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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 Strategy: Building and Sustaining Competitive Advantage—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 Strategy: Building and Sustaining Competitive Advantage—Virtual Right arrow OverviewCurriculumTeaching Team

    Strategy: Building and Sustaining Competitive Advantage—Virtual

    Strategy: Building and Sustaining Competitive Advantage—Virtual
    • Upcoming Session
    • Carousel left arrow (1 of 1) Carousel right arrow
    • Dates: 01–10 JUN 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
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      Admissions Criteria and Process
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    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
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    Print
    • Overview
    • Curriculum
    • Teaching Team
    • Curriculum Dropdown down
      • Overview
      • Curriculum
      • Teaching Team

    Summary

    In the fight for market leadership, your company must be able to build a winning strategy—and execute it seamlessly across multiple business lines. This live online program prepares you to identify and exploit sources of competitive advantage and implement game-changing action plans. You will develop the analytical skills and leadership vision to forecast industry trends, outmaneuver the competition, and sustain corporate success as the global economy evolves.

    You may also be interested in the related program: Strategy: Building and Sustaining Competitive Advantage.

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

    Dropdown down Dropdown up

    Summary

    In the fight for market leadership, your company must be able to build a winning strategy—and execute it seamlessly across multiple business lines. This live online program prepares you to identify and exploit sources of competitive advantage and implement game-changing action plans. You will develop the analytical skills and leadership vision to forecast industry trends, outmaneuver the competition, and sustain corporate success as the global economy evolves.

    You may also be interested in the related program: Strategy: Building and Sustaining Competitive Advantage.

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

    Key Benefits
    This virtual program takes a deep dive into the strategy development and execution process—from competitive positioning, competitor analyses, and strategic agility to corporate strategy, sustainability, and innovation and implementation. You will emerge with a framework for capturing market opportunities, determining the moves of industry competitors, and harnessing your firm's resources to build and secure a strategic competitive advantage.

    DetailsExpand AllCollapse All

    Design and evolve more effective strategiesDesign and evolve more effective strategies
    Dropdown down
    • Understand sources of advantage in your industry and geography
    • Distinguish between short-run gains and lasting competitive advantage
    • Adapt your strategy to global market shifts
    Transform ideas into successful action plansTransform ideas into successful action plans
    Dropdown down
    • Analyze strategic trade-offs as you identify the resources and organizational changes needed to execute your strategy
    • Transform a single, focused business into a multibusiness company
    • Execute and coordinate strategy across multiple lines of business and global markets
    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

    This virtual program takes a deep dive into the strategy development and execution process—from competitive positioning, competitor analyses, and strategic agility to corporate strategy, sustainability, and innovation and implementation. You will emerge with a framework for capturing market opportunities, determining the moves of industry competitors, and harnessing your firm's resources to build and secure a strategic competitive advantage.
    Details

    Design and evolve more effective strategies

    • Understand sources of advantage in your industry and geography
    • Distinguish between short-run gains and lasting competitive advantage
    • Adapt your strategy to global market shifts

    Transform ideas into successful action plans

    • Analyze strategic trade-offs as you identify the resources and organizational changes needed to execute your strategy
    • Transform a single, focused business into a multibusiness company
    • Execute and coordinate strategy across multiple lines of business and global markets

    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

    This program is appropriate for senior executives who are responsible for developing and implementing competitive strategy for a company or business unit, such as:

    • Chief executive officer, chief operating officer, divisional president, and vice president
    • Chief financial officer, chief innovation officer, and chief strategy officer
    • Managing director, general manager, and director

    Attendance by multiple company representatives will foster teamwork and amplify the program's impact.

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

    Who Should Attend Dropdown down

    Who Should Attend Dropdown down

    This program is appropriate for senior executives who are responsible for developing and implementing competitive strategy for a company or business unit, such as:

    • Chief executive officer, chief operating officer, divisional president, and vice president
    • Chief financial officer, chief innovation officer, and chief strategy officer
    • Managing director, general manager, and director

    Attendance by multiple company representatives will foster teamwork and amplify the program's impact.

    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

    Focused on the economics of gaining and holding competitive advantage, this program features faculty presentations, small group discussions, and global case studies that analyze why some strategic decisions fail and others succeed. You will delve into the best practices of senior leaders who enabled their firms to spot and exploit new opportunities, gather and organize the right resources, and expand in volatile global markets.

    Dropdown down Dropdown up

    What You Will Learn

    Focused on the economics of gaining and holding competitive advantage, this program features faculty presentations, small group discussions, and global case studies that analyze why some strategic decisions fail and others succeed. You will delve into the best practices of senior leaders who enabled their firms to spot and exploit new opportunities, gather and organize the right resources, and expand in volatile global markets.

    Program Format

    The program takes place over two weeks, with 3-4 hours of live synchronous sessions and time for breaks each day. Class sessions take place via the Zoom platform. Participants can also expect to spend 1 hour each day in virtual discussion groups, and 2-3 hours per day for individual case prep. You will also have ample opportunity for interaction with faculty and peers at optional networking sessions, and during 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 class and in small groups.

    Dropdown down Dropdown up

    Program Format

    The program takes place over two weeks, with 3-4 hours of live synchronous sessions and time for breaks each day. Class sessions take place via the Zoom platform. Participants can also expect to spend 1 hour each day in virtual discussion groups, and 2-3 hours per day for individual case prep. You will also have ample opportunity for interaction with faculty and peers at optional networking sessions, and during 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 class and in small groups.

    Key TopicsExpand AllCollapse All

    Competitive positioningCompetitive positioning
    Dropdown down
    • Identifying sources of competitive advantage
    • Choosing between potential sources of advantage
    • Aligning resources, activities, and organizational goals
    Competitor analysesCompetitor analyses
    Dropdown down
    • Analyzing competitor goals, assumptions, capabilities, and strategies
    • Predicting the likely behavior of competitors
    Strategic agilityStrategic agility
    Dropdown down
    • Developing agility in the face of strategic uncertainty
    • Exploring the flexible commitment of competitively superior resources
    Corporate strategyCorporate strategy
    Dropdown down
    • Creating value in the multibusiness enterprise
    • Formulating and analyzing merger-and-acquisition policy
    • Managing talent as a source of competitive advantage
    SustainabilitySustainability
    Dropdown down
    • Recognizing the sustainability of competitive advantage
    • Understanding the private and social value of sustainability
    Innovation and implementationInnovation and implementation
    Dropdown down
    • Implementing strategies effectively
    • Evaluating strategic sources of innovation

    Key Topics Dropdown up

    Key Topics Dropdown down

    Competitive positioning

    • Identifying sources of competitive advantage
    • Choosing between potential sources of advantage
    • Aligning resources, activities, and organizational goals

    Competitor analyses

    • Analyzing competitor goals, assumptions, capabilities, and strategies
    • Predicting the likely behavior of competitors

    Strategic agility

    • Developing agility in the face of strategic uncertainty
    • Exploring the flexible commitment of competitively superior resources

    Corporate strategy

    • Creating value in the multibusiness enterprise
    • Formulating and analyzing merger-and-acquisition policy
    • Managing talent as a source of competitive advantage

    Sustainability

    • Recognizing the sustainability of competitive advantage
    • Understanding the private and social value of sustainability

    Innovation and implementation

    • Implementing strategies effectively
    • Evaluating strategic sources of innovation

    Special Program Features

    Implementation exercises

    To help you move from strategy to implementation, the program includes a session on how different strategic choices can impact your use of time. Another session will provide a blueprint for strategic implementation to help you apply the lessons learned to your own company. You will gain insight into how your organization can best allocate resources to promote sustainable growth and profitability. Please note: The entire program is conducted with strict confidentiality. Any information on your company shared during program discussions is treated as completely private, and all feedback is considered proprietary to the companies involved.

    Dropdown down Dropdown up

    Special Program Features

    Implementation exercises

    To help you move from strategy to implementation, the program includes a session on how different strategic choices can impact your use of time. Another session will provide a blueprint for strategic implementation to help you apply the lessons learned to your own company. You will gain insight into how your organization can best allocate resources to promote sustainable growth and profitability. Please note: The entire program is conducted with strict confidentiality. Any information on your company shared during program discussions is treated as completely private, and all feedback is considered proprietary to the companies involved.

    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 Chair
    Raffaella Sadun
    Raffaella Sadun
    Raffaella Sadun

    Raffaella Sadun

    Professor of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Strategy

    Read Full Bio

    Faculty
    Juan Alcacer
    Juan Alcacer
    Juan Alcacer

    Juan Alcacer

    James J. Hill Professor of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Strategy

    Read Full Bio

    Bharat N. Anand
    Bharat N. Anand
    Bharat N. Anand

    Bharat N. Anand

    Henry R. Byers Professor of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Strategy

    Read Full Bio

    David J. Collis
    David J. Collis
    David J. Collis

    David J. Collis

    Adjunct Professor

    HBS Unit:
    Strategy

    Read Full Bio

    Ashish Nanda
    Ashish Nanda
    Ashish Nanda

    Ashish Nanda

    Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Strategy

    Read Full Bio

    Jan W. Rivkin
    Jan W. Rivkin
    Jan W. Rivkin

    Jan W. Rivkin

    C. Roland Christensen Professor of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Strategy

    Read Full Bio

    Andy Wu
    Andy Wu
    Andy Wu

    Andy Wu

    Assistant Professor of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Strategy

    Read Full Bio

    David B. Yoffie
    David B. Yoffie
    David B. Yoffie

    David B. Yoffie

    Max and Doris Starr Professor of International Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Strategy

    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 Chair
    Raffaella Sadun
    Raffaella Sadun
    Raffaella Sadun

    Raffaella Sadun

    Professor of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Strategy

    Read Full Bio

    Faculty
    Juan Alcacer
    Juan Alcacer
    Juan Alcacer

    Juan Alcacer

    James J. Hill Professor of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Strategy

    Read Full Bio

    Bharat N. Anand
    Bharat N. Anand
    Bharat N. Anand

    Bharat N. Anand

    Henry R. Byers Professor of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Strategy

    Read Full Bio

    David J. Collis
    David J. Collis
    David J. Collis

    David J. Collis

    Adjunct Professor

    HBS Unit:
    Strategy

    Read Full Bio

    Ashish Nanda
    Ashish Nanda
    Ashish Nanda

    Ashish Nanda

    Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Strategy

    Read Full Bio

    Jan W. Rivkin
    Jan W. Rivkin
    Jan W. Rivkin

    Jan W. Rivkin

    C. Roland Christensen Professor of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Strategy

    Read Full Bio

    Andy Wu
    Andy Wu
    Andy Wu

    Andy Wu

    Assistant Professor of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Strategy

    Read Full Bio

    David B. Yoffie
    David B. Yoffie
    David B. Yoffie

    David B. Yoffie

    Max and Doris Starr Professor of International Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Strategy

    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.
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