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Business Essentials: The Complete Enterprise Toolkit - I
Upon completion of this programme, you will develop fluency in the fundamental frameworks andanalytical tools needed to effectively assess an organisation's strategic landscape. Through ablend of theoretical exploration and practical application, you'll gain the ability to develop insightfulstrategic recommendations for organisational success. Additionally, you will develop theknowledge and skills to analyse and improve how work is performed in your organisation.
Module 1: Business Strategy
In Unit 1, you will explore key strategic frameworks that guide decision-making in dynamic business environments. You will examine PESTEL, Five Forces, and VRIO analyses to assess an organisation’s external landscape, industry competition, and internal resources. Through practical exercises, you will develop the ability to critically evaluate external influences and internal capabilities. Finally, you will integrate these insights with creative thinking to formulate strategic recommendations, equipping you for more independent analysis and decision-making.
In Unit 2, you will apply strategic frameworks to analyse a real-world industry and organisation. Focusing on the e-bike sector, you will conduct a comprehensive PESTEL analysis to identify key external factors shaping the industry. You will evaluate the competitive landscape using the Five Forces framework, assessing market dynamics such as rivalry, supplier and buyer power, and potential disruptions from new entrants and substitutes. Additionally, you will examine an example organisation’s unique strengths through a VRIO analysis to determine its competitive advantage. Finally, you will integrate research and creative thinking to develop strategic recommendations for a critical business decision.
Module 2: Operations Management
In Unit 1, you will explore the fundamentals of operations management and its critical role in organisational success. You will learn how to develop an effective operations strategy and analyse internal processes to drive efficiency. The module will introduce key methodologies, including lean management principles, to help identify waste and optimise workflows. Through practical tools such as the eight wastes framework, the 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams, and PICK charts, you will gain the skills to uncover root causes of inefficiencies and implement targeted improvements. By the end of the module, you will be equipped to enhance operational performance and create lasting value within your organisation.
In Unit 2, you will apply key operations management concepts to real-world processes, deepening your understanding of strategy, process analysis, and improvement. You will explore the importance-performance matrix, a valuable tool for aligning operational priorities with customer value. Through hands-on exercises, you will conduct your own importance-performance analysis and develop practical solutions to enhance efficiency. Finally, you will integrate your learning by identifying and improving a problematic process - whether from your own workplace or customer experience - encouraging critical thinking and practical problem-solving in operational decisionmaking.
Programme Learning Outcomes
By the end of the programme, you will be able to:
Curriculum Disclaimer
Please note that this course curriculum is provisional. As part of our commitment to continuously enhancing the learning experience, there may be changes made to the course content before or during your enrolment to reflect the latest industry insights and best practices.
What to Expect
Course Format and Learning Approach
You will engage in a dynamic, interactive learning experience designed to fit into your schedule. This online course requires 25 hours of total learning time, including content exploration, activities, research, and assessments. You will progress at your own pace while benefitting from structured guidance and a live session related to current research in the business world that reinforces key concepts. Our approach is practical and application-focused, ensuring that you develop skills you can use immediately. Through interactive exercises, scenario-based assessments, and critical reflection, you will engage with the content in a way that deepens your understanding and enhances realworld problem-solving abilities.
Course Structure and Learning Activities
You will progress through a structured learning pathway that includes:
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Blended learning experience: Most of your learning will take place asynchronously, allowing flexibility while maintaining engagement through structured activities. You will also participate in one live session, where you will interact with an expert to discuss key themes and enhance your understanding.
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Practical scenario-based learning: You will work through real-world scenarios that help you apply knowledge effectively, improving retention and problem-solving skills.
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Formative assessments: You will track your progress and reinforce key concepts through regular quizzes, self-assessments, and knowledge checks. You will also work on interactive and applied exercises, such as case studies, digital tool evaluations, and critical reflections, ensuring building practical competencies. AI literacy activities develop the ethical and effective use of AI technologies across various business applications, enhancing decision-making and innovation.
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Engagement with peer-reviewed journals: You will read peer-reviewed research to gain a strong theoretical foundation alongside practical applications.
Assessment & Application
To ensure you can apply what you’ve learned, you will complete:
This course structure is designed to keep you engaged, enhance knowledge retention, and buildthe skills necessary to excel in your field. With an evidence-based learning approach, you willgain both the theoretical understanding and hands-on skills necessary to make an impact.
Who you’ll learn from
Our programme faculty brings together thought leaders from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, to facilitate rapid application of theory to practice.
Academic Directors
Tom Lawrence
Professor of Strategic Management, Saïd Business School
University of Oxford
