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

About this course: This course focuses on the common growth challenges faced by existing private businesses when they attempt to grow substantially.

Created by:  University of Virginia

• Taught by:  Edward D. Hess, Professor of Business Administration

  Darden School of Business

Commitment 7 weeks of study, 1-3 hours/week Language English, Subtitles: Spanish, Russian How To Pass Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. User Ratings 4.7 stars Average User Rating 4.7See what learners said 课程作业

每门课程都像是一本互动的教科书，具有预先录制的视频、测验和项目。

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University of Virginia A premier institution of higher education, The University of Virginia offers outstanding academics, world-class faculty, and an inspiring, supportive environment. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University is guided by his vision of discovery, innovation, and development of the full potential of students from all walks of life. Through these courses, global learners have an opportunity to study with renowned scholars and thought leaders.

Syllabus


WEEK 1


Course Overview
This module introduces the course.


1 video, 1 reading expand

1. Video: Welcome to the Class!
2. 阅读: Resources

WEEK 2


The Truth About Growth



This module presents an overview of growth in business with common myths and truths. There is a required reading: Edward D. Hess, "Growth is the Dynamic Confluence of Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Values." An option case study reading on Eyebobs Eyeware, Inc is also available. Please visit the Eyebobs website at https://www.eyebobs.com and think about whether Julie's vision and customer value proposition connects with you. What do you like about the site? What do you dislike? Why is her website so important to her business? What should Julie do to keep her website "fresh"?


8 videos, 1 reading expand

1. Video: Myths About Growth
2. Video: The Eyebobs Conversation
3. Video: Growth Research
4. Video: A Realistic View of Growth
5. Video: A Growths Risk Assessment Tool
6. 阅读: Resources
7. Video: Julie Allinson Interview: Intro
8. Video: Julie Allinson Interview
9. Video: Julie Allinson Interview: Conclusion

Graded: The Truth About Growth

WEEK 3


Feller's Gourmet Workshop
This module presents an series of questions to discover if you are ready for growth. The required reading is by Edward D. Hess, 3 Fellers Bakery, Case Study.


3 videos, 1 reading expand

1. Video: Workshop: Part 1 Feller's Gourmet - Ready for Growth?
2. Video: Workshop: Part 2 Feller's Gourmet - Growth Analysis
3. Video: Workshop: Part 3 Feller's Gourmet - Growth Decision
4. 阅读: Resources

Graded: Feller's Gourmet Workshop

WEEK 4


The 4 P's



This module presents the four P's of growing a business: planning, prioritization, pace and processes. The four ways to grow your business are improvements, innovations, scaling, and strategic acquisitions. The required reading is Edward D. Hess, "Defender Direct, Inc.: A Business of Growing Leaders," Case Study.


7 videos, 1 reading expand

1. Video: The Infrastructure of Growing a Business: Planning, Prioritization, Pace and Processes
2. Video: Defender Direct Case Study
3. Video: Defender Direct: Planning, Prioritization, Pace and Processes
4. Video: Prioritization: What, Whom, and Why? Where is the biggest fire?
5. 阅读: Resources
6. Video: Processes: 99% Defect Free On Time Delivery to Customers
7. Video: Pacing Growth: Controlling Your Gas Pedal
8. Video: Defender Direct Interview with Dave Lindsey

Graded: The 4 P's

WEEK 5


Four Ways to Grow a Business
This module reviews the four ways to grow a business. The required reading is Edward D. Hess, Sanju Jacob and Monidipa Mukherjee,"Enchanting Travels," Case Study. Enchanting travels can be found at http://www.enchantingtravels.com.


8 videos, 1 reading expand

1. Video: How to Scale Your Business with Enchanting Travels Case Study
2. Video: Customer Value Proposition
3. Video: Enchanting Travels Case Study: Processes
4. Video: Improving Your Business and Franchise Opportunities
5. 阅读: Resources
6. Video: Learning Companies: Innovating in Your Business
7. Video: Scaling: Planning, Processes, Outsourcing, and Ways to Grow Your Business
8. Video: Strategic Acquisitions
9. Video: Enchanting Travels Interview with Parik Laxminarayan

Graded: Four Ways to Grow a Business

WEEK 6


Creating a Growth Plan



This module dives into the logistics of creating a growth plan for Barger & Sons, Inc. The required reading is Edward D. Hess, "C.R. Barger & Sons, Inc.," Case Study. Eric Barger faces a big growth challenge. His primary product is concrete septic tanks. His product does not differ from his competitor's products. His business is not well known. He does not sell to the end user. His customers buy based primarily on price. His business has stopped growing and is not that profitable. His father has said the business must grow or it will be closed. Your assignment is to use the concepts you learned in the previous modules to create a growth plan for this business. For this assignment, please list all the growth ideas you can create for him to consider. Do not narrow his choices, but be realistic with your ideas. It will help you to think about growth options using the four ways to grow a business: improvements, innovation, scaling, and strategic acquisitions. A second way to think about his growth options is in functional business terms: product design; supply of raw materials; product manufacturing; product pricing and terms; product sales; delivery; customer service; technology; and marketing. Your end work should be a list of realistic growth ideas.


5 videos, 1 reading expand

1. Video: Growing a Business that has Commodity Products
2. Video: Eric Barger's Growth Plan
3. 阅读: Resources
4. Video: Review for Final Exam
5. Video: The Entrepreneurs' Way of Life
6. Video: Be Good, Do Good - Giving Thanks

Graded: Creating a Growth Plan

WEEK 7


Final Exam
This is the final exam.

Graded: Final Exam