Strategic Management

The Strategic Management course provides a comprehensive understanding of how organisations create, implement, and sustain effective strategies in an increasingly dynamic global environment. It is designed to equip learners with the analytical frameworks, decision-making tools, and practical insights needed to formulate and execute strategies that deliver long-term competitive advantage.

This self-paced course combines theoretical foundations with real-world business examples, case studies, and interactive exercises to enhance strategic thinking and managerial judgement. Learners will explore how to analyse complex business environments, evaluate internal resources, and align corporate actions with strategic objectives to ensure sustained success.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to:

• Understand the principles and scope of strategic management.
• Conduct thorough external and internal analyses of organisations.
• Identify and assess competitive forces and industry structures.
• Evaluate strategic options and formulate effective business and corporate-level strategies.
• Apply strategic frameworks to real-world organisational challenges.
• Implement, monitor, and adapt strategies to achieve long-term organisational goals.

Course Modules

1. Introduction to Strategic Management
Explores the fundamental concepts, evolution, and significance of strategic management in modern organisations. Learners will understand the strategic management process and its role in achieving organisational objectives.

2. Understanding the External Business Environment
Focuses on analysing macroeconomic, political, technological, and social factors that influence strategic decisions. Frameworks such as PESTEL and stakeholder analysis are introduced to identify external opportunities and threats.

3. Industry & Competitive Analysis
Examines how industries operate and how competitive forces shape profitability. Learners will use tools like Porter’s Five Forces to assess industry structure and evaluate competitors’ strengths and weaknesses.

4. Internal Analysis & Organisational Capabilities
Covers techniques for evaluating internal resources, competencies, and value chain activities to determine the organisation’s strategic strengths and weaknesses.

5. Strategic Positioning & Competitive Advantage
Analyses how organisations differentiate themselves and create unique value propositions. Topics include cost leadership, differentiation, and focus strategies.

6. Corporate Strategy & Growth Choices
Explores corporate-level decisions such as diversification, mergers and acquisitions, vertical integration, and global expansion. Learners assess the rationale behind growth and portfolio strategies.

7. Strategic Decision Making & Scenario Planning
Introduces tools for effective decision-making under uncertainty, including scenario analysis and risk assessment. Learners will explore strategic choices in volatile environments.

8. Strategy Implementation & Execution
Focuses on the alignment of structure, culture, and resources with strategic objectives. Topics include leadership roles, performance monitoring, and strategic control systems.

9. Strategic Change & Organisational Adaptation
Examines how organisations manage transformation, innovation, and resistance to change. Learners explore models for managing strategic and cultural shifts effectively.

10. Integrating Strategic Analysis
Brings together all analytical frameworks and tools covered in the course to develop coherent strategic recommendations. Learners will apply integrated analysis to case studies and simulated business scenarios.

Additional Resources

1. Introduction to Strategic Management
   Get acquainted with the basic concepts and significance of strategic management.
2. Understanding the Role of Strategy in Business
   Learn how strategy acts as the backbone of any successful business operation.
3. The Process of Strategic Management
   Understand the steps involved in the strategic management process.
4. Environmental Analysis and Industry Analysis
   Learn to assess the external factors affecting your business.
5. Internal Analysis: Resources and Capabilities
   Evaluate the internal strengths and weaknesses of your organisation.
6. SWOT Analysis and Strategic Fit
   Combine internal and external analyses to identify strategic opportunities.
7. Setting Strategic Objectives and Goals
   Learn how to set achievable, yet challenging, strategic objectives.
8. Crafting a Business Strategy
   Develop a robust business strategy using various frameworks and tools.
9. Differentiation and Cost Leadership Strategies
   Understand the strategies to set your business apart from competitors.
10. Competitive Advantage and Value Creation
    Learn how to create sustainable competitive advantages.
11. Strategic Positioning and Market Segmentation
    Understand how to position your business in the market effectively.
12. Strategic Alliances and Partnerships
    Explore the benefits and challenges of forming strategic alliances.
13. Corporate-Level Strategy and Diversification
    Learn about the strategies for managing a portfolio of businesses.
14. Mergers and Acquisitions: Strategy and Implementation
    Understand the strategic reasons for M&As and how to implement them successfully.
15. International Expansion and Global Strategy
    Learn strategies for taking your business to the global stage.
16. Strategic Innovation and Entrepreneurship
    Explore how innovation and entrepreneurship fit into strategic management.
17. Strategic Change and Transformation
    Learn how to manage change to align with your strategic objectives.
18. Strategic Leadership and Decision Making
    Understand the role of leadership in strategic management.
19. Strategic Control and Performance Measurement
    Learn how to measure and control the performance of your strategy.
20. Evaluating and Adjusting the Strategy
    Understand when and how to make adjustments to your strategy.

Assessment and Certification

Learners complete an online multiple-choice assessment at the end of the course to demonstrate understanding of strategic concepts and application. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Certificate in Strategic Management, which can be shared digitally or added to professional profiles such as LinkedIn.

Who Should Enrol

This course is ideal for:

• Managers and business leaders seeking to enhance their strategic thinking capabilities.
• Entrepreneurs and business owners aiming to strengthen their organisation’s competitive position.
• Students and professionals aspiring to advance into strategic leadership roles.
• Anyone interested in understanding how strategic decisions drive business success.

By the end of this course, you will be well-versed in the multifaceted world of strategic management, capable of formulating and implementing strategies that drive business success. We look forward to guiding you through this transformative learning experience.

Demonstration Lecture – Introduction to Strategic Management