Strategic Management and Planning

August 2013, Alexandria, Egypt

This three-day course is intended to provide you with a global perspective and understanding of strategic management as a context for domestic and international operations. The aims are to develop an understanding of the different approaches to strategy; how choices are made between different possible approaches; the content in which choices are made; and how strategies and structures are designed and implemented. The course aims to enable leaders and decision makers to introduce fit-for-purpose strategy and plan effectively for their organisations.

At the end of the course attendees should be able to acquire a comprehensive knowledge and practical experience about strategic management and planning in alignment with the local needs and capabilities. Moreover, after completion of the course, attendees to write a report, supported by the tutor, of what they have learnt and what is particularly relevant to their employers. A focus to be one aspect of the course which has implications for the way they will improve their professional practice when they return to their employers. This will help reassure the employers of the benefits of the course and help consolidate the understanding of the manager.

What are the objectives?

• This integrative course aims to develop a deeper understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects to strategic management and planning, and to develop the essential skills and competencies necessary to plan, monitor and control different tasks and events.
• Develops your understanding and skills for formulating the organisation’s overall strategic direction.
• Understand and evaluate the major theories (and thoughts) of strategic management and be able to demonstrate a detailed knowledge of debates within and between these schools.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the different processes and stages through which strategy is formulated and implemented within organisations.
• Analyse the external and internal context within which strategy is made, the resources available, and the strategic options available to organisations.
• Judge the importance of different strategies in different contexts and be able to suggest appropriate strategies in context.
• This course will also complement the different management skills already developed through earlier business and management courses.
• In addition, participants will demonstrate developed skills in case and company analysis, group work and problem solving and will have insight into: critical analysis; interactive and team working; creativity; and problem solving.

What will you learn?

• Introduction to strategic management and planning.
• Different strategy levels within an organization.
• Strategy evaluation and strategic capability.
• Leadership skills and tactics.
• Managing change in your organization.

Who should attend?

• The course covers materials for all levels from supervisory through to senior level.
• Experienced managers who have significant futures oriented management responsibilities, and who are interested in reflecting on their own experience and discovering new ideas.
• Managers and directors responsible for transformation, project, programme, change management.
• Public, voluntary and private sector managers responsible for leading change and transformation efforts.
• Academics including researchers and students who are interested in strategic management and planning and in being part of an engaging educational experience that explore the challenges and opportunities that face organizations.

How to approach the course

• For each session there is an activity or set of activities. These are designed to help you engage with the introduction to the theories explored within the course, in many cases, to ask you to apply these points to your job. You are encouraged to complete each set of activities before moving on to the next session.
• Your tutor will be on hand to guide you through the course and will expect you to bring to bear personal experience and reflection on the topics covered.
• If you have difficulty with any of the points in the session or any of the activities, you are advised to discuss these with your tutors and fellow participants. Don’t forget that your work colleagues and managers will be a good source of information about your industry and, of course, your tutor will be on hand to guide you through the course.
• Teamwork is necessary for participants to engage in the course. Participants are required to form teams of at least two members each. Working as a team allows participants to contribute to effectively to the course and provide a channel to participate in exchanging and sharing ideas and to report their findings to each other.

Course material

Included in the course fee, the following learning materials will be provided:

• All overhead slides/transparencies.
• Case studies (print and video) used on the course.
• Certificate of attendance from MEKEI and Brighton Business School, University of Brighton, UK

Facilitator

Professor Allam Ahmed
Middle Eastern Knowledge Economy Institute, UK