
University of Virginia
Skills you'll gain: Growth Strategies, Business Strategy, Strategic Thinking, Plan Execution, Mergers & Acquisitions, Competitive Analysis, Organizational Strategy, Business Ethics, Peer Review, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Corporate Strategy, Strategic Leadership, Business Planning, Strategic Decision-Making, Governance, Stakeholder Management, New Business Development, Business Research, Analysis, Project Management
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Virginia
Skills you'll gain: Business Strategy, Strategic Thinking, Competitive Analysis, Organizational Strategy, Business Planning, Strategic Decision-Making, Corporate Strategy, Market Analysis, Analysis, Value Propositions
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Business Strategy, Organizational Strategy, Strategic Leadership, Strategic Thinking, Business Modeling, Strategic Decision-Making, Competitive Analysis, Value Propositions, Market Analysis, Innovation, Analysis
Build toward a degree
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Duke University
Skills you'll gain: Digital Transformation, Agile Product Development, Market Trend, Operational Efficiency, Strategic Thinking, Customer Insights, Customer experience strategy (CX), Innovation, Market Opportunities, Business Strategy, Customer Engagement, Technology Strategies, New Product Development, Business Modeling, Business Technologies, Organizational Change, Business Strategies, Business Transformation, Competitive Analysis, Customer Analysis
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Virginia
Skills you'll gain: Business Strategy, Business Ethics, Corporate Strategy, Competitive Analysis, Strategic Thinking, Stakeholder Management, Innovation, Global Marketing, Stakeholder Analysis, International Finance, Growth Strategies, Strategic Decision-Making, Market Dynamics, Product Lifecycle Management, Mergers & Acquisitions
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of London
Skills you'll gain: Corporate Strategy, Business Strategy, Mergers & Acquisitions, Strategic Decision-Making, Growth Strategies, New Business Development, Business Valuation, Organizational Structure, Market Opportunities, Resource Allocation, Analysis
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Operations Management, Operational Efficiency, Financial Statement Analysis, Return On Investment, Accrual Accounting, Human Capital, Process Analysis, Branding, Financial Accounting, Marketing, Process Management, People Management, Strategic Marketing, Capital Budgeting, Financial Reporting, Finance, Peer Review, Project Design, Corporate Finance
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Virginia
Skills you'll gain: Intellectual Property, Digital Transformation, Business Modeling, Business Strategy, Technology Strategies, Innovation, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Value Propositions, Market Dynamics, Competitive Analysis, Computing Platforms, Emerging Technologies
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Copenhagen Business School
Skills you'll gain: Business Strategy, Business Planning, Case Studies, Strategic Decision-Making, Strategic Thinking, Plan Execution, Goal Setting, Resource Management, Organizational Strategy, Peer Review, Competitive Analysis, Strategic Leadership, Innovation, Organizational Structure, Strategic Planning, Market Analysis, Culture Transformation, Change Management, Business Strategies, Organizational Change
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Process Analysis, Business Process, Business Analysis, Workflow Management, Process Management, Process Flow Diagrams, Business Process Modeling, Stakeholder Management, Stakeholder Analysis, Computer Literacy
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

University of Virginia
Skills you'll gain: Growth Strategies, Mergers & Acquisitions, Business Strategy, New Business Development, Innovation, Organizational Strategy, Strategic Thinking, Market Dynamics, Competitive Analysis, Market Opportunities, Strategic Decision-Making, Business Valuation, Risk Management
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Miro AI, Value Propositions, Business Modeling, Product Development, Business Analysis, Business Process Modeling, Stakeholder Communications, Business Solutions, Presentations, Business Strategy, Strategic Thinking, Innovation, Entrepreneurship
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Business strategy refers to the plan and actions that a company takes to achieve its long-term goals and objectives. It encompasses the decisions made regarding resource allocation, market positioning, and competitive advantage. Understanding business strategy is crucial because it helps organizations navigate complex market environments, respond to changes, and ultimately drive growth and profitability. A well-defined business strategy aligns the efforts of all departments, ensuring that everyone is working towards common goals, which is essential for success in today's competitive landscape.
Careers in business strategy are diverse and can lead to various roles across industries. Common job titles include Business Analyst, Strategy Consultant, Product Manager, and Corporate Strategist. These positions often involve analyzing market trends, developing strategic plans, and making data-driven decisions to enhance business performance. Additionally, roles such as Operations Manager and Marketing Strategist also benefit from a strong foundation in business strategy, as they require an understanding of how to align operational activities with broader business goals.
To succeed in business strategy, several key skills are essential. Analytical skills are crucial for interpreting data and market trends. Strong communication skills help convey strategic ideas effectively to stakeholders. Additionally, problem-solving abilities are necessary for addressing challenges and identifying opportunities. Familiarity with financial principles and strategic frameworks can also enhance your effectiveness in this field. Learning to use tools for data analysis and project management can further empower you to implement strategies successfully.
There are numerous online courses available to help you learn about business strategy. Some of the best options include the Business Strategy Specialization and the Foundations of Business Strategy and Research Specialization. These courses cover essential concepts and provide practical insights into developing and executing effective business strategies, making them valuable resources for anyone looking to enhance their knowledge in this area.
Yes. You can start learning business strategy on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in business strategy, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
Learning business strategy can be approached through various methods. Start by enrolling in online courses that cover foundational concepts and advanced topics. Engage with case studies to see real-world applications of strategies. Additionally, reading books and articles on business strategy can provide deeper insights. Networking with professionals in the field and participating in discussions can also enhance your understanding and provide practical perspectives.
Business strategy courses typically cover a range of topics, including market analysis, competitive positioning, strategic planning, and performance measurement. You may also explore frameworks like SWOT analysis, Porter's Five Forces, and value chain analysis. Courses often include case studies, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, which is essential for developing a comprehensive understanding of how to formulate and implement effective strategies.
For training and upskilling employees in business strategy, courses like the Business Strategy and Value Creation In Action and Sustainable Business Strategy for Future Leaders Specialization are excellent choices. These programs focus on practical applications and strategic thinking, equipping employees with the skills needed to contribute effectively to their organizations' strategic initiatives.