University of Virginia

Foundations of Business Strategy

This course is part of Business Strategy Specialization

Michael Lenox
Jared Harris

Instructors: Michael Lenox

152,047 already enrolled

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(3,070 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
Approx. 9 hours
Learn at your own pace
97%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(3,070 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
Approx. 9 hours
Learn at your own pace
97%
Most learners liked this course

What you'll 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

Details to know

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Assessments

5 assignments

Taught in English

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Business Strategy Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate
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There are 4 modules in this course

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. Have fun building your strategy skillset!

What's included

11 videos5 readings1 assignment

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. Happy analyzing!

What's included

10 videos1 reading1 assignment

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. Happy analyzing!

What's included

8 videos1 reading1 assignment

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. Happy analyzing!

What's included

7 videos3 readings2 assignments1 peer review

Instructors

Instructor ratings
4.8 (517 ratings)
Michael Lenox
University of Virginia
24 Courses493,343 learners

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