BUS 100 — Essential Business Skills: 8 Weeks, 4 Topics, 4 Expert Instructors
Quarter: Fall
Day(s): Tuesdays
Course Format: Live Online (About Formats)
Duration: 8 weeks
Date(s): Sep 26—Nov 28
Time: 5:30—7:20 pm (PT)
Refund Deadline: Sep 28
Unit: 1
Grade Restriction: No letter grade
Tuition: $610
Class Recording Available: Yes
Status: Open
Fall
Date(s)
Sep 26—Nov 28
8 weeks
Refund Date
Sep 28
1 Unit
Fees
$610
Grade Restriction
No letter grade
Instructor(s):
Recording
Yes
Open
Taking a formulaic approach to education can be dangerous. While it may help students achieve specific learning objectives, it does not necessarily prepare them for the complexity and changes they invariably encounter in their careers. Now more than ever, employers seek individuals with a combination of skills, and those with an array of talents are more likely to stand out. That is why the Stanford Continuing Studies Program has created a new, first-of-its-kind course that equips students with the essential skills they need to succeed in today's business and technology environment. Taught by four expert instructors from various disciplines, this eight-week multidisciplinary course uses an innovative approach to learning by weaving a single, consistent business challenge throughout each learning module, creating continuity between the instructors and lesson plans. Upon completing the course, students will have learned a mix of soft and hard skills that can be adapted to almost any business challenge. The course is designed to help students quickly level up their abilities and differentiate themselves in the job market by simultaneously helping them develop new skills while exposing them to new concepts and topics. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your career, this course provides the tools and know-how to solve unforeseen problems and navigate an ever-changing landscape.
MODULES
Module 1: Decision Analysis with Richard Kim
In the first module, students will focus on decision analysis, which uses a mix of math, philosophy, and gut instinct to guide individuals and organizations toward making better decisions. Many organizations, including Chevron, Pfizer, and the US military, have used this method. Students will learn to make highly informed decisions to identify the root causes of problems, create decision trees, and use critical thinking to develop effective solutions. The first module will conclude with a data set and case study that students will learn to analyze and interpret during modules two and three.
Module 2: Foundational Digital Marketing with Jason McDonald
In the second module, students will gain a comprehensive overview of digital marketing concepts, including social media, e-commerce, digital branding, and more. Through lectures and interactive learning experiences, students will acquire the domain expertise needed to complete the case study challenges while learning the mechanics of digital marketing campaigns.
Module 3: Data Analysis with Python with Matt Harrison
In the third module, students will learn foundational data analysis techniques using Python. Through practical experience, they will learn how to import, clean, and manipulate data using Python libraries like Pandas and perform statistical analysis and data visualization. Students will use these skills directly by analyzing the data set related to the case study. No prior programming experience is required.
Module 4: Fundamentals of Project Management with Tim Bombosch
In the fourth and final module, students will learn how to create an action plan for bringing the decisions related to the case study and data set to life. Within every organization, employees must: enable strategy, develop and deliver products and services, improve internal operations, contribute to the bottom line, and create delightful customer experiences. Project management is an essential qualification for almost every job and is imperative for leadership roles.
RICHARD KIM
Co-Founder and Senior Systems Engineer, Aerospace Technical Services
Richard Kim has nearly 20 years of experience as a consultant and advisor to the US Air Force, US Space Force, and multiple energy system operators. He received a PhD in management science and engineering from Stanford.
JASON MCDONALD
Director, JM Internet Group
Jason McDonald is an internet marketing consultant specializing in SEO, social media marketing, and Google Ads. He is the author of several books on internet marketing, including Social Media Marketing Workbook, SEO Workbook, Google Ads Workbook, and Marketing: Ultimate Almanac of Free Marketing Tools. He received a PhD from UC Berkeley.
MATT HARRISON
Principal Consultant and Corporate Trainer, MetaSnake
Matt Harrison has been using Python since 2000 and is a Python, data science, and corporate training consultant. He is the author or co-author of several books on Python. In the past, he has worked across the domains of search, build management and testing, business intelligence, and storage.
TIM BOMBOSCH
Senior Program Manager, North America, Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Tim Bombosch has over 15 years of experience as a project manager, business analyst, and change management consultant. His work includes experience in publishing, higher education, enterprise software, content management, and utilities. He is a certified project manager, scrum master, and change management professional. He is an honored instructor, having developed and taught project management courses for over 10 years. He received a PhD from Stanford.
MODULES
Module 1: Decision Analysis with Richard Kim
In the first module, students will focus on decision analysis, which uses a mix of math, philosophy, and gut instinct to guide individuals and organizations toward making better decisions. Many organizations, including Chevron, Pfizer, and the US military, have used this method. Students will learn to make highly informed decisions to identify the root causes of problems, create decision trees, and use critical thinking to develop effective solutions. The first module will conclude with a data set and case study that students will learn to analyze and interpret during modules two and three.
Module 2: Foundational Digital Marketing with Jason McDonald
In the second module, students will gain a comprehensive overview of digital marketing concepts, including social media, e-commerce, digital branding, and more. Through lectures and interactive learning experiences, students will acquire the domain expertise needed to complete the case study challenges while learning the mechanics of digital marketing campaigns.
Module 3: Data Analysis with Python with Matt Harrison
In the third module, students will learn foundational data analysis techniques using Python. Through practical experience, they will learn how to import, clean, and manipulate data using Python libraries like Pandas and perform statistical analysis and data visualization. Students will use these skills directly by analyzing the data set related to the case study. No prior programming experience is required.
Module 4: Fundamentals of Project Management with Tim Bombosch
In the fourth and final module, students will learn how to create an action plan for bringing the decisions related to the case study and data set to life. Within every organization, employees must: enable strategy, develop and deliver products and services, improve internal operations, contribute to the bottom line, and create delightful customer experiences. Project management is an essential qualification for almost every job and is imperative for leadership roles.
RICHARD KIM
Co-Founder and Senior Systems Engineer, Aerospace Technical Services
Richard Kim has nearly 20 years of experience as a consultant and advisor to the US Air Force, US Space Force, and multiple energy system operators. He received a PhD in management science and engineering from Stanford.
JASON MCDONALD
Director, JM Internet Group
Jason McDonald is an internet marketing consultant specializing in SEO, social media marketing, and Google Ads. He is the author of several books on internet marketing, including Social Media Marketing Workbook, SEO Workbook, Google Ads Workbook, and Marketing: Ultimate Almanac of Free Marketing Tools. He received a PhD from UC Berkeley.
MATT HARRISON
Principal Consultant and Corporate Trainer, MetaSnake
Matt Harrison has been using Python since 2000 and is a Python, data science, and corporate training consultant. He is the author or co-author of several books on Python. In the past, he has worked across the domains of search, build management and testing, business intelligence, and storage.
TIM BOMBOSCH
Senior Program Manager, North America, Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Tim Bombosch has over 15 years of experience as a project manager, business analyst, and change management consultant. His work includes experience in publishing, higher education, enterprise software, content management, and utilities. He is a certified project manager, scrum master, and change management professional. He is an honored instructor, having developed and taught project management courses for over 10 years. He received a PhD from Stanford.
Textbooks for this course:
(Required) Matt Harrison, Effective Pandas: Patterns for Data Manipulation (ISBN 979-8772692936)