Demystifying Distinctive Competencies

I would like to introduce to the attendees a free resource that can be used across various management courses as well as fundamentals of business courses. While “The Idea Napkin” was developed by Alex Bruton of the Straight Up Business Institute as a tool to vet and map out a business opportunity, I have found that the worksheet can also be used in the Creativity & Innovation, Business Fundamentals, and Strategic Management courses as well. Specifically, a concept that is often difficult for students to grasp is the idea of distinctive competencies and by working through this exercise I would like to share how students can practice identifying and understanding the nature of distinctive competencies in a team setting using products with which they are familiar. Understanding the concept of distinctive competencies lays a wonderful foundation for studying competitive advantage, and the Resource Based View of the Firm in the management classroom but also feasibility of an entrepreneurship venture and team based projects. The exercise is appropriate for undergraduate, graduate, and even training in small business development centers and professional certificate programs in business.