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Updated in [March 09th, 2023]
This course, Analysis of Business Problems, provides an opportunity for students to apply the business tools they have learned throughout the specialization to a real business problem. Students will learn a six-step analysis of business problems methodology and will be able to weave together considerations from accounting, finance, marketing and organizational behavior in order to arrive at a sound decision that will positively impact the firm’s future. The culminating course will focus on the dilemma of GAS GAS, an off-road motorcycle manufacturer, and how to increase the bottom line while maintaining brand sustainability and profitability.
[Applications]
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to apply the six-step analysis of business problems methodology to real-world business scenarios. They will be able to identify the key elements of a business problem, analyze the data, and develop a solution that will positively impact the firm's future. Additionally, students will be able to use the tools and techniques learned throughout the specialization to make informed decisions that will increase the bottom line while maintaining brand sustainability and profitability.
[Career Paths]
1. Business Analyst: Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing data and developing strategies to improve the efficiency and profitability of a business. They use their knowledge of business processes and data analysis techniques to identify areas of improvement and develop solutions. As businesses become increasingly data-driven, the demand for Business Analysts is expected to grow.
2. Financial Analyst: Financial Analysts are responsible for analyzing financial data and making recommendations to improve the financial performance of a business. They use their knowledge of financial markets and economic trends to identify potential investments and develop strategies to maximize returns. With the increasing complexity of financial markets, the demand for Financial Analysts is expected to remain strong.
3. Marketing Analyst: Marketing Analysts are responsible for analyzing customer data and developing strategies to increase sales and market share. They use their knowledge of consumer behavior and market trends to identify potential opportunities and develop campaigns to reach target audiences. As businesses become increasingly reliant on digital marketing, the demand for Marketing Analysts is expected to grow.
4. Organizational Behavior Analyst: Organizational Behavior Analysts are responsible for analyzing organizational data and developing strategies to improve employee engagement and productivity. They use their knowledge of organizational dynamics and human behavior to identify areas of improvement and develop solutions. As businesses become increasingly focused on employee engagement, the demand for Organizational Behavior Analysts is expected to increase.
[Education Paths]
1. Bachelor of Business Administration: This degree provides a comprehensive overview of business principles and practices, including accounting, finance, marketing, and organizational behavior. It is a great choice for those looking to gain a broad understanding of the business world and develop the skills needed to succeed in a variety of roles. The degree is also becoming increasingly popular as more employers recognize the value of a well-rounded business education.
2. Master of Business Administration: This degree is designed for those looking to take their business knowledge to the next level. It provides a deeper dive into the complexities of the business world, with courses in strategy, operations, and analytics. It is a great choice for those looking to move into leadership roles or pursue a career in consulting. With the rise of technology, the MBA is also becoming increasingly popular as employers seek out candidates with the skills to manage digital transformation.
3. Master of Science in Management: This degree is designed for those looking to specialize in a particular area of business. It provides a more focused approach to business education, with courses in areas such as data analytics, supply chain management, and digital marketing. It is a great choice for those looking to develop a more specialized skill set and pursue a career in a specific field.
4. Master of Science in Business Analytics: This degree is designed for those looking to specialize in data analytics. It provides a comprehensive overview of data analysis techniques, with courses in areas such as machine learning, predictive analytics, and data visualization. It is a great choice for those looking to develop the skills needed to make data-driven decisions and pursue a career in data science. With the rise of big data, the MSBA is becoming increasingly popular as employers seek out candidates with the skills to make sense of large datasets.
Course Syllabus
Course Overview and Week 1-Analysis of Business Problems: Capstone
Welcome! Before you start today's videos, please have a look at the syllabus. In this first session, I’ll introduce you to IESE’s six-step Analysis of Business Problems (ABP) methodology. This methodology is a very useful tool to help managers in their principal responsibility: making decisions. Because most business problems involve financial, technical and human issues, they are by nature complex. No matter how much thought you put into it, there is no “correct solution” and certainly no guarantee that your decision will yield the desired outcomes. Learning this six-step methodology is therefore a great help to many mangers as they take on their decision-making challenges, such as the one that GAS GAS faces. Objectives: To give learners a relevant and effective tool to make managerial decisions.Week 2: GAS GAS Marketing Problem
Now that you understand a bit of the history of GAS GAS, it’s time to analyze the situation from a marketing perspective. The decision to manufacture bikes for KTM will undoubtedly have an impact on consumers, branding, pricing and channels. Will that impact be positive or negative? Are the risks worth the long-term benefit? What should the CEO take into consideration when making a decision? By the end of the session you should have enough information to advise Ramon Puente about the relevant marketing issues. Objective: To apply the marketing concepts acquired in Marketing: Understanding Your Customers in order to evaluate and make a decision about GAS GAS.Week 3: GAS GAS Finance Problem
In this session, we will evaluate GAS GAS’ history and current situation and discuss the potential financial effect of partnering with KTM. After looking at some of the concepts we discussed in Module 3 - need of funds for operations (NFO), working capital (WC), sustainable growth and more – the learner will be able to understand how the financial outlook will influence the ultimate decision. Objective: To apply the financial concepts acquired in Operational Finance: Building a Robust Business in order evaluate the GAS GAS problem from a financial perspective.Week 4: GAS GAS Organizational Behavior Problem
Conclusion and Final Question
