Develop your ability to think strategically, analyze the competitive environment, and recommend firm positioning and value creation. In this course, we will explore the underlying theory and frameworks that provide the foundations of a successful business strategy and provide the tools you need to understand that strategy: SWOT, Competitor, Environmental, Five Forces, and Capabilities Analyses, as well as Strategy Maps. We'll apply these tools in case studies of industry leaders Google, Redhook, Piaggio and Apple.
This course is part of the Business Strategy Specialization
Foundations of Business Strategy
Offered By
About this Course
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Learner Career Outcomes
32%
started a new career after completing these courses
33%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
What you will learn
How to use the SWOT, competitor, and environmental analysis tools
How to assess an industry's structure and how the competitive dynamics in an industry affect profitability
How to complete a capabilities analysis and how to use this analysis to guide decision making
How to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of four generic competitive positions
Skills you will gain
Capabilities AnalysisBusiness StrategyCompetitive PositionStrategic AnalysisIndustry Structure
Learner Career Outcomes
32%
started a new career after completing these courses
33%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 1 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. 15 hours to complete
Suggested: 4 weeks of study, 2-5 hours/week
English
Subtitles: English, Vietnamese, Portuguese (Brazilian)
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
12 hours to complete
Introduction to Strategic Analysis
Welcome to the first module in the Foundations course. In this module, we'll discuss the meaning and importance of business strategy to an organization's competitive positioning. You'll learn about strategic analysis and the SWOT, competitor, and environmental analysis tools and then apply these tools in the Google case study. Enjoy learning!
12 videos (Total 63 min), 6 readings, 1 quiz
12 videos
Strategic Analysis4m
The Strategist's Challenge6m
Fundamental Principle of Business Strategy6m
Competitive Markets6m
A Little Calculus2m
Two Perspectives on Economic Rents7m
Module Lessons1m
Strategist's Toolkit: SWOT Analysis2m
Strategist's Toolkit: Competitor Analysis2m
Strategist's Toolkit: Environmental Analysis3m
Google Case Debrief14m
6 readings
Course Overview10m
Course Requirements10m
Get to Know Your Classmates10m
Using the Discussion Forums10m
Google Inc: Buy, Sell, or Hold?10m
Begin the Competitive Position Assignment10m
1 practice exercise
Introduction to Strategic Analysis24m
Week
22 hours to complete
Analyzing Industry Structure
Hello and welcome back. In this module, we'll explore how to assess an industry's structure and how the competitive dynamics in an industry affect profitability. We'll go into depth with the five forces tool, a common and highly influential analytical framework. You'll get a chance to apply this tool in the Redhook case study. Enjoy analyzing!
11 videos (Total 79 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
11 videos
Threat of Entry, Part 19m
Threat of Entry, Part 24m
Threat of Substitutes10m
Bargaining Power of Buyers, Part 17m
Bargaining Power of Buyers, Part 26m
Bargaining Power of Suppliers5m
Intensity of Rivalry9m
Module Lessons3m
Strategist's Toolkit: Five Forces Analysis4m
Red Hook Brewing Case Debrief12m
2 readings
Redhook Brewing Company10m
Reminder: Competitive Position Assignment10m
1 practice exercise
Analyzing Industry Structure24m
Week
32 hours to complete
Analyzing Firm Capabilities
Welcome! In this module, we'll examine the tangible and intangible assets that form an organization's strength. We'll show you in depth how to complete a capabilities analysis and how to use this analysis to guide decision making. In the Apple case study you'll get a chance to apply this tool. Happy analyzing!
9 videos (Total 53 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
9 videos
Value Chain5m
Alignment6m
Sustainability: Imitation7m
Sustainability: Durability4m
Building Capabilities8m
Module Lessons1m
Strategist's Toolkit: Capabilities Analysis2m
Apple Case Debrief9m
2 readings
Apple (Computer) Inc.10m
Reminder: Competitive Position Assignment10m
1 practice exercise
Analyzing Firm Capabilities24m
Week
44 hours to complete
Determining Competitive Position
Welcome to the final module. In these lessons, we'll explore firms' competitive positioning relative to rivals and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of four generic competitive positions firms occupy. We'll use an easy and intuitive tool--strategy maps--to visually communicate information about firm positioning, and discuss which position is best for a particular firm to see maximum value. Then apply what you've learned in the Piaggio case study. Happy analyzing!
8 videos (Total 48 min), 4 readings, 3 quizzes
8 videos
Generic Competitive Positions, Part 18m
Generic Competitive Positions, Part 27m
Mapping Competitive Positions6m
Which Position Is Best?5m
Module Lessons2m
Strategist's Toolkit: Strategy Maps4m
Piaggio Case Debrief7m
4 readings
Piaggio10m
Assignment Overview10m
Assignment Rubric10m
Sample Assignment Submission10m
2 practice exercises
Determining Competitive Position24m
Peer Review Practice20m
4.8
286 ReviewsTop reviews from Foundations of Business Strategy
Great insight of the basic tools covering all important aspects, both professors have discussed fundamental needs of the topic around Business Strategy, keen to learn rest of the courses and excited.
This course is very helpful. It emanates from the strategist' mind. The way this course empowers a person is phenomenal. I personally learnt a lot with this course and hope to learn further as well.
Instructors
Michael Lenox
Senior Associate Dean and Chief Strategy OfficerDarden School of Business
Jared Harris
Samuel L. Slover Research Chair in Business AdministrationDarden School of Business
About 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.
About the Business Strategy Specialization
This Specialization covers both the dynamics and the global aspects of strategic management. With cases drawn from leading companies like Disney, Microsoft and Zappos, 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?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
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.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
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