University of Virginia
Grow to Greatness: Smart Growth for Private Businesses, Part I
University of Virginia

Grow to Greatness: Smart Growth for Private Businesses, Part I

Edward D. Hess

Instructor: Edward D. Hess

74,910 already enrolled

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(655 reviews)

9 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
98%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(655 reviews)

9 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
98%
Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

  • Common myths and truths about growth in business

  • Growth readiness assessment

  • The 4 P's of growing a business: planning, prioritization, pace and process

  • Four ways to grow your business: scale and CVP, innovating, outsourcing and strategic acquisitions

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

6 assignments

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Placeholder
Placeholder

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV

Share it on social media and in your performance review

Placeholder

There are 7 modules in this course

This module introduces the course.

What's included

1 video

This module presents an overview of growth in business with common myths and truths. There is a required reading: Edward D. Hess, "Growth is the Dynamic Confluence of Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Values." An option case study reading on Eyebobs Eyeware, Inc is also available. Please visit the Eyebobs website at https://www.eyebobs.com and think about whether Julie's vision and customer value proposition connects with you. What do you like about the site? What do you dislike? Why is her website so important to her business? What should Julie do to keep her website "fresh"?

What's included

8 videos1 reading1 assignment

This module presents a series of questions to discover if you are ready for growth. The required reading is by Edward D. Hess, 3 Fellers Bakery, Case Study.

What's included

3 videos1 reading1 assignment

This module presents the four P's of growing a business: planning, prioritization, pace and processes. The four ways to grow your business are improvements, innovations, scaling, and strategic acquisitions. The required reading is Edward D. Hess, "Defender Direct, Inc.: A Business of Growing Leaders," Case Study.

What's included

7 videos1 reading1 assignment

This module reviews the four ways to grow a business. The required reading is Edward D. Hess, Sanju Jacob and Monidipa Mukherjee,"Enchanting Travels," Case Study. Enchanting travels can be found at http://www.enchantingtravels.com.

What's included

8 videos1 reading1 assignment

This module dives into the logistics of creating a growth plan for Barger & Sons, Inc. The required reading is Edward D. Hess, "C.R. Barger & Sons, Inc.," Case Study. Eric Barger faces a big growth challenge. His primary product is concrete septic tanks. His product does not differ from his competitor's products. His business is not well known. He does not sell to the end user. His customers buy based primarily on price. His business has stopped growing and is not that profitable. His father has said the business must grow or it will be closed. Your assignment is to use the concepts you learned in the previous modules to create a growth plan for this business. For this assignment, please list all the growth ideas you can create for him to consider. Do not narrow his choices, but be realistic with your ideas. It will help you to think about growth options using the four ways to grow a business: improvements, innovation, scaling, and strategic acquisitions. A second way to think about his growth options is in functional business terms: product design; supply of raw materials; product manufacturing; product pricing and terms; product sales; delivery; customer service; technology; and marketing. Your end work should be a list of realistic growth ideas.

What's included

5 videos1 reading1 assignment

This is the final exam.

What's included

1 assignment

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.8 (82 ratings)
Edward D. Hess
University of Virginia
4 Courses88,903 learners

Offered by

Recommended if you're interested in Business Strategy

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Learner reviews

Showing 3 of 655

4.7

655 reviews

  • 5 stars

    80.30%

  • 4 stars

    16.18%

  • 3 stars

    1.98%

  • 2 stars

    0.91%

  • 1 star

    0.61%

CO
5

Reviewed on Apr 29, 2021

MR
5

Reviewed on Nov 7, 2015

AC
4

Reviewed on Aug 29, 2019

New to Business Strategy? Start here.

Placeholder

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

Advance your career with an online degree

Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy

Frequently asked questions