This course is part of the Business Strategy Specialization

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2,749 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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Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

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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.

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

4.83/5 (409 Ratings)

Michael Lenox

Senior Associate Dean and Chief Strategy Officer

Darden School of Business

378,855 Learners

20 Courses

Jared Harris

Samuel L. Slover Research Chair in Business Administration

Darden School of Business

172,361 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%(14,949 ratings)

Week

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 Analysis4m

Strategic Analysis4m

The Strategist's Challenge6m

Fundamental Principle of Business Strategy6m

Competitive Markets6m

A Little Calculus2m

Two Perspectives on Economic Rents7m

Module Lessons1m

Strategist's Toolkit: SWOT Analysis2m

Strategist's Toolkit: Competitor Analysis2m

Strategist's Toolkit: Environmental Analysis3m

5 readings

Course Overview10m

Course Requirements10m

Get to Know Your Classmates10m

Using the Discussion Forums10m

Begin the Competitive Position Assignment10m

1 practice exercise

Introduction to Strategic Analysis30m

Week

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 Structure5m

Threat of Entry, Part 19m

Threat of Entry, Part 24m

Threat of Substitutes10m

Bargaining Power of Buyers, Part 17m

Bargaining Power of Buyers, Part 26m

Bargaining Power of Suppliers5m

Intensity of Rivalry9m

Module Lessons3m

Strategist's Toolkit: Five Forces Analysis4m

1 reading

Reminder: Competitive Position Assignment10m

1 practice exercise

Analyzing Industry Structure30m

Week

Week 3

1 hour to complete

Analyzing Firm Capabilities

1 hour to complete

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

Week

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

613 reviews

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TOP REVIEWS FROM FOUNDATIONS OF BUSINESS STRATEGY

by SBApr 28, 2020

One should do this course for becoming more proficient on strategic analysis. This course will provide you the fundamentals of how to formulate strategy to gain competitive advantage.

by TMMay 1, 2018

This course is very helpful. It emanates from the strategist' mind. The way this course empowers a person is phenomenal. I personally learnt a lot with this course and hope to learn further as well.

by KSMay 21, 2020

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 .

by AMJun 10, 2020

It's a simple approach to business strategy and very ideal for people looking to learn more about business strategy. Either as a refresher course or if totally new to it. I would recommend it.

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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