This course is part of the Business Strategy Specialization

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Michael Lenox +1 more instructor

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Business Strategy SpecializationUniversity of Virginia

About this Course

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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.

Flexible deadlines

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Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

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Course 2 of 5 in the

Business Strategy Specialization

Beginner Level

Some familiarity with business is helpful, but not required.

Approx. 10 hours to complete

English

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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 Management
Strategic Thinking
Business Strategy
business competition

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Course 2 of 5 in the

Business Strategy Specialization

Beginner Level

Some familiarity with business is helpful, but not required.

Approx. 10 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructors

Instructor rating

4.85/5 (89 Ratings)

Michael Lenox

Senior Associate Dean and Chief Strategy Officer

Darden School of Business

379,477 Learners

20 Courses

Jared Harris

Samuel L. Slover Research Chair in Business Administration

Darden School of Business

172,777 Learners

10 Courses

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.

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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Content Rating97%(3,822 ratings)

Week

Week 1

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

Introduction to Strategy Over Time5m

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

Week

Week 2

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)

Week

Week 3

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)

Week

Week 4

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

Reviews

4.8

191 reviews

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TOP REVIEWS FROM ADVANCED BUSINESS STRATEGY

by NGJan 17, 2016

As always both professors deliver a clear and user-friendly experience in the business strategy world. Great cases and case reviews. very enjoyable course.

by SCJun 19, 2022

I enjoyed being in the Advance Business Strategy class, my understanding and expertise has alleviated. Thank you for being wonderful professors.

by PMDec 15, 2015

Hi,

The course lessons are practical, with case studies that helps you to internalize the concepts and visualize ways that you can apply it realistic examples.

by LNJul 31, 2018

I liked the course and course content but the concept of peer reviewing and waiting for someone to peer-review your final assignment is really tiring.

View all reviews

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. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

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