Foundations of Business Strategy course Syllabus

Overview: This course provides a clear, case-driven introduction to business strategy, designed for beginners. Over approximately 8–10 weeks, learners will build foundational strategic thinking skills through real-world cases and structured frameworks. Each module combines conceptual learning with practical analysis, requiring 2–3 hours per week. The course concludes with a final project applying strategic concepts to a real or hypothetical business context.

Module 1: Introduction to Business Strategy

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Define what strategy is—and what it is not
• Understand the importance of long-term strategic thinking
• Explore real-world examples of strategic success
• Analyze cases of strategic failure

Module 2: Industry Analysis and Competitive Advantage

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Learn how industry structure shapes firm performance
• Analyze competition, substitutes, and entry barriers
• Apply frameworks to assess industry profitability
• Evaluate sources of competitive advantage

Module 3: Strategic Positioning and Trade-offs

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Understand differentiation strategies
• Examine cost leadership approaches
• Explore focus strategies for niche markets
• Learn why trade-offs are essential for sustainable advantage

Module 4: Strategy Execution and Alignment

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Learn how strategy translates into execution
• Understand the role of leadership in strategic success
• Examine alignment of incentives and organizational structure
• Explore challenges in implementing strategy

Module 5: Strategic Thinking in Practice

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Apply strategic frameworks to real-world business cases
• Analyze strategic choices across industries
• Evaluate trade-offs in leadership decisions

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Select a company or create a business scenario
• Conduct industry and competitive analysis
• Develop and defend a strategic recommendation

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with basic business concepts
• No prior strategy experience required
• Willingness to engage with case studies and analytical thinking

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Understand core principles of business strategy and competitive advantage
• Analyze industries and competitors using proven strategic frameworks
• Develop and evaluate strategic positioning options
• Align strategy with execution, leadership, and organizational design
• Apply strategic thinking to real-world business challenges