This course is part of the Business Strategy Specialization

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2,769 ratings

Michael Lenox +1 more instructor

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Business Strategy SpecializationUniversity of Virginia

About this Course

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Develop your ability to think strategically, analyze the competitive environment, and recommend firm positioning and value creation. In this course, developed at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia, top-ranked faculty will help you 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.

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Earn a Certificate upon completion

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Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

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Course 1 of 5 in the

Business Strategy Specialization

Beginner Level

Some familiarity with business is helpful, but not required.

Approx. 9 hours to complete

English

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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 Analysis
Business Strategy
Competitive Position
Strategic Analysis
Industry Structure

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.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

Learn more about Coursera Labs

Course 1 of 5 in the

Business Strategy Specialization

Beginner Level

Some familiarity with business is helpful, but not required.

Approx. 9 hours to complete

English

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

Try Coursera for Business

Instructors

Instructor rating

4.84/5 (418 Ratings)

Michael Lenox

Senior Associate Dean and Chief Strategy Officer

Darden School of Business

386,025 Learners

20 Courses

Jared Harris

Samuel L. Slover Research Chair in Business Administration

Darden School of Business

177,577 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%(15,137 ratings)

Week1

Week 1

2 hours to complete

Introduction to Strategic Analysis

2 hours to complete

11 videos (Total 48 min), 5 readings, 1 quiz

11 videos

An Introduction to Strategic Analysis4mStrategic Analysis4mThe Strategist's Challenge6mFundamental Principle of Business Strategy6mCompetitive Markets6mA Little Calculus2mTwo Perspectives on Economic Rents7mModule Lessons1mStrategist's Toolkit: SWOT Analysis2mStrategist's Toolkit: Competitor Analysis2mStrategist's Toolkit: Environmental Analysis3m

5 readings

Course Overview10mCourse Requirements10mGet to Know Your Classmates10mUsing the Discussion Forums10mBegin the Competitive Position Assignment10m

1 practice exercise

Introduction to Strategic Analysis30m

Week2

Week 2

2 hours to complete

Analyzing Industry Structure

2 hours to complete

10 videos (Total 66 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz

10 videos

Analyzing Industry Structure5mThreat of Entry, Part 19mThreat of Entry, Part 24mThreat of Substitutes10mBargaining Power of Buyers, Part 17mBargaining Power of Buyers, Part 26mBargaining Power of Suppliers5mIntensity of Rivalry9mModule Lessons3mStrategist's Toolkit: Five Forces Analysis4m

1 reading

Reminder: Competitive Position Assignment10m

1 practice exercise

Analyzing Industry Structure30m

Week3

Week 3

1 hour to complete

Analyzing Firm Capabilities

1 hour to complete

8 videos (Total 43 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz

Week4

Week 4

4 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. Happy analyzing!

4 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 40 min), 3 readings, 3 quizzes

Reviews

4.8

620 reviews

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TOP REVIEWS FROM FOUNDATIONS OF BUSINESS STRATEGY

by AHFeb 7, 2016

I found the information very illuminating. I only wish there was more focus on small firms, startups, and evaluating an industry as if the student were looking to enter the industry.

by SMJun 11, 2020

I felt really empowered after completing the course, as now, I have the required tools, at least the basic ones, to conduct Strategy analysis, and analyze how to go about a business.

by KJJan 10, 2021

Really enjoyed this course, the Professors are awesome presenting in a very clear, comprehensive way. Learned alot! I feel like they are training me to become a high tech executive/analyst. Thank you!

by DRFeb 22, 2023

It was amazing experience and with all learning resources available online - I had no struggle. The online learning tool is simple and user friendly. They are very quick to reply if I had any queries.

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.
What is the refund policy?
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.
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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Foundations of Business Strategy

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