Advance your strategic analysis skills in this follow-up to Foundations of Business Strategy. In this course, developed at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia, you'll learn the tools to analyze strategy across time (competitive dynamics), industries (corporate strategy), geographies (international strategy), and institutions (non-market strategy). Top-ranked faculty will introduce the tools you need to complete a comprehensive evaluation and understand the strategy dynamics of an industry: Competitive Lifecycle, Internationalization and Stakeholder Analyses, and Diversification Matrices.
This course is part of the Business Strategy Specialization
Offered By
Business Strategy SpecializationUniversity of VirginiaAbout this Course
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Learner Career Outcomes
36%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
20%
got a pay increase or promotion
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 2 of 5 in the
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Some familiarity with business is helpful, but not required.
Approx. 10 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English, Korean, Arabic
What you will learn
The dynamics of competition, the competitive life cycle, and strategies to survive and thrive through industry disruption
Internationalization strategies, how, where, and when to enter foreign markets, and foreign direct investment
How businesses compete across industries, the value of being in different markets, and the right degree of diversification
Stakeholder management and how engaging with non-capital stakeholders can create value
Skills you will gain
Strategic ManagementStrategic ThinkingBusiness Strategybusiness competition
Learner Career Outcomes
36%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
20%
got a pay increase or promotion
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 2 of 5 in the
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Some familiarity with business is helpful, but not required.
Approx. 10 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English, Korean, Arabic
Offered by
University of Virginia
A premier institution of higher education, The University of Virginia offers outstanding academics, world-class faculty, and an inspiring, supportive environment. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University is guided by his vision of discovery, innovation, and development of the full potential of students from all walks of life. Through these courses, global learners have an opportunity to study with renowned scholars and thought leaders.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
2 hours to complete
Dynamic Strategy
Studebaker, Remington, Sears, Kodak. Companies that were leaders in their time but failed to adapt to change. In this module, we'll explore the impact of disruptive innovations and how companies can navigate these changes, evolve over time, and avoid the pitfalls of the competitive life cycle. By the end of this module, you will be able to complete a competitive life cycle analysis. Let's get started.
2 hours to complete
8 videos (Total 49 min), 4 readings, 1 quiz
8 videos
The Dynamic Capabilities Perspective6m
Introduction to the Competitive Life Cycle8m
Competitive Life Cycle: Common Patterns9m
Why Incumbent Firms Fail or Survive8m
Competitive Life Cycle Analysis7m
Module Lessons1m
Strategist's Toolkit: Competitive Life Cycle Analysis3m
4 readings
Course Overview10m
Course Requirements10m
Get to Know Your Classmates10m
Using the Discussion Forums10m
1 practice exercise
Dynamic Strategy40m
2 hours to complete
International Strategy
Welcome! Industry and firm globalization has taken off in the past few decades. Firms can realize great gains by moving into foreign markets, but they only do so if they act strategically. In this module, we'll discuss the rise of globalization and explore two primary strategic questions: Where to compete and how to enter that market. We'll consider the pros and cons of strategic options for entering foreign markets. By the end of this module, you'll be able to complete an internationalization analysis.
2 hours to complete
9 videos (Total 54 min)
9 videos
Patterns of Internationalization7m
Where to Compete4m
Entering Foreign Markets: Exporting5m
Entering Foreign Markets: Licensing and Alliances5m
Entering Foreign Markets: Foreign Direct Investment4m
Foreign Direct Investment: Entry Mode5m
Module Lessons4m
Strategist's Toolkit: Internationalization Analysis8m
1 practice exercise
International Strategy40m
1 hour to complete
Diversification Strategy
Corporate strategy is often a question of diversification. How can firms leverage their current position across markets to build profits? In this module, we'll discuss firm scope and the financial, operational, and strategic reasons to expand and diversify. We'll explore the theory of the firm--or why firms exist and how this relates to their scope. By the end of this module, you'll be able to develop a diversification matrix.
1 hour to complete
9 videos (Total 42 min)
9 videos
Financial Reasons to Diversify5m
Operational Reasons to Diversify4m
Strategic Reasons to Diversify6m
Why Firms Exist: Theory of the Firm7m
Limits on Firm Scope4m
The Right Degree of Diversification2m
Module Lessons1m
Strategist's Toolkit: Diversification Matrices3m
1 practice exercise
Diversification Strategy40m
5 hours to complete
Stakeholder Strategy
How can a firm's values add value to the firm? Stakeholder management is a way of thinking about ethical considerations impacting an organization's strategy. In this module, we'll discuss how effective business strategy considers the impact of a firm's decisions and actions on various stakeholders, both primary and secondary, and uses that knowledge to guide strategic actions. By the end of this module, you'll be able to complete a stakeholder analysis.
5 hours to complete
8 videos (Total 42 min), 1 reading, 3 quizzes
8 videos
Creating Value for Stakeholders5m
Aligning Key Stakeholders5m
Aligning Secondary Stakeholders6m
Sources of Institutional Pressure9m
Value Creation and Your Values3m
Module Lessons3m
Strategist's Toolkit: Stakeholder Analysis4m
1 reading
Assignment Overview20m
2 practice exercises
Stakeholder Strategy40m
Practice Reviewing an Assignment30m
Reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM ADVANCED BUSINESS STRATEGY
by ASNov 10, 2017
Great Course and excellent insight about strategy approach for any business. Its has really given a full overview about business strategy approach. Thanks for professors to design such module.
by MMMay 25, 2016
Really advanced thinking in strategy, excellent work by Darden Business School. Particular appreciation for Prof. Jared D. Harris and Mike Lenox for their competency in the subject matter.
by ACOct 25, 2016
Loved the deep thought processes this course explored; planning through to Implementation of complex strategies in real life scenarios adding value to any operations minded professional.
by MSNov 8, 2015
Very useful and valuable course! Easy to understan, clear and interesting manner of teaching of both course instructors. Worth passing if you are interested in business and strategy.
About the Business Strategy Specialization
This Specialization covers both the dynamics and the global aspects of strategic management. You'll learn how to evaluate industry evolution, build and sustain competitive advantage, formulate and assess business strategies, and align efforts to organizational strategy. In the final Capstone Project, you’ll apply your skills by creating a comprehensive Strategic Analysis for an existing business or a venture of your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
- The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
- The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You'll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. You'll need to complete this step for each course in the Specialization, including the Capstone Project. Learn more.
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
