Overview

This course develops advanced strategic analysis skills, covering markets, customer insights, organizational capabilities, and business ecosystems. Learners acquire tools to evaluate industry dynamics and build sustainable competitive advantage. It helps learners assess market structures, understand customer segmentation, and evaluate resources, capabilities, and routines. Real-world disruptions, like the COVID-19 pandemic, are examined to illustrate strategic decision-making. The course combines frameworks, case studies, and interactive quizzes, enabling learners to apply strategic concepts directly to practical business challenges. Ideal for business professionals, strategists, and students seeking advanced analysis skills. Some familiarity with business fundamentals is beneficial but not required. This course is part two of a three-course Specialization designed to provide a comprehensive learning pathway in this subject area. While it delivers standalone value and practical skills, learners seeking a more integrated and in-depth progression may benefit from completing the full Specialization. This Specialization is based on the book, Strategic Management, by Henk W. Volberda, Rick M. A. Hollen, Joana R. Pereira, Jatinder S. Sidhu, and Kevin Heij. Copyright ©2024 by Sage Publications Limited. All rights reserved, including rights for text and data mining and training of artificial technologies or similar technologies. Published by Sage Publications Limited, London. Used by arrangement with Sage Publications Limited.

Syllabus

Industry and Product-Market Analysis

This module guides learners through the process of analyzing industry and product-market boundaries, understanding market structures and life-cycle stages, and evaluating competitive forces and profit pools. By examining strategic groups and rivalry, students will gain practical tools to assess market attractiveness and competitive dynamics.

Customer Analysis

This module explores how organizations can strategically segment markets, assess segment viability, and leverage value discipline frameworks to gain a sustainable competitive edge. Learners will discover methods for identifying customer needs, evaluating market opportunities, and applying innovative approaches such as Blue Ocean thinking. By the end, participants will be equipped to make informed decisions about targeting and serving distinct customer groups.

Resources, Routines, Capabilities and Competencies

This module explores how organizations leverage resources, routines, capabilities, and competencies to adapt and thrive in changing environments. Learners will examine the role of dynamic capabilities and ad hoc problem solving in strategic decision-making, especially during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Through real-world cases, you'll gain insights into sustaining competitive advantage and organizational resilience.

Ecosystems and Platforms

This module explores the structure and dynamics of business ecosystems and digital platforms, focusing on modularity, network effects, and platform governance. Learners will examine how platforms differ from traditional pipeline businesses, the nature of competition within and between ecosystems, and strategies for sustainable growth. Key concepts include ecosystem emergence, interdependencies, and the factors driving winner-takes-all outcomes.