing strategic plans for organizations. The Strategy Implementation course complements your strategic thinking skills by providing a comprehensive understanding of the practical aspects of strategy execution. It covers techniques for translating strategies into operational goals, aligning organizational structure, and managing the risks associated with implementation, enabling you to deliver effective strategic solutions for your clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Strategy Consultant

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are responsible for the overall leadership and management of an organization. The Strategy Implementation course provides CEOs with a comprehensive framework for understanding the implementation process, including techniques for aligning organizational structure, leveraging culture, and communicating effectively. This knowledge empowers CEOs to guide their organizations through strategic transitions and achieve long-term success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Executive Officer

Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officers (COOs) oversee the day-to-day operations of an organization and are responsible for ensuring that the organization's strategies are implemented effectively. The Strategy Implementation course provides COOs with a comprehensive framework for understanding the implementation process, including techniques for aligning organizational structure, leveraging culture, and communicating effectively. This knowledge empowers COOs to drive operational performance and achieve strategic goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Operating Officer

Change Manager

As a Change Manager, you guide organizations through periods of transformation and change. The Strategy Implementation course equips you with the skills to prepare for and manage the implementation of new strategies, policies, or technologies. It covers key concepts such as resistance management, culture change, and effective communication, enabling you to facilitate smooth and successful organizational transitions.

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Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for leading and executing projects from initiation to completion. The Strategy Implementation course enhances your ability to manage projects by providing practical tools for setting objectives, mitigating risks, and communicating with stakeholders. It also emphasizes the importance of aligning project deliverables with strategic goals, ensuring that projects contribute to the overall success of the organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Nonprofit Executive Director

Nonprofit Executive Directors lead and manage nonprofit organizations. The Strategy Implementation course may be useful in this role, as it provides a framework for understanding the implementation of strategic plans for social impact. It covers techniques for stakeholder engagement, resource mobilization, and program evaluation, enabling you to effectively guide your organization in achieving its mission and goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Executive Director

Management Consultant

Management Consultants advise organizations on improving their performance and achieving strategic goals. The Strategy Implementation course provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the implementation process, including techniques for aligning organizational structure, leveraging culture, and communicating effectively. This knowledge empowers you to effectively guide clients in implementing complex strategies that drive business success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Information Technology Manager

Information Technology Managers are responsible for managing the technology infrastructure and systems of an organization. The Strategy Implementation course may be useful in this role, as it provides a framework for understanding how to align technology investments with strategic objectives. It also covers techniques for organizational structure and communication, enabling you to effectively manage and coordinate IT teams to support the strategic goals of the organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Manager

Business Analyst

The Strategy Implementation course delves into the complexities of implementing business strategies in dynamic environments. As a Business Analyst, you play a crucial role in analyzing, interpreting, and communicating complex business requirements. This course equips you with practical techniques to translate strategic objectives into actionable goals and metrics. You'll also develop a keen understanding of organizational structure, culture, and communication channels, which are essential for successful strategy implementation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers are responsible for managing the human capital of an organization. The Strategy Implementation course may be useful in this role, as it provides a framework for understanding how to align HR policies and practices with strategic objectives. It also covers techniques for organizational culture and communication, enabling you to effectively manage and develop employees to support the strategic goals of the organization.

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Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses. The Strategy Implementation course may be useful in this role, as it provides a framework for understanding the implementation of business strategies. It covers techniques for setting business goals, developing marketing plans, and managing financial resources, enabling you to effectively launch and grow your own venture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

Professor

Professors teach and conduct research in higher education institutions. The Strategy Implementation course may be useful in this role, as it provides a framework for understanding the implementation of educational strategies and curricula. It covers techniques for setting learning objectives, aligning course content, and evaluating student learning outcomes, enabling you to effectively design and deliver educational experiences that align with the strategic goals of your institution.

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Operations Manager

Operations Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of an organization. The Strategy Implementation course may be useful in this role, as it provides a framework for understanding how to align operational processes with strategic goals. It also covers techniques for organizational structure and communication, enabling you to effectively manage and coordinate teams to achieve operational objectives.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers oversee the development and implementation of marketing campaigns to promote products or services. The Strategy Implementation course may be useful in this role, as it provides a framework for understanding how to translate strategic objectives into actionable marketing initiatives. It also covers techniques for effective communication, enabling you to effectively convey marketing messages that align with the overall strategic goals of the organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Business Development Manager

Business Development Managers drive business growth by identifying and pursuing new opportunities. The Strategy Implementation course may be useful in this role, as it provides insights into how to develop and execute strategies that align with market trends and customer needs. It also emphasizes communication and collaboration, equipping you to effectively present and advocate for strategic initiatives.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Development Manager

Reading list

We've selected 23 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 Strategy Implementation.

The Execution Premium

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Provides a practical framework for developing and executing a strategy that is aligned with your organization's goals. It valuable resource for anyone involved in strategy implementation.

Strategy Implementation

Here's a deal for you

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Positively received strategy course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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