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Harry Bouwman,
Mark de Reuver,
and
Timber Haaker
The world is changing rapidly and full of uncertainties. The future success of a business model depends on how well it is adapted to changing circumstances. Do you want to become aware of the relevant developments in technology, markets and society? And understand how this affects your business?
Read more
The world is changing rapidly and full of uncertainties. The future success of a business model depends on how well it is adapted to changing circumstances. Do you want to become aware of the relevant developments in technology, markets and society? And understand how this affects your business?
Read more
The world is changing rapidly and full of uncertainties. The future success of a business model depends on how well it is adapted to changing circumstances. Do you want to become aware of the relevant developments in technology, markets and society? And understand how this affects your business?
This business and management course will teach you how to stress test your business model. You will learn how to identify the relevant trends and uncertainties and how they impact your business model. You will analyse the strong and weak parts of your business model and look for opportunities to make your business model more robust and future proof.
You will learn through real-world examples from well-known companies and interact with fellow entrepreneurs. By the end of this course, you will be able to stress test your own business model to analyse its future success.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/xolp9x/business
What's inside
Learning objectives
- How to identify which trends and uncertainties will affect your business model
- Evaluate how robust your business model is given trends and uncertainties
- Formulate concrete actions to make your business model more robust
- How to identify which trends and uncertainties will affect your business model
- Evaluate how robust your business model is given trends and uncertainties
- Formulate concrete actions to make your business model more robust
Syllabus
Week 1 & 2: My Business model in a dynamic context
Recap: structured description of a business model
Sources and drivers of change: politics, economy, society, technology, legal, ecology (PESTLE)
Read more
Syllabus
Week 1 & 2: My Business model in a dynamic context
Recap: structured description of a business model
Sources and drivers of change: politics, economy, society, technology, legal, ecology (PESTLE)
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Creates foundational skills for those with little to no business or management knowledge
Develops advanced skills in comprehensive course for professionals
Instructed by professors with extensive business experience and publications
Offers flexibility to learn at own pace with deadlines and timed events
Requires students to select trends and uncertainties affecting their business model
Involves real-world examples from well-known companies
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Reviews summary
Practical framework for business stress testing
According to learners, this course provides a practical framework for stress-testing business models against future uncertainties. Students appreciate the clear explanation of concepts, the use of real-world examples, and the structured approach involving PESTLE analysis, stress factors, and a heat map. Many found the methodology highly actionable and useful for analyzing their own ventures, providing valuable tools to make business models more robust and future-proof. While some learners felt it might be basic for those already experienced, the majority found it a solid foundation, though applying the framework requires significant effort.
Concepts are clear, examples are helpful.
"The way the concepts were explained was very clear and easy to follow."
"The examples of well-known companies used throughout the course really helped illustrate the framework in action."
"Good explanations and relevant examples provided throughout."
Provides steps for improvement.
"I finished the course with concrete actions I can take to make my business model more future-proof."
"The process helps translate analysis into tangible steps for improvement."
"It's not just theory; you learn how to formulate what needs to be done next."
Teaches a useful methodology.
"The PESTLE analysis and heat map approach taught is a really practical way to stress test my business model."
"It provides a clear framework for analyzing external factors and their potential impact on a business."
"I now have a structured methodology I can apply to identify weaknesses and opportunities for my company."
Directly applicable to your venture.
"This course gave me the tools to critically examine my own business model and its viability."
"I was able to identify potential threats and assess just how robust my current model is."
"The output and analysis generated from the exercises are directly applicable to improving my own business."
Could be basic for experienced learners.
"As someone with a background in business strategy, some parts of the course felt like a review of known concepts."
"The core framework is a solid foundation, good for beginners, but might not offer deep new insights for very experienced professionals."
"If you are already familiar with PESTLE and business model canvas, parts may seem elementary."
Applying framework takes work.
"Applying the framework to my own business model required significantly more time and effort than I initially anticipated."
"This is not a passive course; be prepared to actively work on your own business model to get the most out of it."
"Implementing the steps and building the heat map takes focused effort and dedicated time."
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 Business Model Testing with these
activities:
Watch a YouTube explainer video on PESTLE analysis.
Show steps
Gain a basic understanding of PESTLE analysis and how it can be used to identify trends and uncertainties.
Browse courses on
PESTLE Analysis
Show steps
-
Find a YouTube explainer video on PESTLE analysis.
-
Watch the video and take notes on the key concepts.
Read The Innovator's Dilemma.
Show steps
Get a deeper understanding of the challenges involved in business model innovation and how to avoid them.
View
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
-
Identify an example of an innovator's dilemma in your own industry.
-
Discuss the book with colleagues or other entrepreneurs to get different perspectives.
Start a business model canvas for your own business.
Show steps
Develop a clear understanding of your business model and identify areas for improvement.
Browse courses on
Business Model
Show steps
-
Identify the key components of your business model.
-
Create a visual representation of your business model using a business model canvas.
-
Get feedback on your business model from other entrepreneurs or mentors.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Attend a workshop on business model canvas.
Show steps
Gain a hands-on understanding of business model canvas and how to use it effectively.
Browse courses on
Business Model
Show steps
-
Find a workshop on business model canvas.
-
Attend the workshop and take notes.
Join a study group to discuss the course material and work on assignments together.
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of the course material and gain different perspectives by engaging with other students.
Browse courses on
Collaboration
Show steps
-
Find a study group to join.
-
Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
-
Help each other with assignments.
Write a blog post about a trend or uncertainty that could affect your business model.
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of the impact of external factors on your business model by researching and writing about them.
Browse courses on
Business Model
Show steps
-
Identify a relevant trend or uncertainty.
-
Research the trend or uncertainty and gather data.
-
Write a blog post that discusses the implications of the trend or uncertainty for your business model.
Mentor a less experienced entrepreneur on business model innovation.
Show steps
Strengthen your own understanding of business model innovation by sharing your knowledge and experience with others.
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
-
Find a less experienced entrepreneur to mentor.
-
Meet regularly to discuss their business model and provide guidance.
-
Help them to develop and implement a more robust business model.
Organize your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams for easy review.
Show steps
Improve your ability to recall and understand the course material by organizing your notes and assignments in a logical way.
Browse courses on
Organization
Show steps
-
Gather all of your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
-
Organize them into folders or sections.
-
Review your materials regularly.
Watch a YouTube explainer video on PESTLE analysis.
Show steps
Gain a basic understanding of PESTLE analysis and how it can be used to identify trends and uncertainties.
Browse courses on
PESTLE Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a YouTube explainer video on PESTLE analysis.
- Watch the video and take notes on the key concepts.
Read The Innovator's Dilemma.
Show steps
Get a deeper understanding of the challenges involved in business model innovation and how to avoid them.
View
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
- Identify an example of an innovator's dilemma in your own industry.
- Discuss the book with colleagues or other entrepreneurs to get different perspectives.
Start a business model canvas for your own business.
Show steps
Develop a clear understanding of your business model and identify areas for improvement.
Browse courses on
Business Model
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the key components of your business model.
- Create a visual representation of your business model using a business model canvas.
- Get feedback on your business model from other entrepreneurs or mentors.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Attend a workshop on business model canvas.
Show steps
Gain a hands-on understanding of business model canvas and how to use it effectively.
Browse courses on
Business Model
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a workshop on business model canvas.
- Attend the workshop and take notes.
Join a study group to discuss the course material and work on assignments together.
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of the course material and gain different perspectives by engaging with other students.
Browse courses on
Collaboration
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a study group to join.
- Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
- Help each other with assignments.
Write a blog post about a trend or uncertainty that could affect your business model.
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of the impact of external factors on your business model by researching and writing about them.
Browse courses on
Business Model
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a relevant trend or uncertainty.
- Research the trend or uncertainty and gather data.
- Write a blog post that discusses the implications of the trend or uncertainty for your business model.
Mentor a less experienced entrepreneur on business model innovation.
Show steps
Strengthen your own understanding of business model innovation by sharing your knowledge and experience with others.
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a less experienced entrepreneur to mentor.
- Meet regularly to discuss their business model and provide guidance.
- Help them to develop and implement a more robust business model.
Organize your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams for easy review.
Show steps
Improve your ability to recall and understand the course material by organizing your notes and assignments in a logical way.
Browse courses on
Organization
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather all of your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
- Organize them into folders or sections.
- Review your materials regularly.
Career center
Learners who complete Business Model Testing will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Strategy Consultant
Strategy Consultant
Strategy Consultants may use their knowledge of business models to help their clients identify new sources of revenue and growth. This course helps build a foundation for working with business models and for thinking strategically about business success.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts may use models to help stakeholders understand problems and their potential solutions. They may also examine business models of competitors to identify new opportunities or threats. This course helps build a foundation for working with business models and for thinking strategically about business success.
Management Consultant
Management Consultant
Management Consultants may use their knowledge of business models to help their clients improve their operations and achieve their goals. This course helps build a foundation for working with business models and for thinking strategically about business success.
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs must understand how to create a sustainable business model for their new ventures. This course can help aspiring entrepreneurs understand how to think about and analyze business models.
Product Manager
Product Manager
Product Managers may use business models to help develop and launch new products and services. They may also use models to identify new opportunities for growth and innovation. This course helps build a foundation for working with business models and for thinking strategically about business success.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts may use business models to help evaluate the financial health of companies and make investment recommendations. This course helps build a foundation for working with business models and for thinking strategically about business success.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers may use business models to help develop and implement marketing campaigns. They may also use models to identify new opportunities for growth and innovation. This course helps build a foundation for working with business models and for thinking strategically about business success.
Operations Manager
Operations Manager
Operations Managers may use business models to help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations. This course helps build a foundation for working with business models and for thinking strategically about business success.
Sales Manager
Sales Manager
Sales Managers may use business models to help develop and implement sales strategies. They may also use models to identify new opportunities for growth and innovation. This course helps build a foundation for working with business models and for thinking strategically about business success.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use advanced analytical techniques to make informed decisions about business or operational problems. This course may be useful as part of developing the skills and knowledge needed for this career.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
For Data Scientists who wish to work with business data, this course may be useful in helping to develop an understanding of business models and how to analyze them.
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative Analyst
For Quantitative Analysts who wish to work with business data, this course may be useful in helping to develop an understanding of business models and how to analyze them.
Investment Banker
Investment Banker
For Investment Bankers who wish to work on the buy-side, this course may be useful in helping to develop an understanding of business models and how to analyze them.
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Analyst
For Market Research Analysts who wish to work with data from businesses, this course may be useful in developing an understanding of business models.
Financial Planner
Financial Planner
Financial Planners may use business models to help their clients make informed decisions about their finances. As such, this course may be useful in developing an understanding of business models.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/xolp9x/business
Reading list
We've selected 21 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
Business Model Testing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of business models and how to create and evaluate them. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about business models and how to use them to drive innovation and growth.
Introduces the concept of the Lean Startup, which methodology for developing and testing new products and services. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to iterate and improve their products and services.
A popular book on the topic of lean startups, this book provides a step-by-step guide to building and launching a successful startup. It is particularly useful for understanding the importance of testing and validating ideas quickly and cheaply.
Save
A practical guide to generating traction for your new business. It provides a framework for identifying and executing the key marketing and sales activities that will help you acquire customers and grow your business.
Provides a practical guide to designing and testing value propositions. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to create value for their customers.
A thought-provoking book about the importance of innovation and taking risks. It provides insights into how to build a successful company and create a meaningful impact on the world.
Save
A sequel to Good to Great, this book provides insights into how to build a company that will last for the long term. It valuable read for anyone who wants to create a sustainable and successful business.
A research-based book about the characteristics of great companies. It provides insights into how to build a sustainable and successful business. It valuable read for anyone who wants to learn from the best and achieve greatness in their own business.
A classic book on the topic of marketing and sales, this book provides insights into the challenges of crossing the chasm from early adopters to mainstream customers. It is particularly useful for understanding the different strategies that can be used to reach a wider audience.
A classic book on the topic of organizational learning. It provides insights into how to create a learning organization that can continuously adapt and improve. It valuable read for anyone who wants to build a sustainable and successful business.
Explores the challenges that established companies face when they try to innovate. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to overcome the Innovator's Dilemma.
A candid and practical guide to the challenges of being a founder and CEO. It provides insights into the decisions that leaders face and how to navigate the ups and downs of building a successful company.
An ancient Chinese military treatise, this book provides timeless principles for strategy and leadership. It valuable read for anyone who wants to understand the fundamentals of competition and how to achieve success in any field.
Save
A Nobel Prize-winning book about the psychology of thinking. It provides insights into how the mind works and how we make decisions. It valuable read for anyone who wants to understand how to think more clearly and make better decisions.
Save
A fascinating book about the science of habits. It provides insights into how habits are formed and how they can be changed. It valuable read for anyone who wants to understand how to create new habits or break old ones.
Save
A thought-provoking book about the irrational side of human behavior. It provides insights into how people make decisions and why they often make irrational choices. It valuable read for anyone who wants to understand how to make better decisions.
Save
Provides a framework for developing and evaluating strategies. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to create a successful strategy.
Provides a practical guide to strategic thinking. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to think strategically and make better decisions.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Lean Six Sigma, a methodology for improving process quality and efficiency. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to use Lean Six Sigma to improve their business.
Provides a framework for executing strategy and achieving results. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to turn strategy into action.
Provides a comprehensive overview of strategic management, including strategy formulation, implementation, and evaluation. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the strategic management process.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/xolp9x/business
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Effort
3 to 4 hours per week for 8 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Delft University of Technology
Instructors
Harry Bouwman
Mark de Reuver
Timber Haaker
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
中文
العربية
हिंदी
Türkçe
తెలుగు
Bahasa Indonesia
Kiswahili
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Business Model Innovation. It's comprised of four courses:
- Business Model Implementation
- Business Model Testing (viewing)
- The Value of Business Models
- How to Design a Successful Business Model
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