Get the tools you need to analyze, evaluate and recommend specific actions organizations can take to grow their value and avoid common growth pitfalls. In this course, developed at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and taught by top-ranked faculty, you will learn to determine how best to build value, whether by scaling existing markets, entering established markets or creating new markets through innovation and acquisitions.
Offered By
Business Strategy SpecializationUniversity of VirginiaAbout this Course
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Learner Career Outcomes
67%
started a new career after completing these courses
57%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 3 of 5 in the
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Approx. 11 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English, Korean, Arabic
Skills you will gain
Mergers And Acquisitions (M&A)innovation strategyStrategic ThinkingBusiness Strategygrowth strategy
Learner Career Outcomes
67%
started a new career after completing these courses
57%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 3 of 5 in the
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Approx. 11 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
3 hours to complete
Growth through Scaling
Strategic growth is intentional, proactive, and consistent with a company's purpose. Taking advantage of economies of scale--growing a business by doing more of what it's already doing--is a conceptually easy but operationally complex approach to business growth. In this module, you will learn the Scenario Planning tool to identify and evaluate opportunities to scale an organization. With this tool, you'll have an effective means to understand when and where to grow and how to get there.
3 hours to complete
12 videos (Total 78 min), 4 readings, 1 quiz
12 videos
Why Grow?9m
Strategy and Growth3m
Growth Alternatives7m
Growth Risks7m
Growth through Scaling9m
Scenario Planning5m
Scenario Planning Step 15m
Scenario Planning Steps 2 and 37m
Scenario Planning Steps 4 and 56m
Module Lessons2m
Strategist's Toolkit: Scenario Planning7m
4 readings
Course Overview10m
Course Requirements10m
Get to Know Your Classmates10m
Using the Discussion Forums10m
1 practice exercise
Growth through Scaling40m
1 hour to complete
Growth through Entry
Growth through entry--whether by offering new products in existing markets or offering the same products in new markets--doesn't happen in isolation. Multiple firms compete for these markets and so any discussion of growth through entry has to look at the impact of rivalry. In this module, you'll learn how to apply game theory to analyze, assess, and respond to competitors. With the payoff matrices tool, you'll be able to evaluate options and determine an effective position.
1 hour to complete
8 videos (Total 48 min)
8 videos
Using Game Theory to Understand Rivalry8m
Using Game Theory to Understand Cooperation7m
Identifying Potential Rivals8m
Pre-entry Strategies5m
Post-entry Strategies7m
Module Lessons1m
Strategist's Toolkit: Payoff Matrices2m
1 practice exercise
Growth through Entry40m
2 hours to complete
Growth through Acquisition
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are common--but rarely successful--ways firms attempt to grow their business. In this module, we'll show you the pros and cons of M&A, suggest valid alternatives, and outline effective M&A strategies. Using the Acquisitions Analysis tool, you'll be able to assess the impact of a potential M&A and avoid common pitfalls of this type of growth.
2 hours to complete
12 videos (Total 65 min)
12 videos
Pros and Cons of Acquisitions5m
Pitfalls of Growth Through Acquisition7m
Why Firms Overpay for Acquisitions5m
Alternatives to Acquisition7m
Identifying Successful Acquisition Opportunities3m
Acquisition Analysis5m
Strategic Benefit: Value of the Target2m
Avoiding Overpaying4m
Acquisition Analysis: Opportunity Costs6m
Module Lessons4m
Strategist's Toolkit: Acquisition Analysis5m
1 practice exercise
Growth through Acquisition40m
5 hours to complete
Growth through Innovation
Introducing new ideas, processes, and products that disrupt the market is another common growth strategy. In this module, we'll unlock the keys to innovation, from building an innovative capability to appropriating value from innovation to determining an innovation strategy. Using the Real Options Analysis tool, we'll show you how to grow through innovation and good practices for doing so. The Intel Corporate Venturing case provides an opportunity for you to practice this tool and apply course concepts to a real-world scenario.
5 hours to complete
11 videos (Total 51 min), 1 reading, 2 quizzes
11 videos
Innovation Strategies3m
Developing an Innovative Capability6m
Keys to Innovation3m
Organizing for Innovation6m
Appropriating Value from Innovations2m
Intellectual Property Protection7m
Complementary Assets4m
Determining an Innovation Strategy5m
Module Lessons1m
Strategist's Toolkit: Real Options Analysis2m
1 reading
Assignment Overview15m
1 practice exercise
Growth through Innovation40m
Reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM BUSINESS GROWTH STRATEGY
by DDApr 21, 2020
Essential Business Concepts and Growth Strategies provides an enhanced vision for the learners to look for a strategic growth opportunity of any firm in the competitive and non-competitive market.
by SPJul 29, 2017
really interesting but also really difficult to finish the assignment. it would have been great to get a sample assignment just to get an idea of how it could look like
by PPJul 12, 2020
It was pleasure and helpful to know the strategies of the business world. Anew picture all together for the students like us which will be helpful to gain knowledge.
by KBJun 11, 2020
Gave a brief understanding about the ways to grow for a business and the frameworks associated with them. Also, the peer reviewed assignments are very nice.
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.
Will I earn university credit for completing the Course?
This Course doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Course Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more. Online Degrees and Mastertrack™ Certificates on Coursera provide the opportunity to earn university credit.
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