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