Competitive Strategy and Organization Design Project

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/organization-strategy-project

Introduction

### Course Review: Competitive Strategy and Organization Design Project on Coursera **Overview** The *Competitive Strategy and Organization Design Project* offered on Coursera is a unique opportunity for learners to engage in a hands-on consulting experience by advising a real-world company. Designed to cap off a specialization in competitive strategy, this course takes theory into the realm of practice, allowing students to apply their academic knowledge to tangible business challenges. As part of the course, participants are presented with two specific questions from a partner company, and they must select one to address. Through thorough research, analysis, and synthesis, students develop strategic recommendations that can significantly impact the company in question. This course is not just about learning; it’s about delivering actionable insights to actual business scenarios. --- **Syllabus Breakdown** 1. **Get Started!** - This initial module sets the stage for the project. Students familiarize themselves with the partner company, its current challenges, and the overall structure of the capstone project. It revisits essential content from the preceding courses in the specialization and prepares students for the analytical tasks ahead. 2. **Milestone I – In-Depth Research** - Here, learners will dive into one of the consulting questions posed by the company. This module emphasizes robust research methodologies, critically evaluating data sources to ensure relevance and quality. While a three-page description of their research process and key findings is optional, it serves as a valuable feedback opportunity. 3. **Milestone II – Analysis** - Students compile and analyze their research findings in this module. The focus is on aggregating insights and determining the most effective way to present this information. Optional deliverables, such as graphical representations, encourage creative data visualization and peer feedback, further enriching the learning experience. 4. **Milestone III – Interpretation and Synthesis** - In this stage, learners interpret their findings through the lens of theoretical concepts covered in the specialization. This vital connection not only enhances understanding but can lead to new insights that sharpen the recommendations made to the partner company. 5. **Write and Finalize Your Final Report** - The penultimate week is dedicated to synthesizing all previous work into a polished consulting report. This document, which should thoroughly articulate findings and recommendations, is critical for showcasing students’ advisory capabilities. 6. **Submit Your Final Report and Learn from Your Peers** - The final task involves submitting the ten-page report along with 3-6 graphical aids. Students will also take part in peer reviews, enabling them to gain varied perspectives on similar analytical tasks and further refine their consultancy skills. --- **Why You Should Enroll** 1. **Real-World Application**: Unlike traditional learning, this course offers practical application of knowledge, giving you a taste of genuine business consulting. 2. **Skill Development**: The entire process, from research to report writing, helps hone essential skills such as critical thinking, data analysis, and strategic communication, which are invaluable in the competitive job market. 3. **Peer Interaction**: The course structure encourages interaction with fellow students, promoting the exchange of diverse ideas and analytical approaches. Collaborating with peers through feedback rounds enriches the learning experience. 4. **Professional Networking**: Engaging with a partner company helps establish connections with industry professionals, which can be beneficial for future job prospects. 5. **Tangible Deliverables**: Completing the project results in a comprehensive report that can be added to your portfolio, showcasing your expertise in competitive strategy and organizational design. --- **Final Recommendation** The *Competitive Strategy and Organization Design Project* on Coursera is an essential course for those looking to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application in the field of business strategy. Whether you are a student, a recent graduate, or a professional seeking to enhance your consultancy skills, this course provides a rigorous, hands-on experience that will set you apart in the competitive landscape. I highly recommend enrolling in this course to not only solidify your knowledge but also to gain invaluable insights that can propel your career forward.

Syllabus

Get Started!

This section will prepare you for your capstone project. You will get to know our partner company and learn about current issues they are facing. Throughout the capstone project you are asked to analyze one of the consulting report questions posed by the company and write a report giving recommendations to the company. Your final report will be forwarded to the company. This week is supposed to give you the possibility to revise relevant content from the three courses in the specialization, to learn about the partner company and their questions and to get familiar with the capstone project and what is to expect in the upcoming weeks.

Milestone I – In-Depth Research

In this module you will focus on one of the questions posed by the company and collect relevant information for answering the question. You will learn how to work yourself through various sources of data and to evaluate their quality and relevance for the topic at hand. At the end of the module you have the chance to share your work by handing in a three-page description of your method, sources and key findings. This is an optional peer reviewed assignment and it will not count towards the final grade. However it presents a great opportunity for you to receive feedback and improve your industry project.

Milestone II - Analysis

After having identified relevant data sources and information in the previous week, you will analyze your findings this week. You will work to combine, aggregate and analyze information from various sources and try to find the most appropriate way to present your insights. As in the previous module you have the opportunity to share your work by handing in a one-page description and four graphical representations of your findings. This assignment is again optional, yet provides a great opportunity to receive feedback that can help you to improve your final project.

Milestone III – Interpretation and Synthesis

In this module you will interpret and relate your findings from the last two modules to the theoretical concepts you have learned throughout the three specialization courses. This ideally leads to additional insights for answering the analyzed question. If you are interested in receiving feedback, you have the option to hand in a two-page interpretation of your findings, in which you relate them to relevant theoretical concepts.

Write and Finalize your Final Report

In the fifth week, you will work on and finalize your final assignment. Based on your work from the previous weeks you will write a consulting report for the partner company and develop recommendations for them on how to deal with the specific question at hand. In this week, there is no additional quiz or voluntary peer-review as you should focus on working on your final report that is due in the next week.

Submit your Final Report and Learn from Your Peers

In this final module, you will submit your final report and review the reports submitted by your peers.The submission of the final assignment is compulsory for passing the course. The final assignment is a report for the company that summarizes your in-depth research on the question, analysis and interpretation. After the summary of the project, the report is supposed to give recommendations for the company on how to deal with the investigated issue. The final report is supposed to comprise ten pages. Additionally, 3-6 graphical representations or tables of the findings must be attached to the report. After you have submitted your report, you will be asked to review reports from your peers. This will allow you to see different approaches to analyze the same question and will be an excellent opportunity to gather ideas for your future projects.