This course explores why growing the core business is now a more viable strategy than unrelated diversification. Learners will understand how shareholder value is created through both cash flow and strategic positioning for growth. Drawing on decades of corporate examples and financial analysis, Professor Jagdish Sheth outlines the limitations of the portfolio model and presents a framework for growing the core through multiple channels, product extensions, and emerging markets. Through case studies of companies like Monsanto, 3M, IBM, and Dinol, learners will discover how to avoid strategic missteps and identify synergistic opportunities that align with their company’s competencies and market access. This course empowers learners to think critically about growth, profitability, and how to leverage core strengths to meet modern shareholder expectations.
Growing Your Core Business with Jagdish Sheth
Details to know
Add to your LinkedIn profile
February 2026
3 assignments
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
There are 3 modules in this course
This module explores the historical evolution of shareholder value and the limitations of the traditional portfolio model. Learners will examine the cash flow vs. company growth dilemma and the impact of market stagnation on corporate strategy.
What's included
11 videos1 assignment
This module introduces a new framework for growing the core business. Learners will evaluate various growth paths and cautions against misguided diversification, supported by a growth map covering product and market strategies.
What's included
15 videos1 assignment
This module analyzes real-world examples—including IBM, McDonald’s, and Dinol—to illustrate successful and failed diversification strategies. Learners will apply a three-part test for synergistic diversification and learn how to assess market access and infrastructure.
What's included
4 videos1 assignment
Instructor
Offered by
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Jennifer J.
Larry W.
Chaitanya A.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
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.
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
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.
More questions
Financial aid available,