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.
This course is part of the Business Strategy Specialization
Offered By


About this Course
Some familiarity with business is helpful, but not required.
Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?
Try Coursera for BusinessWhat 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
Some familiarity with business is helpful, but not required.
Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?
Try Coursera for BusinessOffered by
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Introduction to Strategic Analysis
Analyzing Industry Structure
Analyzing Firm Capabilities
Determining Competitive Position
Reviews
- 5 stars82.15%
- 4 stars15.18%
- 3 stars1.76%
- 2 stars0.32%
- 1 star0.57%
TOP REVIEWS FROM FOUNDATIONS OF BUSINESS STRATEGY
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.
Excellent course contents! The materials were crisp and concise. The instructors did a great job in delivering the key points , especially quoting examples that made their points easy to understand.
I enjoyed the way the modules were structured . The course is precise and allows you to practice what is being taught by the faculty . Will surely recommend to all if you aspire to learn .
Impressed with the balance of breadth and depth. Complex issues delivered in an accessible manner. Practical exercises that enable you to put what you've learned to use right away.
About the Business Strategy Specialization

Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.