Grow to Greatness: Smart Growth for Private Businesses, Part II

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/uva-darden-smart-growth-strategy-2

Introduction

**Course Review: Grow to Greatness: Smart Growth for Private Businesses, Part II** **Introduction** In the landscape of private business, navigating growth is both an exciting and daunting challenge. "Grow to Greatness: Smart Growth for Private Businesses, Part II," developed by the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia, specifically targets entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to address the human resource challenges that come with substantial growth. Under the tutelage of esteemed faculty, this course provides invaluable insights, practical knowledge, and effective strategies to foster a thriving business environment. **Course Overview** The course is structured to cater to those who are ready to take their business to the next level, emphasizing that prior completion of Part I is not necessary. This makes it an excellent standalone option for entrepreneurs who are ready to dive deeper into the practicalities of growth. The curriculum is divided into modules, each exploring different facets of growth management, from personal development as an entrepreneur to the systematic requirements for organizational success. The readings and case studies provide real-world context, ensuring that learners can relate the concepts back to their own experiences. **Module Highlights** 1. **The Entrepreneur Must Grow Too!**: This introductory module emphasizes the importance of personal growth alongside business expansion. The insights derived from Edward D. Hess's case study on Barbara Lynch Gruppo illuminate the transformative journey of an entrepreneur, encouraging self-reflection and resilience. 2. **The Secret of High Performance is High Employee Engagement**: This module focuses on the critical role employee engagement plays in achieving high performance. The case study on Trilogy Health Services illustrates best practices in creating a service-oriented culture. Understanding this concept equips business leaders with the tools to nurture a motivated workforce. 3. **Growth is Much More Than a Strategy—It Requires a System**: Often, businesses overlook the systemic changes needed to support growth. This module pivots from traditional strategic planning to a holistic view of growth as an interconnected system. Hess's case study on Room & Board reinforces this concept, allowing learners to think beyond mere tactics. 4. **Building a Senior Management Team**: The importance of a cohesive senior management team cannot be overstated. The required reading on SecureWorks provides strategies for assembling a robust team capable of steering the company through growth phases. 5. **Final Exam**: The course culminates in a final exam that assesses the knowledge and skills gained throughout the modules, ensuring learners can effectively apply what they have learned in real-world scenarios. **Recommendation** I highly recommend "Grow to Greatness: Smart Growth for Private Businesses, Part II" for entrepreneurs, business owners, and managers eager to refine their approach to growth. The combination of scholarly insights from the top-ranked faculty at Darden and practical case studies provides a comprehensive learning experience. This course is not just about theoretical knowledge; it is tailored to equip participants with actionable strategies that can be implemented immediately. The lessons learned will foster personal growth as a leader while also empowering you to build an engaged workforce and a sustainable business system. Whether you are looking to overcome specific growth challenges or seeking to elevate your overall strategic capabilities, this course is a well-structured and invaluable resource. In conclusion, if you are serious about scaling your business effectively and are prepared to face the nuances of human resources in a growth context, enrolling in this course is a step in the right direction. Take your business from good to great with the insightful teachings from "Grow to Greatness: Smart Growth for Private Businesses, Part II."

Syllabus

Course Overview

Start here!

This week will look at the role of the entrepreneur in growing a business. The required reading is Edward D. Hess, “Barbara Lynch Gruppo: An Entrepreneurial Journey,” Case Study. There are two optional readings “Global Medical Imaging, LLC” and “Growth is the Dynamic Confluence of Strategy” in this module also.

The required reading for this module is “Trilogy Health Services, LLC: Building a Great Service Company” by Gosia Glinkska and Edward D. Hess. There is an optional reading also: “Leaders Bank: Creating A Great Place To Work” Case Study.

The required reading is Edward D. Hess, “Room & Board” Case Study. The second required reading is “Growth Is Much More Than Just A Strategy: It’s A System.”

The required reading is “SecureWorks.”

This is the final exam.