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Executive Education
    ... Right arrow Harvard Business School Right arrow Executive Education Right arrow Programs for Individuals Right arrow Topic-Focused Programs Right arrow Disruptive Innovation—Virtual Right arrow OverviewCurriculumTeaching Team
    ... Right arrow Harvard Business School Right arrow Executive Education Right arrow Programs for Individuals Right arrow Topic-Focused Programs Right arrow Disruptive Innovation—Virtual Right arrow OverviewCurriculumTeaching Team

    Disruptive Innovation—Virtual

    Disruptive Innovation—Virtual
    • Upcoming Session
    • Carousel left arrow (1 of 1) Carousel right arrow
    • Dates: 10–21 MAY 2021
    • Format: Virtual
    • Fee: $7,500
    • The program fee covers tuition, e-books, and online case materials.

      This program includes live online classes, self-paced work, discussion groups, and virtual networking. Download brochure for detailed schedule.
      Apply
      Download Brochure
      Apply
      Download Brochure
      Admissions Criteria and Process
    View In-Person Program Offering
    Derek C.M. van Bever, faclty member, Disruptive Innovation: Strategies for a Successful Enterprise, HBS Executive Education

    "Put simply, it's the most practical theoretical course you'll ever take."

    Derek C. M. van Bever
    Faculty Cochair
    Read More
    Apply
    Download Brochure
    Program Finder
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
    Derek C.M. van Bever, faclty member, Disruptive Innovation: Strategies for a Successful Enterprise, HBS Executive Education

    "Put simply, it's the most practical theoretical course you'll ever take."

    Derek C. M. van Bever
    Faculty Cochair
    Read More
    View In-Person Program Offering
    Apply
    Download Brochure
    Program Finder
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
    View In-Person Program Offering
    Clay Christensen on Charlie Rose

    Program Founder, Clayton Christensen defines his "jobs-to-be-done" theory.

    Read More
    Apply
    Download Brochure
    Program Finder
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
    Clay Christensen on Charlie Rose

    Program Founder, Clayton Christensen defines his "jobs-to-be-done" theory.

    Read More
    View In-Person Program Offering
    Apply
    Download Brochure
    Program Finder
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
    View In-Person Program Offering
    Apply
    Download Brochure
    Program Finder
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
    View In-Person Program Offering
    Apply
    Download Brochure
    Program Finder
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    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
    Print
    • Overview
    • Curriculum
    • Teaching Team
    • Teaching Team Dropdown down
      • Overview
      • Curriculum
      • Teaching Team

    Summary

    More than 20 years ago, late HBS professor Clayton Christensen introduced a revolutionary concept that transformed the business world and is still widely applied today: disruptive innovation. In this live online program, Christensen's hand-selected teaching team will help strategic decision-makers understand how disruption works and determine when and how to invest in core versus disruptive business models, as well as how to mount an effective defense against disruption. As you gain insight into the ways that evolving industries, technologies, and competitive forces can affect your business, you will be better prepared to harness innovation, lead breakthrough change, and sustain enterprise success.

    You may also be interested in the related program: Disruptive Innovation: Strategies for a Successful Enterprise.

    This program is eligible for the Certificate of Management Excellence. Learn More

    Dropdown down Dropdown up

    Summary

    More than 20 years ago, late HBS professor Clayton Christensen introduced a revolutionary concept that transformed the business world and is still widely applied today: disruptive innovation. In this live online program, Christensen's hand-selected teaching team will help strategic decision-makers understand how disruption works and determine when and how to invest in core versus disruptive business models, as well as how to mount an effective defense against disruption. As you gain insight into the ways that evolving industries, technologies, and competitive forces can affect your business, you will be better prepared to harness innovation, lead breakthrough change, and sustain enterprise success.

    You may also be interested in the related program: Disruptive Innovation: Strategies for a Successful Enterprise.

    This program is eligible for the Certificate of Management Excellence. Learn More

    Key Benefits
    Examining disruption and strategic decision-making through the lens of Christensen's transformative theory, you will gain a deeper understanding of the levers that drive resource allocation and organizational growth. With the ability to spot potential threats and opportunities sooner and make the right strategic moves faster, you will be ready to drive innovation and position your organization for long-term success.

    DetailsExpand AllCollapse All

    Create and sustain a strong position in an evolving industryCreate and sustain a strong position in an evolving industry
    Dropdown down
    • Analyze how the structure of an industry may change
    • Avoid having your business disrupted by others
    • Achieve differentiation and better margins
    • Assess your company's capabilities
    • Sustain core businesses while enabling innovation
    • Avert common problems that lead companies into decline
    Drive innovationDrive innovation
    Dropdown down
    • Align your organization around innovation initiatives
    • Rethink your product, market and strategy
    • Apply disruptive theories to complex problems and opportunities
    • Build the skills and vision critical to leading change
    Make better decisions through strategic analysis and predictive frameworksMake better decisions through strategic analysis and predictive frameworks
    Dropdown down
    • Adopt a strategic mindset and skillset
    • Apply theories of causality to understand why things happen the way they do
    • Accurately predict the impact of strategic actions
    • Better articulate your strategic questions and goals
    • Assess the risks and opportunities presented by actions such as:
      • Ignoring sunk costs and making decisions at the margin
      • Understanding when to implement a strategy of low-cost positioning—and when not to
      • Examining when to scale fast to take advantage of network effects
      • Learning how to outsource activities that are not your current core competence, which can lead to commoditization as your industry evolves
      • Finding the right way to source new leaders from inside the firm, and when it is better to look outside
    Expand your personal and professional networkExpand your personal and professional network
    Dropdown down
    • Extend your network by connecting and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, industries, and countries across the globe
    • Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions

    Key Benefits Dropdown up

    Key Benefits Dropdown down

    Examining disruption and strategic decision-making through the lens of Christensen's transformative theory, you will gain a deeper understanding of the levers that drive resource allocation and organizational growth. With the ability to spot potential threats and opportunities sooner and make the right strategic moves faster, you will be ready to drive innovation and position your organization for long-term success.
    Details

    Create and sustain a strong position in an evolving industry

    • Analyze how the structure of an industry may change
    • Avoid having your business disrupted by others
    • Achieve differentiation and better margins
    • Assess your company's capabilities
    • Sustain core businesses while enabling innovation
    • Avert common problems that lead companies into decline

    Drive innovation

    • Align your organization around innovation initiatives
    • Rethink your product, market and strategy
    • Apply disruptive theories to complex problems and opportunities
    • Build the skills and vision critical to leading change

    Make better decisions through strategic analysis and predictive frameworks

    • Adopt a strategic mindset and skillset
    • Apply theories of causality to understand why things happen the way they do
    • Accurately predict the impact of strategic actions
    • Better articulate your strategic questions and goals
    • Assess the risks and opportunities presented by actions such as:
      • Ignoring sunk costs and making decisions at the margin
      • Understanding when to implement a strategy of low-cost positioning—and when not to
      • Examining when to scale fast to take advantage of network effects
      • Learning how to outsource activities that are not your current core competence, which can lead to commoditization as your industry evolves
      • Finding the right way to source new leaders from inside the firm, and when it is better to look outside

    Expand your personal and professional network

    • Extend your network by connecting and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, industries, and countries across the globe
    • Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions

    Who Should Attend

    The program is appropriate for senior executives, general managers, or business owners who are responsible for setting strategic direction for their organizations.

    Attendance by two or more individuals from your organization will foster teamwork and help to lift the lessons of the course out of the classroom and into constructive plans and actions.

    Program for Leadership Development participants earn 3 PLDA Points on completion of this program.

    Who Should Attend Dropdown down

    Who Should Attend Dropdown down

    The program is appropriate for senior executives, general managers, or business owners who are responsible for setting strategic direction for their organizations.

    Attendance by two or more individuals from your organization will foster teamwork and help to lift the lessons of the course out of the classroom and into constructive plans and actions.

    Program for Leadership Development participants earn 3 PLDA Points on completion of this program.

    Leaders in Virtual Learning

    When you participate in a virtual HBS Executive Education program, you benefit from a powerful learning experience carefully designed with a virtual setting in mind. Through live, synchronous program sessions you'll engage directly with our renowned faculty to learn from their latest research, gain actionable takeaways, and facilitate your growth. In addition, virtual discussion groups will connect you to a global group of peers and build your network.

    Dive Deeper into the Experience
    head and shoulder images of people in polygon shapes connected to a laptop with the HBS shield in the center
    Virtual Programs for Agile Organizations
    Help your organization understand why there is no better time to prioritize learning & development.
    Learn More
    Play video
    Play video
    Discover more about business. And yourself.
    Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.
    Watch the VideoWatch the Video
    Youngme Moon teaching in the HBSonline studio
    Understanding the Benefits of Our Virtual Programs
    Four participants of our live online programs share their experiences.
    Read Their Stories
    Dropdown down Dropdown up

    Leaders in Virtual Learning

    When you participate in a virtual HBS Executive Education program, you benefit from a powerful learning experience carefully designed with a virtual setting in mind. Through live, synchronous program sessions you'll engage directly with our renowned faculty to learn from their latest research, gain actionable takeaways, and facilitate your growth. In addition, virtual discussion groups will connect you to a global group of peers and build your network.

    Dive Deeper into the Experience
    head and shoulder images of people in polygon shapes connected to a laptop with the HBS shield in the center
    Virtual Programs for Agile Organizations
    Help your organization understand why there is no better time to prioritize learning & development.
    Learn More
    Play video
    Play video
    Discover more about business. And yourself.
    Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.
    Watch the VideoWatch the Video
    Youngme Moon teaching in the HBSonline studio
    Understanding the Benefits of Our Virtual Programs
    Four participants of our live online programs share their experiences.
    Read Their Stories

    Admissions Criteria and Process

    We admit candidates to specific sessions on a rolling, space-available basis, and encourage you to apply as early as possible. Although most programs have no formal educational requirements, admission is a selective process based on your professional achievement and organizational responsibilities.
    Read More
    Dropdown down

    Answering Your Questions

    Our Program Advising team can help you at any stage of the admissions process—starting with identifying the program that best addresses your learning and development goals. Contact a program advisor via email or call 1.800.427.5577 (outside the U.S., call +1.617.495.6555).

    Application Submission

    We recommend that you apply at least four weeks before the program start date. You may use our online form or download an application. HBS maintains all application information in strict confidentiality. We acknowledge receipt of applications via email. In the unlikely event that you do not receive an acknowledgment, please email us at exed_admissions@hbs.edu or call us at +1.617.495.6226.

    Application Review

    To optimize the learning experience and maximize the exchange of ideas, our Admissions Committee makes selections that balance each participant's experience, scope of current responsibilities, and type of organization. HBS seeks candidates who reflect a broad range of industries, functions, countries, and backgrounds. We review applications monthly and will contact you via email with the Admissions Committee's decision.

    Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

    The program fee covers tuition, e-books, and online case materials. No payment is necessary until you have been accepted. Payment is required prior to the program start date. If you need to cancel participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 14 days before the program start date to receive a full refund. Cancellations received 7 to 14 days before the program start date are subject to a payment of 50 percent of the program fee. Requests received within 7 days of the program start date are subject to full payment of the program fee.

    Admissions Criteria and Process Dropdown down

    Admissions Criteria and Process Dropdown down

    We admit candidates to specific sessions on a rolling, space-available basis, and encourage you to apply as early as possible. Although most programs have no formal educational requirements, admission is a selective process based on your professional achievement and organizational responsibilities.

    Answering Your Questions

    Our Program Advising team can help you at any stage of the admissions process—starting with identifying the program that best addresses your learning and development goals. Contact a program advisor via email or call 1.800.427.5577 (outside the U.S., call +1.617.495.6555).

    Application Submission

    We recommend that you apply at least four weeks before the program start date. You may use our online form or download an application. HBS maintains all application information in strict confidentiality. We acknowledge receipt of applications via email. In the unlikely event that you do not receive an acknowledgment, please email us at exed_admissions@hbs.edu or call us at +1.617.495.6226.

    Application Review

    To optimize the learning experience and maximize the exchange of ideas, our Admissions Committee makes selections that balance each participant's experience, scope of current responsibilities, and type of organization. HBS seeks candidates who reflect a broad range of industries, functions, countries, and backgrounds. We review applications monthly and will contact you via email with the Admissions Committee's decision.

    Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

    The program fee covers tuition, e-books, and online case materials. No payment is necessary until you have been accepted. Payment is required prior to the program start date. If you need to cancel participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 14 days before the program start date to receive a full refund. Cancellations received 7 to 14 days before the program start date are subject to a payment of 50 percent of the program fee. Requests received within 7 days of the program start date are subject to full payment of the program fee.

    What You Will Learn

    Created by Clayton Christensen and led by his teaching team, this virtual program offers the opportunity to engage in a dynamic learning experience through presentations, carefully chosen case studies, and small-group discussions. In this program you will examine the strategies of both disruptors and the disrupted. You'll discover why some strategies succeeded while others failed, and learn how to apply these insights to your own strategic decisions.

    Dropdown down Dropdown up

    What You Will Learn

    Created by Clayton Christensen and led by his teaching team, this virtual program offers the opportunity to engage in a dynamic learning experience through presentations, carefully chosen case studies, and small-group discussions. In this program you will examine the strategies of both disruptors and the disrupted. You'll discover why some strategies succeeded while others failed, and learn how to apply these insights to your own strategic decisions.

    Program Format

    The program takes place over two weeks, with live online classes and discussion groups each day. Class sessions will take place via the Zoom platform. In addition, participants can expect to spend 3 hours per day with self-paced work. You will also have ample opportunity for interaction with faculty and peers inside and outside the class sessions.

    Collaborative learning is an integral part of the experience. To maximize the benefit for everyone, you are expected to attend every session, complete all assignments, and contribute effectively in the class and in small groups.

    Dropdown down Dropdown up

    Program Format

    The program takes place over two weeks, with live online classes and discussion groups each day. Class sessions will take place via the Zoom platform. In addition, participants can expect to spend 3 hours per day with self-paced work. You will also have ample opportunity for interaction with faculty and peers inside and outside the class sessions.

    Collaborative learning is an integral part of the experience. To maximize the benefit for everyone, you are expected to attend every session, complete all assignments, and contribute effectively in the class and in small groups.

    Key TopicsExpand AllCollapse All

    Disruption and your strategyDisruption and your strategy
    Dropdown down
    • What does disruption really mean—and how does it work?
    • How can you tell when a potential disruptor is going to be successful?
    • What is the signal that an industry is about to commoditize? How do you position to take advantage of that shift?
    • How do you set strategy in a world that is changing so rapidly? What do you do when what you know is vastly outweighed by what you don't know?
    Controlling your destiny: market, resources, and capabilitiesControlling your destiny: market, resources, and capabilities
    Dropdown down
    • Whose investment capital will help you succeed, and whose money might poison your chances?
    • Who is your ideal target customer, and how can selecting the wrong customers kill your brand?
    • What is the hidden danger of core competence theory? How should you decide which activities to keep in-house and which to outsource?
    • Should you make acquisitions as a means of building capability? If so, should you integrate them or keep them separate?

    Key Topics Dropdown up

    Key Topics Dropdown down

    Disruption and your strategy

    • What does disruption really mean—and how does it work?
    • How can you tell when a potential disruptor is going to be successful?
    • What is the signal that an industry is about to commoditize? How do you position to take advantage of that shift?
    • How do you set strategy in a world that is changing so rapidly? What do you do when what you know is vastly outweighed by what you don't know?

    Controlling your destiny: market, resources, and capabilities

    • Whose investment capital will help you succeed, and whose money might poison your chances?
    • Who is your ideal target customer, and how can selecting the wrong customers kill your brand?
    • What is the hidden danger of core competence theory? How should you decide which activities to keep in-house and which to outsource?
    • Should you make acquisitions as a means of building capability? If so, should you integrate them or keep them separate?

    The HBS Advantage

    Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by HBS faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

    Faculty Cochairs
    Chester A. Huber
    Chester A. Huber
    Chester A. Huber

    Chester A. Huber

    Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    General Management

    Read Full Bio

    Rory M. McDonald
    Rory M. McDonald
    Rory M. McDonald

    Rory M. McDonald

    Thai-Hi T. Lee (MBA 1985) Associate Professor of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Technology and Operations Management

    Read Full Bio

    Derek C. M. van Bever
    Derek C. M. van Bever
    Derek C. M. van Bever

    Derek C. M. van Bever

    Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    General Management

    Read Full Bio

    Faculty
    Stephen P. Kaufman
    Stephen P. Kaufman
    Stephen P. Kaufman

    Stephen P. Kaufman

    Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Technology and Operations Management

    Read Full Bio

    Allison H. Mnookin
    Allison H. Mnookin
    Allison H. Mnookin

    Allison H. Mnookin

    Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Technology and Operations Management

    Read Full Bio

    Willy C. Shih
    Willy C. Shih
    Willy C. Shih

    Willy C. Shih

    Robert and Jane Cizik Professor of Management Practice in Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Technology and Operations Management

    Read Full Bio

    Dropdown down Dropdown up

    The HBS Advantage

    Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by HBS faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

    Faculty Cochairs
    Chester A. Huber
    Chester A. Huber
    Chester A. Huber

    Chester A. Huber

    Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    General Management

    Read Full Bio

    Rory M. McDonald
    Rory M. McDonald
    Rory M. McDonald

    Rory M. McDonald

    Thai-Hi T. Lee (MBA 1985) Associate Professor of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Technology and Operations Management

    Read Full Bio

    Derek C. M. van Bever
    Derek C. M. van Bever
    Derek C. M. van Bever

    Derek C. M. van Bever

    Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    General Management

    Read Full Bio

    Faculty
    Stephen P. Kaufman
    Stephen P. Kaufman
    Stephen P. Kaufman

    Stephen P. Kaufman

    Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Technology and Operations Management

    Read Full Bio

    Allison H. Mnookin
    Allison H. Mnookin
    Allison H. Mnookin

    Allison H. Mnookin

    Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Technology and Operations Management

    Read Full Bio

    Willy C. Shih
    Willy C. Shih
    Willy C. Shih

    Willy C. Shih

    Robert and Jane Cizik Professor of Management Practice in Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Technology and Operations Management

    Read Full Bio

    ApplyDownload Brochure
    ApplyDownload Brochure
    ApplyDownload Brochure
    More Admissions Information
    Program content, dates, schedule, fees, technology platforms, and faculty are subject to change. In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.
    View In-Person Program Offering
    Derek C.M. van Bever, faclty member, Disruptive Innovation: Strategies for a Successful Enterprise, HBS Executive Education

    "Put simply, it's the most practical theoretical course you'll ever take."

    Derek C. M. van Bever
    Faculty Cochair
    Read More
    Apply
    Download Brochure
    Program Finder
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
    Derek C.M. van Bever, faclty member, Disruptive Innovation: Strategies for a Successful Enterprise, HBS Executive Education

    "Put simply, it's the most practical theoretical course you'll ever take."

    Derek C. M. van Bever
    Faculty Cochair
    Read More
    View In-Person Program Offering
    Apply
    Download Brochure
    Program Finder
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
    View In-Person Program Offering
    Clay Christensen on Charlie Rose

    Program Founder, Clayton Christensen defines his "jobs-to-be-done" theory.

    Read More
    Apply
    Download Brochure
    Program Finder
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
    Clay Christensen on Charlie Rose

    Program Founder, Clayton Christensen defines his "jobs-to-be-done" theory.

    Read More
    View In-Person Program Offering
    Apply
    Download Brochure
    Program Finder
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
    View In-Person Program Offering
    Apply
    Download Brochure
    Program Finder
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
    View In-Person Program Offering
    Apply
    Download Brochure
    Program Finder
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
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