Avoid the pitfalls of strategy planning and execution with the tools and skills from this course. 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.
This course is part of the Business Strategy Specialization
Strategic Planning and Execution
Offered By
About this Course
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Learner Career Outcomes
50%
started a new career after completing these courses
33%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
12%
got a pay increase or promotion
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 ImplementationStrategy FormulationBusiness StrategyBusiness hypothesis testing
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
12 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.
8 videos (Total 40 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
8 videos
Strategic Analysis3m
Strategic Analysis: Steps 1-34m
Strategic Analysis: Step 45m
Strategist'sToolkit: Hypothesis Testing4m
Strategy Research8m
Strategy Analytics7m
Module Lessons1m
2 readings
Course Overview & Requirements10m
Get to Know Your Classmates in Discussion Forums10m
1 practice exercise
Strategy Analysis40m
Week
22 hours to complete
Strategy Formulation
This week you'll learn about how strategy gets set and implemented in organizations. You'll discuss factors key to effective strategy formulation--and common challenges and pitfalls of strategy execution. You'll explore four different approaches to strategy formulation and how governance ties into effective strategy formulation.
11 videos (Total 71 min), 1 quiz
11 videos
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
32 hours to complete
Strategy Implementation
We welcome Professor Scott Snell to the course this week! He's a global specialist in strategy execution, and he shares his 4A Model for effective strategy execution: alignment, ability, agility, and architecture. This framework will help you ensure the human and organizational resources are in place to effectively execute your strategy.
13 videos (Total 88 min), 1 quiz
13 videos
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
45 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.
14 videos (Total 87 min), 1 quiz
14 videos
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
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58 ReviewsTop reviews from Strategic Planning and Execution
I must recommend this to those who want to understand the Strategy Planning and its Execution. This course helps them a lot to understand the basic structure of developing a strategy.
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.
Instructors
Michael Lenox
Senior Associate Dean and Chief Strategy OfficerDarden School of Business
Jared Harris
Samuel L. Slover Research Chair in Business AdministrationDarden School of Business
Scott Snell
E. Thayer Bigelow Research Professor in Business AdministrationDarden School of Business
About 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.
About the Business Strategy Specialization
This Specialization covers both the dynamics and the global aspects of strategic management. With cases drawn from leading companies like Disney, Microsoft and Zappos, 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?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
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.
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Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
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