Will Economics for Managers be offered again in the future?

Economics for Managers is no longer available for enrollment and isn't expected to be offered again. If you're interested in developing your strategy skills, we invite you to explore our other strategy courses.

If I previously completed Economics for Managers, does it still count toward the Strategy Learning Track?

Yes. If you previously completed Economics for Managers, your Certificate of Completion remains valid and recognized. It also counts as one of the three courses required to earn a Certificate of Specialization in Strategy.

How should I list my certificate on my resume?

Harvard Business School Online Certificate in Economics for Managers [Cohort Start Month and Year] List your certificate on your LinkedIn profile under "Education" with the language from the Credential Verification page: School: Harvard Business School Online Dates Attended: [The year you participated in the program] Degree: Other; Certificate in Economics for Managers Field of Study: Leave blank Grade: Complete Activities and Societies: Leave blank For the program description on LinkedIn, please use the following: Economics for Managers is an 8-week, 60-hour online certificate program from Harvard Business School. Economics for Managers dives into fundamental economic principles like supply and demand, cost, markets, competition and differentiation. Participants gain the knowledge and skills needed to craft successful business strategy. Economics for Managers was developed by leading Harvard Business School faculty and is delivered in an active learning environment based on the HBS signature case-based learning method.

Strategy

Economics for Managers

Thank you for your interest in Economics for Managers. While this course is no longer available for enrollment, we invite you to explore our other strategy courses.

Dates & Pricing Coming Soon

Key Concepts

Develop effective pricing strategies
Benchmark costs compared to competitors through relative cost analysis
Apply conjoint analysis to understand what features customers value most
Understand the power of network effects to drive demand
Identify sources of competitive advantage through differentiation

Who Will Benefit

Explore the world of business through the lens of economics as you prepare for your next opportunity.

Economics for Managers was immensely valuable. Hearing from founders and seeing the power of network effects through various case studies helped me see market opportunities through an entirely different lens. The market knowledge I acquired helped me refine and expertly craft research reports.
Asher Salik; Student at New York University

91%

of HBS Online learners said they acquired new, immediately applicable skills

11x

return on investment, with 24% of learners reporting an average $20,466 salary increase

85%

Gained greater confidence in making business decisions

What You'll Earn

Learn More

**Certificate of Completion**
Boost your resume with a Certificate of Completion from HBS Online
Earn by: completing this course

**Certificate of Specialization**
Signify your deep expertise in strategy
Earn by: Completing any three courses within this subject area to earn a Certificate of Specialization

Course Syllabus

5 Modules, 60 Hours

Download full syllabus (pdf)

Module 1

Customer Demand - Foundations

12 Hours

Understand the relationship between willingness to pay and price and determine a revenue-maximizing pricing strategy using the concept of elasticity.

Highlights

0:31

The Price is Right

Price Setting and the Concept of Elasticity

Module 2

Strategies for Assessing and Increasing Demand

12 Hours

Appreciate how complements and network effects impact demand and evaluate techniques to increase demand and measure the tradeoffs and suitable applications of each approach.

Highlights

0:15

Introduction to Auctions

Module 3

Suppliers and Cost

12 Hours

Understand fixed versus variable costs and economies of scale.

Highlights

0:34

Introduction to Relative Cost

Module 4

Markets

12 Hours

Apply market principles to analyze industries in which no traditional market functions.

Highlights

0:44

Online Advertising

Module 5

Competition and Differentiation

12 Hours

Assess monopolies and price discrimination and understand different strategies for differentiation.

Highlights

0:30

Bundled Pricing Part I

0:35

Exploring Attribute Differentiation A Simple Model

Led by World-Renowned HBS Faculty

HBS Online courses are taught by Harvard Business School faculty, bringing the renowned HBS classroom experience directly to you.

Experience

Immersive Learning

Stay active by engaging in a new activity every three to five minutes.

Learn how to craft successful business strategy through the power of economics.

Real-World Connections

Get social by collaborating with a global community of peers before, during, and after your course. Learners who successfully complete an HBS Online program will be added to the HBS Online Community's Official Networking Group and gain exclusive access to events and other networking opportunities.

See how the HBS Online course platform engages you in social learning. You exchange ideas, offer input, and seek out viewpoints from a community of learners gathered from around the globe. In the process, you learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives, and leave the program with a broader outlook on the world.

Real-World Cases

Immerse yourself in real-world, case-based examples brought to life by industry-leading companies, including Ace Ticket, The New York Times, Penguin Random House, Amgen, and Bonobos.

Our courses allow you to apply your learning through
real-world examples and experience Harvard Business School’s signature case
method. Business leaders will share challenges they’ve faced. As the story
unfolds, you’ll leverage course concepts, vital tools and frameworks, and the
diversity of your peers’ perspectives to analyze the problem and determine a
path forward.

Real-World Outcomes