When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate
There are 2 modules in this course
Competitive Analysis and Strategy provides a direct and powerful framework for transforming business data into a competitive edge. This streamlined course is designed for professionals who need to make strategic decisions by understanding both the industry landscape and the product-level details.
The course is structured into two essential parts. First, you will learn to use Porter's Five Forces to analyze the competitive structure of an industry, identifying the key pressures that affect profitability and strategy. Next, you will master the art of feature gap analysis, learning how to systematically compare your products against competitors to uncover strengths, weaknesses, and innovation opportunities. Through hands-on labs and real-world scenarios, you will build the skills to move beyond simple observation to data-driven strategic analysis.
Throughout the course, learners practice connecting high-level industry forces to specific product features, ensuring that competitive insights translate into actionable strategic decisions. By the end of this course, you will be able to deliver clear, actionable recommendations that can shape product roadmaps and secure a distinct advantage in the market.
This module introduces the foundational frameworks for understanding market dynamics. You will learn to look beyond direct competitors to see the underlying forces that shape an entire industry, using Porter's Five Forces as your primary analytical tool. Rather than treating competition as a list of rivals, this module helps you understand the structural forces that shape profitability and constrain strategic choices.
What's included
2 videos1 reading2 assignments
Show info about module content
2 videos•Total 12 minutes
The Hidden Forces in the Ride-Sharing War•5 minutes
How to Analyze the Ride-Sharing Industry?•7 minutes
1 reading•Total 8 minutes
Deconstructing the Five Forces•8 minutes
2 assignments•Total 30 minutes
Hands-On Learning (HOL): Analyze Your Industry's Competitive Landscape: Identifying Strategic Gaps Using Porter's Five Forces•20 minutes
Knowledge Check: The Five Forces•10 minutes
Feature-Based Competitive Edge Analysis
Module 2•1 hour to complete
Module details
In this module, you'll move from high-level industry analysis to a granular, product-focused view. You will learn how to conduct a feature gap analysis to systematically compare your offerings against competitors, and then analyze those results to identify strategic opportunities. This module emphasizes that not all feature gaps matter equally; strategic value depends on customer impact, competitive context, and long-term positioning.
What's included
2 videos1 reading2 assignments
Show info about module content
2 videos•Total 12 minutes
The Feature Race in Streaming Services•5 minutes
Analyzing the Smartphone AI War•7 minutes
1 reading•Total 8 minutes
Anatomy of a Competitive Grid•8 minutes
2 assignments•Total 50 minutes
Hands-On Learning (HOL): Create a Feature Gap Analysis Grid•20 minutes
Competitive Strategy Brief•30 minutes
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Coursera brings together a diverse network of subject matter experts who have demonstrated their expertise through professional industry experience or strong academic backgrounds. These instructors design and teach courses that make practical, career-relevant skills accessible to learners worldwide.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.