In this course, you will develop your ability to think strategically, analyze the competitive environment, and recommend firm positioning and value creation. We will 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 including SWOT, Competitor, Environmental, Five Forces, and Capabilities Analyses.
The Strategist's Challenge
The Strategist's Challenge
This course is part of IBM & Darden Digital Strategy Specialization
Instructors: Jared Harris
5,571 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7
(65 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
5 hours to complete
3 weeks at 1 hour a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Develop your ability to think strategically, analyze the competitive environment, and recommend firm positioning and value creation
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
4 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the IBM & Darden Digital Strategy Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 4 modules in this course
In this module, we'll discuss what we mean by business strategy and why it's important to an organization's competitive positioning. You'll learn about the strategic analysis and the SWOT, competitor, and environmental analysis tools and then have an opportunity to apply two of these tools in the Google case study. Enjoy learning!
What's included
10 videos1 assignment
In this module, we'll explore how to assess an industry's structure and how the competitive dynamics in an industry affect profitability. We'll go into depth with the five forces tool, a common and highly influential analytical framework that helps you understand key factors that shape the nature of competition in a specific industry environment. You'll get a chance to apply this tool in the Redhook case study. Enjoy analyzing!
What's included
10 videos1 assignment
In this module, we'll examine the tangible and intangible assets that form an organization's strength. We'll show you in depth how to complete a capabilities analysis and how to use this analysis to guide decision making. You'll get a chance to apply this tool in the Apple case study to clarify the major activities, skills, and resources that drive value to Apple's customers. Happy analyzing!
What's included
8 videos1 assignment
In this module, 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 the easy and intuitive strategy maps tool to develop an at-a-glance communication about firm positioning. This visual approach will help spark discussion about drivers of positioning and help you determine the best approach for your firm. You will have a chance to deepen your understanding of how to utilize this tool in the Piaggio case study.
What's included
7 videos1 assignment
Instructors
Instructor ratings
4.7 (16 ratings)
Recommended if you're interested in Leadership and Management
University of Michigan
University of Virginia
Macquarie University
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU)
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
4.7
65 reviews
- 5 stars
78.78%
- 4 stars
15.15%
- 3 stars
4.54%
- 2 stars
0%
- 1 star
1.51%
Showing 3 of 65
HF
4
Reviewed on Aug 31, 2022
Excellent topics and great introduction.
CA
5
Reviewed on Feb 18, 2023
This course is equipped me to get a new job at a new company. Thanks Coursera for this course.
DA
5
Reviewed on Feb 20, 2024
Very insightful on business strategy. Very practical to implement at my workplace.
New to Leadership and Management? Start here.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ 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
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.
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.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.