Harvard University · edX
Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles
4.71,590 ratingsMobilize people to tackle tough problems and build the capacity to thrive through the dangers of change
Overview
Even a thoroughly developed business strategy may fail if you don't pay enough attention to its implementation. This rings particularly true with strategies based on innovation or implemented in complex or fast-changing environments.
In the 20th century successful implementation leveraged stability and typically proceeded through hierarchy and control. Today the key is to stay vibrant and able to quickly respond to trends in competition and technology while not losing sight of the strategic objective. In this course we'll build a toolbox of techniques to execute today's business strategies to help them succeed.
After completing this course, you'll be able to:
- Create objectives and goals to guide strategy implementation
- Identify organizational structures that fit particular strategies
- Understand how to leverage company culture in implementation
- Describe how to communicate the strategy so that the organization "gets" it
- Detect and mitigate risks to implementation
Syllabus 6
- Course Intro. Translating Strategy Into Goals and Metrics 2.5 hours
In this module we set the scene in strategy implementation and take a bird's-eye view of the course. We then dive into formulating actionable goals based on the strategy, good practices in creating metrics and setting objectives, and learn about two specific tools for deriving actionable, measurabl…
- Aligning Strategy and Organizational Structure 3.5 hours
The structure of your organization can be a good or poor fit to the strategy you are implementing. In this module we learn which choices of organizational structure are appropriate depending on your strategy.
- Communicating the Strategy within the Organization 4 hours
Getting communication right is crucial for successful implementation. In this module we find out how to communicate the strategy vertically, and how to facilitate collaboration and upward communication in the organization.
- Managing Resistance and Other Implementation Risks 2.5 hours
Strategy implementation is rarely an exercise in certainty. New strategies may cause concerns or resistance in the organization, or be vulnerable to other risks.
- Leveraging Organizational Culture 2.5 hours
Like structure, an organization's culture might be supportive or obstructive in implementation. In this module we define what culture is, learn how it can impact implementation, and explore when and how it can be changed.
- Power and Informal Networks. Course Ending 4 hours
The flatter the organization, the more likely are informal networks and power to matter in implementing a strategy. In this module we explore ways of using power and informal networks in the organization to facilitate strategy implementation. We then conclude the course and review the exam assignme…
Skills you'll practise
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Structured courses with graded quizzes, assignments and deadlines you can reset.
- A shareable certificate from the university or company when you pay.
- Financial aid is often approved for students in India (apply 15 days before you need it).
- Rated 4.6 out of 5 by 967 learners.
- Self-paced: start any time.
- A clear syllabus (6 parts) you can see before you start.
Disadvantages
- Paid after a 7-day free trial (Coursera Plus or per course).
- Some courses can be audited for free, but graded work and certificates need payment.
Some points apply to every course of this kind; see how we rank.
This course is paid. Here is how to take it for free
- Free trials: You can start a 7-day free trial for many individual courses, Specializations, or a Coursera Plus subscription to test full course features. Cancel before the seventh day if you do not want to be charged.
- Financial aid: If you cannot afford the fee for a certificate, you can apply for financial aid through the link on the course home page by filling out an application about your background and goals.
Taught by
- Nicolai PogrebnyakovAssociate Professor, Department of International Economics and Management
Copenhagen Business School is in Tier 3: good universities, respected companies, nonprofits and well-known teachers of our institution ranking (76/100).
Similar courses
Harvard University · edX
CS50's Introduction to Computer Science
An introduction to the intellectual enterprises of computer science and the art of programming.
Harvard University · edX
CS50's Introduction to Programming with Python
An introduction to programming using Python, a popular language for general-purpose programming, data science, web programming, and more.
Computer Science for Business Leaders, March 2016
A 2-day, in-person Professional Development Program at Harvard Division of Continuing Education. Slides at https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1e7LNtfdK42BDOcJBIB1eMw2QbQFg-7tlio1OCI6ldnE/edit?usp=sharing. Register at http://www.dce.harvard.edu/professional/programs/computer-science-business-lea…
Computer Science for Business Leaders - July 2016
In today’s digital economy, the demand for business managers with a comprehensive understanding of how technology systems work is skyrocketing. As the digital landscape rapidly evolves, executives who can apply high-level technology concepts and methods to complex business challenges—and join in th…
Columbia University · edX
Introduction to Corporate Finance
4.687 ratingsLearn key financial concepts for evaluating and valuing investment opportunities, including how to value stocks and bonds.