This course is part of the Business Strategy Specialization

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Michael Lenox +2 more instructors

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Business Strategy SpecializationUniversity of Virginia

About this Course

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Avoid the pitfalls of strategy planning and execution with the tools and skills from this course. In this course, developed at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and taught by top-ranked faculty, you'll learn the pillars of strategy execution--analysis, formulation, and implementation--and how to use the 4A model to effectively approach strategy execution. Finally, a panel of leaders from entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and industry, share their expertise gleaned from years of successful strategy planning and execution.

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Course 4 of 5 in the

Business Strategy Specialization

Approx. 11 hours to complete

English

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What you will learn

How to connect strategic analysis to strategy execution using hypothesis testing to unearth key assumptions and assess their validity
Four different approaches to strategy formulation and how governance ties into effective strategy formulation
Use the 4A Model for effective strategy execution to ensure appropriate human and organizational resources are in place
Tips from industry experts for successful strategy development and execution

Skills you will gain

Strategy Implementation
Strategy Formulation
Business Strategy
Business hypothesis testing

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.

Course 4 of 5 in the

Business Strategy Specialization

Approx. 11 hours to complete

English

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

Try Coursera for Business

Instructors

Instructor rating

4.83/5 (98 Ratings)

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%(3,139 ratings)

Week

Week 1

2 hours to complete

Strategy Analysis

This week, you'll connect strategic analysis to strategy execution. You'll walk through a series of questions to frame your analysis and ground your approach using the strategist's toolkit--and you'll learn a new tool, Hypothesis Testing, to unearth key assumptions related to choosing a strategy and assessing the validity of those assumptions. You'll also review data sources and how to "make the data speak" to guide your strategy decisions.

2 hours to complete

8 videos (Total 40 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz

Week

Week 2

2 hours to complete

Strategy Formulation

2 hours to complete

11 videos (Total 71 min)

11 videos

Pillars of Strategy Execution3m

Strategy in Organizations7m

Strategy Formulation: The Strategic War Room7m

Strategy Formulation: Rapid Prototyping4m

Strategy Formulation: Design Thinking6m

Strategy Formulation: Business Model Canvas7m

Corporate Governance8m

The Human Factor9m

Common Strategy Execution Mistakes7m

Key Strategy Execution Questions4m

Module Lessons4m

1 practice exercise

Strategy Formulation40m

Week

Week 3

2 hours to complete

Strategy Implementation

2 hours to complete

13 videos (Total 88 min)

13 videos

The Importance of Strategy Execution6m

The 4A Model of Strategy Execution7m

Introduction to Alignment6m

Achieving Alignment8m

Introduction to Ability9m

Investing in Talent9m

Introduction to Architecture6m

How Architecture Drives Performance8m

Architecture Best Practices4m

Introduction to Agility6m

Agility through Organizational Learning6m

Agility through Unity and Fluidity5m

Module Lessons2m

1 practice exercise

Strategy Implementation40m

Week

Week 4

5 hours to complete

Practical Perspectives

This week we welcome guest speakers from a range of industries, from startups to nonprofits, to share their expertise from years of successful strategy development and execution. They'll communicate their best tips to help you develop your strategist's toolkit. We're also fortunate to be joined by Darden's Dean Scott Beardsley, whose 26 years with McKinsey informs the concrete tips he shares to improve strategy development and execution.

5 hours to complete

14 videos (Total 87 min)

14 videos

Welcome to Our Guest Speakers45s

Shannon Smith, CEO Abundant Power2m

Byrne Murphy, DigiPlex9m

Carolyn Miles, Save the Children8m

Rick Edmunds, Strategy& PwC10m

Bob Hugin, Celgene7m

Rick Paschal, Darden '895m

Sunil Ghatnekar, The Coca-Cola Company2m

Jerry Peng, Tranlin, Inc.10m

Dean Scott Beardsley: Background2m

Dean Scott Beardsley: Perspective14m

Dean Scott Beardsley: Process6m

Dean Scott Beardsley: Advice4m

Conclusion38s

Reviews

4.7

137 reviews

5 stars
78.35%
4 stars
17.28%
3 stars
3.52%
2 stars
0.50%
1 star
0.33%

TOP REVIEWS FROM STRATEGIC PLANNING AND EXECUTION

by AJun 15, 2020

Very informative course, the strategic tools and the knowledge and experience it provides from professionals in the industry is comprehensive.

by KBJun 29, 2020

A decent course. Though, this course didn't have any frameworks to learn. Also, this course was mostly theory, void of practical knowledge this time. Still a good enough course.

by LVApr 17, 2016

Great course, very practical and useful. You can really apply it in real life situations. I like the fact that you brought in Darden graduates.

by SAMar 21, 2021

Very well structured course..very useful tools. A sample template or strategy would have nailed it and bring everything home..

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.
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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Strategic Planning and Execution

About this Course

What you will learn

Skills you will gain

Instructors

Michael Lenox

Jared Harris

Scott Snell

Offered by

University of Virginia

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Strategy Analysis

Strategy Formulation

Strategy Implementation

Practical Perspectives

Reviews

TOP REVIEWS FROM STRATEGIC PLANNING AND EXECUTION

About the Business Strategy Specialization

Frequently Asked Questions

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Strategic Planning and Execution

About this Course

What you will learn

Skills you will gain

Instructors

Michael Lenox

Jared Harris

Scott Snell

Offered by

University of Virginia

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Strategy Analysis

Strategy Formulation

Strategy Implementation

Practical Perspectives

Reviews

TOP REVIEWS FROM STRATEGIC PLANNING AND EXECUTION

About the Business Strategy Specialization

Frequently Asked Questions

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Start or advance your career

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