About this course: The capstone for the Value Chain Management specialization will provide a learning experience that examines how the various segments of a business integrate to create a value chain. The capstone involves an in-depth analysis of an actual business situation. The final deliverable consists of a plan based on a comprehensive analysis of how accounting, marketing, and operations work together to create a value chain. The plan will propose how value creation in organizations and supply chains can be enhanced using the concepts and frameworks learned in the three courses. This course is part of the iMBA offered by the University of Illinois, a flexible, fully-accredited online MBA at an incredibly competitive price. For more information, please see the Resource page in this course and onlinemba.illinois.edu.
Created by: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Taught by: Joe A. Bradley, Lecturer in Business Administration
College of Business | College of Engineering
| Basic Info | Course 7 of 7 in the Value Chain Management Specialization |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Commitment | 6 weeks of study, 6-8 hours/week |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Module 1: Capstone Overview and Business Case Introduction
In this module, you will become familiar with the challenges facing World Cloud Sensor Computing, Inc. (WCSC) as its competitive environment changes. You will call upon the ideas, techniques, and frameworks that you have learned during the completion of the previous courses within this specialization to complete assignments.
2 videos, 5 readings
- Video: Welcome and Course Overview
- Video: Meet Joe Bradley
- Reading: Syllabus
- Reading: About the Discussion Forums
- Reading: Social Media
- Discussion Prompt: Getting to Know Your Classmates
- Reading: Module 1 Overview
- Reading: Case: World Class Sensor Computing, Inc.
Graded: Quiz for Case Study
Graded: Module 1 Peer-Reviewed Assignment
WEEK 2
Module 2: Building an Organizational Activity System Map
In this module, you will build on and apply the skills and tools from the previous courses to construct an activity map. This activity map will identify the core elements of WCSC’s value proposition and the key activities that delivers this value.
1 video, 1 reading
- Reading: Module 2 Overview
- Video: Module 2 Activity Map
Graded: Module 2 Peer-Reviewed Assignment
WEEK 3
Module 3: Assessment of Value Chain Activities
In this module, you will analyze the value chain activities identified in Module 2. You will address questions such as: Which of these activities are the key cost drivers? What will impact the total costs? How can these activities be reenvisioned to reduce cost and create better coherence among activities? Which of these activities are key value drivers?
2 videos, 1 reading
- Reading: Module 3 Overview
- Video: Module 3 Assessing Value Chain
- Video: Module 1-3 Wrap-Up and Discussion
Graded: Module 3 Peer-Reviewed Assignment
WEEK 4
Module 4: Understanding Business Performance and Fine-Tuning the Value Chain
In this module, you will analyze how each activity contributes to the performance and profitability of the organization. You will be making decisions on what products and services should be marketed and how (in-house, outsourced, etc.). You will develop a decision model and use this model to make recommendations regarding WCSC’s product portfolio.
2 videos, 1 reading
- Reading: Module 4 Overview
- Video: Module 4 Value Chain Decisions
- Video: Portfolio Decision
Graded: Module 4 Peer-Reviewed Assignment
WEEK 5
Module 5: Final Report
In this module, you will synthesize all the analyses and concepts into a coherent report that discusses your strategy and provides support for your final decisions and recommendations.
1 video, 1 reading
- Reading: Module 5 Overview
- Video: Module 5 Capstone Final Report
Graded: Module 5 Peer-Reviewed Assignment
WEEK 6
Module 6: Reflection and Thoughts on Value Chain Management
In this module, you will be asked to reflect on the importance of the value chain to the firm. You will be given prompts to help you think through this process. You will articulate your current understanding of value chain management and its impact on organizational performance and profitability.
2 videos, 1 reading
- Reading: Module 6 Overview
- Video: Module 6 Reflection Essay
- Video: Course Overall Summary - Importance of Value Chain Management
Graded: Module 6 Peer-Reviewed Assignment
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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a world leader in research, teaching and public engagement, distinguished by the breadth of its programs, broad academic excellence, and internationally renowned faculty and alumni. Illinois serves the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and finding solutions to critical societal needs.
Pricing
| Audit | Purchase Course | |
|---|---|---|
| Access to course materials | Available | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Not available | Available |
| Receive a final grade | Not available | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Not available | Available |
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Great course, materials and video of high quality!