Advanced Business Strategy Training: Gaining a Competitive Edge Overview
Neither your competitors, nor your colleagues, can make important business decisions with 100% certainty. What successful leaders need is a strong understanding of how to develop a strong, competitive business strategy and strategic analysis skills to make confident decisions. This advanced business strategy program is designed to equip you with these skills so you can navigate critical strategic decisions during a pivotal point in your career.
This program will provide you with a comprehensive toolkit of skills and frameworks to develop a competitive business strategy. You will also:
- Learn how to maximize strategic advantage and create industry disruption with an integrated, sustainable business model.
- Expand your ability to analyze market and cost dynamics.
- Gain insights into the financial profiles of different business models.
Delivered through a carefully curated blend of business cases, interactive discussions, presentations, and group exercises, you will have the opportunity to engage with real-world scenarios and learn from an expert in the field, uncovering the winning strategies and organizational agility that sets successful organizations apart.
Who Should Take Advanced Business Strategy Training
The advanced business strategy program is ideal for a wide range of individuals, including senior leaders, leaders transitioning into new roles, and strategy and finance professionals.
If you’re looking to gain insights into business strategy, market and cost dynamics, and fresh perspectives on making informed decisions in a dynamic business environment, this program will give you the competitive advantage you’re looking for.
Program participants hold positions such as:
- Strategic analyst
- Strategy director
- C-Suite executive
- Small business owner
- Functional leader
- Project manager
- Executive coach
- Leadership & Management consultant
This is an advanced strategy program, so prior familiarity with strategy fundamentals and business economics is recommended.
Benefits of Advanced Business Strategy
This advanced business strategy program teaches you how to navigate strategic challenges and opportunities more effectively. Upon completion, you will have an expanded sense of how to:
- Construct a competitive business strategy based on sustainable economic advantages and operational alignment.
- Build and strengthen competitive advantage.
- Analyze a business model, employing field-tested tools and techniques.
- Communicate strategic business choices using language and concepts you can share to build buy-in.
- Prepare for the full spectrum of strategic challenges and opportunities that leaders face.
Participants will also earn a Certificate of Completion from the Harvard Division of Continuing Education, further validating their expertise in strategic management.
“My co-workers have really noticed a difference in my strategic thinking since taking this program. I feel I’m more strategic with our whole team. I am now approaching planning with more brain, and less heart.”
— Thomas Waite, President and CEO, K16 Solutions
Read more about Thomas’ experience
Curriculum
This program covers a wide range of topics meant to enhance your strategic skills as well as your ability to assess the overall competitive landscape.
Specific topics covered include:
- How to design and analyze business models
- Identifying cracks in others’ business models, to direct your competitive business strategy
- Identifying sources of sustainable cost and differentiation advantage
- Evaluating financial footprints and the different paths to profitability
- Relating product uptake to revenue models and investment strategy
- Connecting operational and strategic cost drivers
- Preparing for strategic disruption and organizational realignment
Considering this program?
January Schedule
Week 1
- Business Design
Week 2
- Market Dynamics
Week 3
- Competitive Dynamics
Week 4
- Resource Dynamics
- Value Dynamics
Week 5
- Strategic Disruption
May Schedule
Day 1
- Business Design
- Market Dynamics
Day 2
- Resource Dynamics
- Competitive Dynamics
Day 3
- Strategy Execution & Integration
- Advanced Strategy Toolkit
August Schedule
Day 1
- Business Design
- Market Dynamics
Day 2
- Resource Dynamics
- Competitive Dynamics
Day 3
- Strategy Execution & Integration
- Advanced Strategy Toolkit
October Schedule
Day 1
- Business Design
- Market Dynamics
Day 2
- Resource Dynamics
- Competitive Dynamics
Day 3
- Strategy Execution & Integration
- Advanced Strategy Toolkit
Instructors
-
![Jon_Fay_Headshots_2023]()
Jon Fay
Jon Fay has more than 25 years of experience as a business strategy consultant and has served as Vice President of Executive Development and head of the corporate university for a leading technology company. He is an instructor at Harvard's Division of Continuing Education, where he teaches both Professional & Executive Development programs and graduate degree courses. -
![Bryce Bow.]()
Bryce Bow
Bryce Bow is a university instructor, strategist, and coach. He’s worked with leaders in a wide range of industries across the US and abroad, from Fortune 500 companies and startups to nonprofits and government entities. In addition to a graduate degree from Indiana University and certificates from Penn’s Wharton School, Bryce completed coursework and assisted with course development and teaching at Harvard Extension School.
Instructors
-
![Jon_Fay_Headshots_2023]()
Jon Fay
Jon Fay has more than 25 years of experience as a business strategy consultant and has served as Vice President of Executive Development and head of the corporate university for a leading technology company. He is an instructor at Harvard's Division of Continuing Education, where he teaches both Professional & Executive Development programs and graduate degree courses. -
![Bryce Bow.]()
Bryce Bow
Bryce Bow is a university instructor, strategist, and coach. He’s worked with leaders in a wide range of industries across the US and abroad, from Fortune 500 companies and startups to nonprofits and government entities. In addition to a graduate degree from Indiana University and certificates from Penn’s Wharton School, Bryce completed coursework and assisted with course development and teaching at Harvard Extension School.
Instructors
-
![Jon_Fay_Headshots_2023]()
Jon Fay
Jon Fay has more than 25 years of experience as a business strategy consultant and has served as Vice President of Executive Development and head of the corporate university for a leading technology company. He is an instructor at Harvard's Division of Continuing Education, where he teaches both Professional & Executive Development programs and graduate degree courses. -
![Bryce Bow.]()
Bryce Bow
Bryce Bow is a university instructor, strategist, and coach. He’s worked with leaders in a wide range of industries across the US and abroad, from Fortune 500 companies and startups to nonprofits and government entities. In addition to a graduate degree from Indiana University and certificates from Penn’s Wharton School, Bryce completed coursework and assisted with course development and teaching at Harvard Extension School.
Instructors
-
![Jon_Fay_Headshots_2023]()
Jon Fay
Jon Fay has more than 25 years of experience as a business strategy consultant and has served as Vice President of Executive Development and head of the corporate university for a leading technology company. He is an instructor at Harvard's Division of Continuing Education, where he teaches both Professional & Executive Development programs and graduate degree courses. -
![Bryce Bow.]()
Bryce Bow
Bryce Bow is a university instructor, strategist, and coach. He’s worked with leaders in a wide range of industries across the US and abroad, from Fortune 500 companies and startups to nonprofits and government entities. In addition to a graduate degree from Indiana University and certificates from Penn’s Wharton School, Bryce completed coursework and assisted with course development and teaching at Harvard Extension School.
My co-workers have really noticed a difference in my strategic thinking since taking this program. I feel I’m more strategic with our whole team.
President and CEO, K16 Solutions
Certificates of Leadership Excellence
The Certificates of Leadership Excellence (CLE) are designed for leaders with the desire to enhance their business acumen, challenge current thinking, and expand their leadership skills.
This program is one of several CLE qualifying programs. Register today and get started earning your certificate.
FAQs
Why is it essential for organizations to utilize business strategy?
Utilizing business strategy in every aspect of operations is essential for helping organizations thrive in an ever-changing business landscape.
They allow businesses to differentiate themselves from competitors — and in today’s highly competitive marketplace, having a unique and compelling strategy is crucial for capturing market share, attracting customers, and driving growth.
By developing a competitive business strategy, leaders can position their organizations as industry leaders and stay ahead of the curve.
How will this advanced business strategy course help me advance in my career?
Participating in the advanced business strategy course from Harvard Professional & Executive Development will equip you with strategic expertise that will set you apart from other leaders in your field and position you as a valuable asset for organizations seeking strategic thinkers. When you encounter opportunities for higher-level roles, mastery of strategic skills such as business design and market and cost dynamics will align you to what these roles require.
What skills or experience is needed before enrolling for advanced business training?
While prior training in strategy is not required for this program, some background knowledge from either direct job experience or studying or attending a program on the fundamentals of strategy is recommended.
Participants should also have a fundamental understanding of business economics.
