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Alex Cowan
Have you ever gotten really excited about reading or writing a business plan? You might have started out excited, but I’m going to bet you didn’t stay that way. Let’s be honest- business plans are boring and mostly ignored.
Read more
Have you ever gotten really excited about reading or writing a business plan? You might have started out excited, but I’m going to bet you didn’t stay that way. Let’s be honest- business plans are boring and mostly ignored.
Read more
Have you ever gotten really excited about reading or writing a business plan? You might have started out excited, but I’m going to bet you didn’t stay that way. Let’s be honest- business plans are boring and mostly ignored.
The beauty of the one-page Business Model Canvas is that it drives meaningful focus. It helps us organize our ideas and have better discussions by forcing specificity and bringing linkages between key business drivers to the foreground. Innovation requires one hand being very focused on a fundamental need or problem while the other hand quickly tests different solutions. For this, the Business Model Canvas is very innovation friendly: It's a lot easier to tweak the model and try things with something that's sitting on a single page
In this course, developed at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and taught by top-ranked faculty, you’ll learn key tools from the worlds of design thinking and Lean Startup to approach the Canvas with thoughtfulness, focus, and above all a test-driven approach to business model innovation.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/ytmkp8/innovating
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What's inside
Syllabus
Focusing for Profitability and Growth
How do you avoid the distractions that keep companies from innovating their way to organic growth? The best recipe is a hyper focus on finding product/market fit and scaling it. Fortunately, the Canvas is a great way to create that focus. We’ll start the course by looking at the jobs you do for customers and how your particular propositions drive revenue. We’ll also look at how you link those with focused customer journeys to keep these customer-centric linkages healthy and growing.
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Syllabus
Focusing for Profitability and Growth
How do you avoid the distractions that keep companies from innovating their way to organic growth? The best recipe is a hyper focus on finding product/market fit and scaling it. Fortunately, the Canvas is a great way to create that focus. We’ll start the course by looking at the jobs you do for customers and how your particular propositions drive revenue. We’ll also look at how you link those with focused customer journeys to keep these customer-centric linkages healthy and growing.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Teaches Business Canvas Model to facilitate clarity in approach and execution
Emphasizes a test-driven approach to encourage innovation
Focuses on finding product/market fit for companies with organic growth goals
Teaches how to focus capabilities and organization to maximize profitability
Explores three core business model types with distinct implications for organizational structure and focus
Developed by the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia
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Reviews summary
Innovating with the business model canvas
According to learners, this course provides a solid introduction to the Business Model Canvas and its application for innovation. Students appreciate the focus on using the Canvas as a practical tool for organizing ideas and testing concepts. The course is generally seen as well-structured and suitable for beginners looking to understand this key framework. While many find the content valuable for getting started, some indicate a desire for more advanced or in-depth coverage on specific implementation challenges or complex business scenarios.
Logical and easy to follow organization
"The way the course is structured week by week made it easy to digest."
"I appreciated the clear breakdown of topics in the syllabus."
"The flow from concepts to application felt very logical."
Accessible starting point for new users
"This course is an excellent starting point if you've never used the BMC before."
"As a beginner, I found the material accessible and easy to follow."
"It provides a solid foundation before exploring more advanced topics."
Emphasizes testing and real-world use
"The course emphasizes testing, which is crucial for innovation."
"I learned some practical ways to use the Canvas for real-world problems."
"It gave me a good starting point for applying the concepts to my own business idea."
Excellent introduction to the core framework
"I finally understand how the Business Model Canvas works and how to use it."
"The one-page approach really helps focus my ideas and see the connections."
"It's a valuable tool for organizing my thoughts on a new project."
May lack depth for experienced learners
"While a good overview, I wish it went deeper into specific industry examples."
"Felt a bit high-level at times, more detail on implementation would be helpful."
"Good for framework, but might need supplementary learning for complex use cases."
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 Innovating with the Business Model Canvas with these
activities:
Build a library of business resources
Show steps
Curate a valuable collection of articles, books, videos, and other resources that can serve as references for your continued learning and development in business.
Show steps
-
Identify the specific topics or areas of business that you want to learn more about.
-
Conduct research to find high-quality resources on these topics.
-
Organize the resources into a central location, such as a digital library or folder.
-
Review the resources regularly and add new ones as you find them.
Attend industry conferences and meetups
Show steps
Expand your network, learn from industry experts, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in business.
Browse courses on
Networking
Show steps
-
Research industry conferences and meetups that are relevant to your interests.
-
Attend these events and introduce yourself to people you don't know.
-
Exchange ideas and learn from the experiences of others.
Study business strategy books
Show steps
Gain a deep insight into the theory and practice of business strategy, and understand key concepts like competitive advantage and industry analysis.
View
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the first few chapters of The Innovator's Dilemma and take notes on the key concepts.
-
Discuss the book's ideas with a colleague or friend who has also read it.
-
Apply the concepts to your own business or career.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Participate in a business model design workshop
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience in developing and refining business models, and learn practical techniques for generating and testing new ideas.
Browse courses on
Business Model Design
Show steps
-
Research different business model design workshops and choose one that is relevant to your interests.
-
Attend the workshop and participate actively in the exercises.
-
Apply the concepts you learn to your own business or career.
Solve business case studies
Show steps
Develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills by analyzing real-world business cases and formulating innovative solutions.
Show steps
-
Read the case study and identify the key issues.
-
Analyze the case study using the Business Model Canvas.
-
Develop a solution to the case study.
-
Present your solution to the class.
Develop a business model canvas for your own product or service
Show steps
Develop a clear and concise understanding of your business model, and identify areas for improvement and innovation using the Business Model Canvas framework.
Browse courses on
Business Model Canvas
Show steps
-
Brainstorm the different components of your business model, such as value proposition, customer segments, and revenue streams.
-
Map these components onto the Business Model Canvas template.
-
Analyze your business model and identify areas for improvement.
-
Develop a plan to implement these improvements.
Build a library of business resources
Show steps
Curate a valuable collection of articles, books, videos, and other resources that can serve as references for your continued learning and development in business.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the specific topics or areas of business that you want to learn more about.
- Conduct research to find high-quality resources on these topics.
- Organize the resources into a central location, such as a digital library or folder.
- Review the resources regularly and add new ones as you find them.
Attend industry conferences and meetups
Show steps
Expand your network, learn from industry experts, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in business.
Browse courses on
Networking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research industry conferences and meetups that are relevant to your interests.
- Attend these events and introduce yourself to people you don't know.
- Exchange ideas and learn from the experiences of others.
Study business strategy books
Show steps
Gain a deep insight into the theory and practice of business strategy, and understand key concepts like competitive advantage and industry analysis.
View
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the first few chapters of The Innovator's Dilemma and take notes on the key concepts.
- Discuss the book's ideas with a colleague or friend who has also read it.
- Apply the concepts to your own business or career.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Participate in a business model design workshop
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience in developing and refining business models, and learn practical techniques for generating and testing new ideas.
Browse courses on
Business Model Design
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different business model design workshops and choose one that is relevant to your interests.
- Attend the workshop and participate actively in the exercises.
- Apply the concepts you learn to your own business or career.
Solve business case studies
Show steps
Develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills by analyzing real-world business cases and formulating innovative solutions.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the case study and identify the key issues.
- Analyze the case study using the Business Model Canvas.
- Develop a solution to the case study.
- Present your solution to the class.
Develop a business model canvas for your own product or service
Show steps
Develop a clear and concise understanding of your business model, and identify areas for improvement and innovation using the Business Model Canvas framework.
Browse courses on
Business Model Canvas
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Brainstorm the different components of your business model, such as value proposition, customer segments, and revenue streams.
- Map these components onto the Business Model Canvas template.
- Analyze your business model and identify areas for improvement.
- Develop a plan to implement these improvements.
Career center
Learners who complete Innovating with the Business Model Canvas will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Innovation Manager
Innovation Manager
Innovation managers are responsible for developing and executing innovation strategies for businesses. They are responsible for identifying and developing new products, services, and processes. The Business Model Canvas can be a valuable tool for innovation managers, as it can help them to understand the key drivers of innovation.
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs are individuals who start and run their own businesses. They are responsible for all aspects of their business, from developing the concept to marketing and sales. The Business Model Canvas can be a valuable tool for entrepreneurs, as it can help them to develop a solid foundation for their business.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
The CEO is responsible for the overall success of a business. They are responsible for setting the vision and direction of the business, as well as making key decisions about strategy, operations, and marketing. The Business Model Canvas can be a valuable tool for CEOs, as it can help them to understand the key drivers of a business and make informed decisions.
Consultant
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and guidance to businesses on a variety of topics, including strategy, operations, and marketing. The Business Model Canvas can be a valuable tool for consultants, as it can help them to quickly understand the key elements of a business and develop recommendations for improvement.
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
The COO is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a business. They are responsible for ensuring that the business runs smoothly and efficiently. The Business Model Canvas can be a valuable tool for COOs, as it can help them to understand the key operational drivers of a business.
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
The CMO is responsible for the marketing operations of a business. They are responsible for developing and executing marketing strategies, as well as managing the marketing budget. The Business Model Canvas can be a valuable tool for CMOs, as it can help them to understand the key marketing drivers of a business.
Business Development Manager
Business Development Manager
Business development managers are responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities. They work with customers to understand their needs and develop solutions that meet those needs. The Business Model Canvas can be a valuable tool for this role, as it can help you to identify the key elements of a successful business model.
Operations Manager
Operations Manager
Operations managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a business. They are responsible for ensuring that the business runs smoothly and efficiently. The Business Model Canvas can be a valuable tool for operations managers, as it can help them to understand the key operational drivers of a business.
Marketing Consultant
Marketing Consultant
Marketing consultants provide advice and guidance to businesses on a variety of marketing topics, including strategy, research, and advertising. The Business Model Canvas can be a valuable tool for marketing consultants, as it can help them to quickly understand the key marketing drivers of a business.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
The CFO is responsible for the financial operations of a business. They are responsible for managing the finances of the business, including budgeting, forecasting, and investment. The Business Model Canvas can be a valuable tool for CFOs, as it can help them to understand the key financial drivers of a business.
Sales Manager
Sales Manager
Sales managers lead and manage teams of sales representatives. They are responsible for developing and executing sales strategies, as well as motivating and coaching their teams to achieve their goals. The Business Model Canvas can be helpful for understanding the needs of your customers and developing a sales strategy that resonates with them.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
As a marketing manager, you may be responsible for developing and executing marketing plans that build a business's brand, increase awareness, and drive sales. In this course, you'll learn how to identify and focus on what your customers want. This information is key to creating effective marketing campaigns.
Product Manager
Product Manager
A product manager is responsible for the development, marketing, and launch of new products or features. The Business Model Canvas can be a critical tool for understanding the needs of your customers and developing products that meet those needs. This course may be helpful for product managers.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts provide advice and guidance to businesses on a variety of financial topics, including investment, budgeting, and forecasting. The Business Model Canvas can be a helpful tool for financial analysts, as it can help them to understand the key financial drivers of a business.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business analysts advise businesses to help them understand how to improve and innovate through the use of data. A course about innovating with the Business Model Canvas can be helpful for this role. A deep understanding of how a business is structured and how to innovate is critical to being successful as a consultant.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ytmkp8/innovating
Reading list
We've selected 14 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
Innovating with the Business Model Canvas.
Is widely praised as the foundation text for working with the Business Model Canvas. It contains a plethora of case studies, and thus is quite useful as a reference guide when working with the Canvas. It is written in a practical way, and handily offers advice on how to work with the Canvas to enhance its efficacy.
The course focuses on creating a test-driven approach to business model innovation. Lean Startup is the foundational text for conducting business experimentation in such a way. It provides a systematic approach to hypothesis formation and testing, which is an invaluable approach for anyone involved in innovation.
Save
Design thinking is one of the key tools for approaching the Business Model Canvas with thoughtfulness and focus. is an industry standard, and offers numerous case studies and examples for how to apply design thinking to business.
Is primarily concerned with the challenges larger, established organizations face when it comes to innovation. As this course is intended for innovation, and as the Business Model Canvas viable tool for larger organizations, this book is recommended as background reading on the organizational challenges of innovation.
Save
Classic strategy text that offers a useful framework for evaluating strategy quality. The Business Model Canvas powerful strategy tool, and this book offers useful advice on how to create strategies that have a higher probability of success.
Collection of essays offering practical advice on building and running a startup company. While not directly related to the Business Model Canvas, it is recommended reading for anyone interested in the challenges of entrepreneurship and innovation.
Save
Focuses on how to build a successful startup company and create a monopoly. While not strictly related to the Business Model Canvas, it does offer a unique perspective on innovation and the opportunity it holds.
Save
Practical guide to getting traction for your startup. While not directly related to the Business Model Canvas, it does offer useful advice on how to get your product or service in front of customers.
Classic marketing text that offers advice on how to successfully launch a new product or service. While not directly related to the Business Model Canvas, it does offer useful advice on how to target and reach your customers.
Practical guide to building and launching a successful product. While not directly related to the Business Model Canvas, it does offer useful advice on how to use the Lean Startup approach to develop and test your product.
Comprehensive guide to starting and running a startup company. While not directly related to the Business Model Canvas, it does offer useful advice on all aspects of starting and running a business.
Practical guide to creating a successful business model for your own personal brand. While not directly related to the Business Model Canvas, it does offer useful advice on how to develop and monetize your personal brand.
Classic guide to starting and running a successful business. While not directly related to the Business Model Canvas, it does offer useful advice on all aspects of starting and running a business.
Save
Controversial guide to escaping the 9-to-5 grind and living a life of freedom and adventure. While not directly related to the Business Model Canvas, it does offer useful advice on how to create a business that gives you more control over your time and life.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ytmkp8/innovating
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Effort
2 weeks of study, 1-2 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Virginia
Instructor
Alex Cowan
Language
English
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Entrepreneurship: Growing Your Business. It's comprised of four courses:
- Financial Accounting Fundamentals
- New Models of Business in Society
- Ethical Leadership Through Giving Voice to Values
- Innovating with the Business Model Canvas (viewing)
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