Master Class for Corporate Entrepreneurs

University of Maryland, College Park via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/corporate-entrepreneurship-project

Introduction

### Course Review: Master Class for Corporate Entrepreneurs on Coursera In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, innovation is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Established companies are often tasked with rejuvenating their offerings and agility through pioneering corporate ventures. One course that stands out in preparing professionals for this challenge is the **Master Class for Corporate Entrepreneurs**, offered on Coursera. This comprehensive course not only serves as the final project for the Corporate Entrepreneurship Specialization but also caters to experienced professionals eager to dive into opportunity analysis, business modeling, and corporate finance. #### Course Overview The **Master Class for Corporate Entrepreneurs** is meticulously designed for participants to develop a proposal that embodies their entrepreneurial spirit within a corporate framework. Through engaging modules and project-based learning, you are equipped with the necessary resources and tools to navigate the complex world of corporate entrepreneurship. Whether you are a final stage student or a seasoned professional, this course offers practical insights that can be applied directly to your corporate environment. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Identifying and Analyzing the Opportunity**: The course kicks off by immersing participants in the process of opportunity analysis. Through readings and re-purposed video lectures from companion courses, you will learn to identify potential market gaps and threats that established businesses face. This foundational knowledge is crucial for anyone looking to spearhead innovation within their organization. 2. **Building the Business Model**: As you transition into the second module, you'll engage in an interactive exercise utilizing the Business Model Canvas. This invaluable tool helps you conceptualize and articulate the nine critical components of a business model, including customer segments, value propositions, and revenue streams. Mastery of these elements is essential for any corporate venture aiming to thrive in competitive environments. 3. **Crafting Strategies for Innovation Initiatives**: In this module, emphasis is placed on understanding organizational dynamics that can either enable or hinder new ventures. The insights garnered here are instrumental for those who need to navigate corporate politics and rally support for innovative ideas. Learning to overcome resistance is a key takeaway that will serve you long after the course ends. 4. **Building the Proposal**: The final module culminates in the development of a comprehensive business case. You'll gain knowledge in securing and managing funding—demystifying complex financial concepts related to accounting and investment. This skillset is invaluable for those seeking to turn their innovative ideas into actionable corporate strategies. #### Why You Should Take This Course - **Practical Application**: The project-based nature of the course means you won’t just be consuming information; you will actively apply what you learn to real-world scenarios, making your experience immediately relevant. - **Expert Guidance**: The course features lectures from seasoned professionals and professors in the field of entrepreneurship, ensuring that you receive insights grounded in current industry practices. - **Networking Opportunities**: Engaging with peers in the course provides a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, opening doors for collaboration and idea-sharing. - **Flexible Learning**: Coursera’s platform allows you to proceed at your own pace, making it easier to fit this course into your busy schedule. #### Final Recommendation If you're a corporate professional looking to ignite your entrepreneurial spirit within your organization, the **Master Class for Corporate Entrepreneurs** is a must-take course. Its structured approach, combined with practical insights and guidance, equips you to create impactful corporate ventures that can drive innovation within your business. Whether as the capstone experience for the Corporate Entrepreneurship Specialization or as a standalone learning opportunity, this course is a valuable addition to your professional growth. Embrace the journey of corporate entrepreneurship and take the next step towards transforming business challenges into innovative solutions.

Syllabus

Identifying and Analyzing the Opportunity

Welcome to the Master Class for Corporate Entrepreneurs. This project-based course is designed to provide you with the resources and tools you need to develop a proposal for your corporate venture. Please study the readings below, which provide you with the materials and resources that you need to complete a successful proposal. We've also re-posted select video lectures from our companion corporate entrepreneurship courses to assist with your development of the new corporate venture proposal.

Building the Business Model

This module challenges you to develop and apply the Business Model Canvas tool to scope a corporate challenge or opportunity. You will learn how to identify and communicate the nine elements of a business model: Customer Segments, Value Propositions, Channels, Customer Relationships, Revenue Streams, Key Resources, Key Activities, Key Partners, and Cost Structure.

Crafting Strategies for Innovation Initiatives

This modules focuses on enhancing your understanding of how an internal venture is organized, and how to overcome resistance to your new venture ideas within the company.

Building the Proposal

This module improves your understanding of how to secure and manage funding for your corporate venture. We will demystify key accounting and financing concepts to give corporate entrepreneurs a guide to developing the business case for their ideas, and securing funding to translate ideas into reality.