Overview

Google, IBM & Meta Certificates – 40% Off

One plan covers every Professional Certificate on Coursera.

This course introduces intuitive measurement techniques to tackle seemingly immeasurable concepts and provides insights into how to approach uncertainty with confidence. Learners will be guided through the process of quantifying uncertainty and challenging misconceptions about measurement. Key topics include defining and scaling measurements, the philosophical debates around risk, and methods for intuitive estimation. You’ll examine the foundational ideas of measuring intangibles, learn to clarify complex measurement problems, and understand how to confidently deal with ambiguity. The course presents real-world examples and thought-provoking quizzes to help learners gain clarity in their measurement journey. By the end of this course, you will be equipped with practical tools and clear reasoning to measure what others deem immeasurable. This course is part one 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 How to Measure Anything: Finding the Value of “Intangibles“ in Business, by Douglas W. Hubbard. From How to Measure Anything Copyright © 2014 by Douglas W. Hubbard. All rights reserved. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Syllabus

The Challenge of Intangibles

This module introduces practical strategies for quantifying intangible concepts, emphasizing the use of structured questions and quantitative tools. Learners will discover how to approach seemingly immeasurable topics and apply measurement techniques to real-world decision-making scenarios.

An Intuitive Measurement Habit: Eratosthenes, Enrico, and Emily

This module explores intuitive and experimental measurement techniques inspired by figures like Eratosthenes and Enrico Fermi. Learners will discover how to apply Fermi estimation and other practical approaches to solve real-world business problems, including measuring intangibles and estimating market opportunities.

The Illusion of Intangibles: Why Immeasurables Aren't

This module challenges common misconceptions about measuring intangible factors by exploring the concepts, objects, and methods of measurement. Learners will discover practical strategies for quantifying uncertainty, understand the value of small data samples, and critically assess objections related to cost, ethics, and the usefulness of statistics. By the end, participants will be equipped to approach 'immeasurables' with a new, evidence-based perspective.

Clarifying the Measurement Problem

This module explores how to define and clarify measurement problems in decision-making contexts. Learners will examine the impact of uncertainty, the importance of precise definitions, and the connection between measurements and actionable decisions. The module also distinguishes between risk and uncertainty and introduces a universal framework for effective measurement.