Business Models for Decision Making

Course Objective

This course empowers students to use strategic and financial models to guide business decision-making. Students will learn to apply proven frameworks to analyze business environments, design sustainable models, and evaluate new ventures. The course uses case-driven learning to build real-world analytical, design, and communication skills vital to consulting and entrepreneurship.

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply frameworks like BMC, SWOT, Porter’s Five Forces, and Financial Models to real business cases.
  • Design and critique scalable, resilient, and innovative business models.
  • Align internal and external business model components for execution and growth.
  • Develop client-facing business proposals using structured thinking and storytelling.
  • Evaluate business opportunities using both qualitative insight and quantitative modeling.

Business Models for Decision Making Syllabus T30

Session No. Topics Tool/Reading/Activity Skill Focus
1 Introduction to Business Models Canvas Overview Strategic Awareness
2 Business Model Canvas – Deep Dive BMC by Strategyzer Business Design
3 Value Proposition Design & Customer Segments VPD Tool Market Fit
4 Channels, Customer Relationships, Revenue Streams BMC Blocks Business Logic
5 Key Activities, Resources & Partnerships Operations Layer Execution Clarity
6 Cost Structures and Break-Even Models Cost Mapping Financial Reasoning
7 SWOT, TOWS & Competitive Edge SWOT + Strategy Matrix Internal-External Fit
8 Porter's Five Forces & Industry Mapping Porter Framework External Analysis
9 Blue Ocean Strategy & Innovation Models BOS Canvas Opportunity Creation
10 Designing Digital & Platform Business Models Multisided BMC Digital Thinking
11 McKinsey 7S and Alignment Tools 7S Audit Organizational Fit
12 Dynamic Scenario Planning Futures Wheel / What-If Models Agility
13 Financial Modeling for Business Design Unit Economics, ROI Models Quant Insight
14 Metrics that Matter – KPIs & Dashboards Business Model Scorecards Performance Measurement
15 Business Models in Consulting & Startups Consulting Playbooks Use-Case Application
16 Sustainability & ESG in Business Models Green Canvas Responsible Strategy
17 Diagnosing Broken Business Models Failure Cases Critical Thinking
18 Pitching & Presenting Models to Investors/Clients Storytelling Structure Persuasive Communication
19 Capstone Group Work – Model Redesign Live Collaboration Solution Design
20 Final Project Presentations & Reflections Student Decks Executive Communication

Textbook & Resources

Primary Textbook:
  • Business Model Generation by Alexander Osterwalder & Yves Pigneur
Supplementary:
  • Harvard Business Cases, McKinsey & BCG Whitepapers, Strategyzer Toolkit