Do I need to take the courses in a specific order?

To get the most out of the specialization, it is best to take the courses in the suggested order, completing the program with the Capstone. <text />

Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?

Coursera courses and certificates don't carry university credit. Some universities, however, may recognize specialization certificates and offer credit. Check with your institution to learn more.

What will I be able to do upon completing the Specialization?

After completing the specialization, you will have a good grasp of the basic building blocks of management. In addition, you’ll have an understanding of decision-making tools you can apply to your own business and professional challenges.

Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?

This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

Can I just enroll in a single course?

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

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.

Can I take the course for free?

No, you cannot take this course for free. 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. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.

Foundations of Management Specialization

Boost Your Career with New Business Knowledge. Master Business Management Fundamentals

Instructors: Marc Badia

Included with Coursera Plus

Learn more

5 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.7

(2,089 reviews)

Beginner level

No prior experience required

2 months to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

5 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.7

(2,089 reviews)

Beginner level

No prior experience required

2 months to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

You’ll apply what you’ve learned to develop a holistic solution to a real-world business dilemma.

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English

34 practice exercises

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

Advance your subject-matter expertise

Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
Earn a career certificate from IESE Business School

Specialization - 5 course series

Good management is equal parts knowing and doing. No matter what industry you work in or where you are in your career, a basic understanding of financial, marketing and decision-making principles and other management fundamentals will help you achieve your professional goals - be it getting promoted in your current job, getting ready for a MBA program, or starting your own company.

This Specialization will give you a comprehensive introduction to the practice of management through the lens of four key disciplines: accounting, finance, marketing, and organizational behavior. In each course, you'll analyze real business cases from these four perspectives. In the final Capstone Project, you’ll apply what you’ve learned to develop a holistic solution to a real-world business dilemma.

This Specialization will provide you with the skill set needed to help achieve the next step in your career.

Accounting: Principles of Financial Accounting

Course 113 hours

What you'll learn

Utilize accounting principles for informed business decision-making.

Skills you'll gain

Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Statements, Cash Flows, Accrual Accounting, Balance Sheet, Accounting, Income Statement, Financial Accounting, Microsoft Excel, Cash Management, Financial Reporting, and Financial Analysis

Finance for Managers

Course 216 hours

What you'll learn

Unlock the power of numbers in business! In this Operational Finance course, you'll learn to interpret the 'financial story' told by balance sheets and income statements, gaining insights crucial for short-term decision-making. Master the management of current assets, liabilities, and working capital to optimize business performance. Understand the financial impact of managerial decisions on operations and marketing, making you a more strategic leader.

Prerequisites: Basic understanding of accounting principles recommended. Experience with Microsoft Excel is helpful. Learning Outcomes: * Analyze balance sheets and income statements to identify key financial ratios. * Make data-driven decisions related to working capital management. * Evaluate the financial consequences of marketing and operational strategies. Benefits: Gain the confidence to make sound financial decisions, improve business profitability, and advance your career in finance or management. Equip yourself with skills applicable across diverse industries. Are you ready to transform your understanding of finance and its impact on your business?

Skills you'll gain

Financial Management, Financial Acumen, Business Analysis, Financial Data, Business Metrics, Management Accounting, Finance, and Profit and Loss (P&L) Management

Marketing: Customer Needs and Wants

Course 320 hours

What you'll learn

Master the art of understanding your customers and building effective marketing strategies. This course will equip you with the skills to identify, classify, and profile customers using market segmentation techniques and data analysis tools. Learn how to analyze customer behavior to optimize marketing campaigns and drive sales. You'll cover marketing fundamentals, product/pricing strategies, brand building, and communication strategies for **digital marketing**. No prior experience is required. This course is perfect for those looking to improve their **marketing** skills and boost their **business**.

Skills you'll gain

Brand Strategy, Marketing, Demand Planning, Branding, Marketing Strategies, Customer Insights, Product Strategy, Value Propositions, Consumer Behaviour, Marketing Channel, Target Audience, Market Analysis, Marketing Analytics, Strategic Marketing, Marketing Communications, and Digital Marketing

Organizational Behavior: How to Manage People

Course 415 hours

What you'll learn

Unlock your potential in the workplace by understanding the principles of organizational behavior. Inspired by Peter Drucker's insightful observations, this course offers a practical guide to navigating human dynamics in professional settings. You'll gain actionable skills in motivation, leadership, teamwork, and cultural awareness. Specifically, you will learn how to foster effective team collaboration, resolve conflicts constructively, develop your leadership style, and communicate effectively across cultures. This understanding will empower you to drive positive change within your team and organization. No prior experience is required. Suitable for individuals interested in business, project management, or leadership roles.

Skills you'll gain

Leadership, Leadership Development, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Intercultural Competence, and Conflict Management

Analysis of Business Problems

Course 58 hours

What you'll learn

Are you ready to make strategic business decisions that drive long-term profitability and sustainability? In this capstone course, you'll tackle a real-world business challenge faced by GAS GAS, an off-road motorcycle manufacturer. Leverage business analytics tools and frameworks you've acquired throughout the specialization to analyze the dilemma and propose a data-driven solution. You'll learn a six-step analysis methodology to dissect business problems, integrating considerations from accounting, finance, marketing, and organizational behavior. Develop critical decision-making skills applicable to business strategy and data analytics roles, and gain a comprehensive understanding of how your actions can positively impact a firm's future.

Skills you'll gain

Business Analysis, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Analysis, Balance Sheet, Consumer Behaviour, Analytical Skills, Team Leadership, Working Capital, Financial Statements, Financial Analysis, Branding, Market Share, Strategic Decision-Making, Business Strategy, Organizational Leadership, Case Studies, Decision Making, Business Analytics, Complex Problem Solving, and Marketing