Executive Diploma in Innovation and Design Thinking

Course Dates :

03/02/25

25

Course ID:

250203001002507LUEMT

Course Duration :

25 Studying Day/s

Course Location:

Course Category:

Executive Diploma

Subcategories: Construction Safety, Health and Wellbeing, Environmental Sustainability, Risk Management, Technical Skills Development, Leadership and Communication, Quality Assurance

Course Certified By:

* LondonUni - Executive Management Training

* Executive Diploma Certificate

Leading to:
Executive Mini Masters Certificate
Leading to
Executive Masters Certificate

Certification Will Be Issued From : From London, United Kingdom

Course Information

Introduction

Innovation and design thinking are the cornerstones of thriving in an ever-evolving world. The Executive Diploma in Innovation and Design Thinking equips participants with the skills and strategies to excel in creating innovative solutions, fostering creative mindsets, and driving organizational change. This comprehensive program delves into the principles of design thinking, creative ideation, scenario forecasting, and effective meeting facilitation to empower professionals to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities in diverse sectors.

Design thinking is not merely a method; it is a mindset that integrates empathy, creativity, and strategic problem-solving. Participants will learn to adopt this approach to redefine problems and uncover transformative solutions. Through interactive sessions, case studies, and practical exercises, the course builds a deep understanding of how innovation can be harnessed systematically. By mastering design thinking, participants will be positioned to lead innovation initiatives that generate lasting impact.

Creativity and innovation planning are essential in maintaining a competitive edge. The course emphasizes structured creativity and strategic innovation to align with organizational goals. Participants will explore tools and methodologies to stimulate creative thinking while ensuring that innovative ideas are practical and actionable. This balance of creativity and structure is vital for achieving sustainable growth and fostering a culture of innovation within teams and organizations.

Scenario planning and forecasting prepare participants to anticipate and adapt to future trends and uncertainties. By developing scenarios, professionals can explore potential futures and devise strategies that account for diverse possibilities. This skill is critical for leaders and decision-makers who need to manage risks, seize opportunities, and ensure resilience in volatile environments. This component of the diploma focuses on equipping participants with the foresight and adaptability required in dynamic industries.

Effective meeting facilitation is a crucial yet often overlooked leadership competency. Meetings are where ideas are discussed, decisions are made, and innovation is brought to life. Participants will acquire the tools and techniques to plan and facilitate productive meetings, ensuring that collaboration is efficient and outcomes are actionable. The ability to lead meetings effectively amplifies the overall impact of innovation and design thinking practices.

This diploma is more than a theoretical exploration; it is a practical journey designed to build skills that are immediately applicable in the professional world. Participants will engage with real-world scenarios, collaborate in group exercises, and benefit from personalized coaching. The final thesis project is an opportunity to apply learning to a specific challenge, consolidating knowledge into a comprehensive, actionable plan that reflects the participant’s expertise and creativity.

Course Structure

The Executive Diploma in Innovation and Design Thinking spans 20 days of intensive learning and five additional days dedicated to preparing a comprehensive thesis. The program is structured as follows:
Core Courses (20 Days)
Design Thinking for Innovation (5 Days)
Creative Thinking and Innovation Planning (5 Days)
Scenario Planning and Forecasting (5 Days)
Effective Meeting Facilitation and Planning (5 Days)
Thesis Preparation (5 Days)

Participants will dedicate the final five days to developing a 4,500 to 5,000-word thesis. This project allows them to integrate the skills and knowledge acquired during the diploma. The thesis will focus on addressing a specific organizational challenge or exploring a practical application of innovation and design thinking principles. Participants will receive guidance and feedback to ensure the final submission reflects their expertise and professional growth.

By the end of this diploma, participants will emerge as innovation leaders, equipped to foster creativity, drive transformation, and create a meaningful impact in their professional domains.

Objectives

The Executive Diploma in Innovation and Design Thinking aims to:

Equip participants with the knowledge and skills to implement design thinking methodologies in diverse contexts.
Enhance creative thinking and strategic innovation capabilities for addressing complex challenges.
Build competency in scenario planning and forecasting to navigate future uncertainties.
Foster effective meeting facilitation skills for driving collaboration and decision-making.
Provide a structured framework for developing a professional thesis that integrates learning outcomes into a practical project.

Who Should Attend?

This program is tailored for professionals, leaders, and managers who aspire to lead innovation in their organizations. It is ideal for:

Business executives seeking to embed innovation in their organizational culture.
Entrepreneurs looking to refine their approach to creative problem-solving.
Project managers and team leaders responsible for driving collaborative initiatives.
Professionals in strategic roles who need advanced tools for planning and forecasting.
Individuals preparing to transition into roles that require advanced leadership and innovation capabilities.

Training Method

• Pre-assessment
• Live group instruction
• Use of real-world examples, case studies and exercises
• Interactive participation and discussion
• Power point presentation, LCD and flip chart
• Group activities and tests
• Each participant receives a 7” Tablet containing a copy of the presentation, slides and handouts
• Post-assessment

Program Support

This program is supported by:
* Interactive discussions
* Role-play
* Case studies and highlight the techniques available to the participants.

Daily Agenda

Each course agenda will be as follows:
• Technical Session 08.30-10.00 am
• Coffee Break 10.00-10.15 am
• Technical Session 10.15-12.15 noon
• Coffee Break 12.15-12.45 pm
• Technical Session 12.45-02.30 pm
• Course Ends 02.30 pm

Part 2 / 5

Creative Thinking and Innovation Planning

Day 1:
Foundations of Creative Thinking

Understanding the psychology of creativity and its role in professional settings.
Identifying cognitive biases that hinder innovative thinking.
Introduction to Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats methodology.
Practical exercise: Applying the Six Thinking Hats to a real-world scenario.


Day 2:
Tools and Techniques for Idea Generation

Exploring brainstorming methods and their limitations.
Mastering SCAMPER and other ideation techniques.
Using mind maps to organize and expand upon initial ideas.
Group activity: Collaborative idea generation using SCAMPER.


Day 3:
Design Thinking and Human-Centered Innovation

Overview of design thinking principles and phases.
Conducting empathy interviews to uncover user needs.
Prototyping and testing solutions iteratively.
Case study analysis: Successful applications of design thinking in business.


Day 4:
Strategic Innovation Planning

Aligning innovation efforts with organizational goals.
Developing roadmaps for implementing creative ideas.
Risk assessment and mitigation in innovation projects.
Workshop: Creating an innovation action plan for a hypothetical project.


Day 5:
Building a Culture of Creativity

The role of leadership in fostering innovation.
Strategies for overcoming resistance to change.
Measuring the impact of creative initiatives.
Final group presentation: Presenting innovation plans developed throughout the course.

Part 3 / 5

Scenario Planning and Forecasting

Day 1:
Foundations of Scenario Planning and Forecasting

Introduction to scenario planning: history, evolution, and key concepts.
Understanding the role of uncertainty in decision-making.
Overview of forecasting techniques: qualitative vs. quantitative approaches.
Case study analysis: Lessons from successful scenario planning implementations.


Day 2:
Analyzing External Factors and Trends

Conducting PESTLE and SWOT analyses to identify drivers of change.
Exploring megatrends and their implications for different industries.
Identifying critical uncertainties and their potential impacts.
Group exercise: Mapping trends and uncertainties for a chosen industry.


Day 3:
Designing Scenarios and Building Models

Step-by-step guide to creating scenario frameworks.
Using cross-impact analysis to assess interdependencies.
Developing narrative-driven scenarios to engage stakeholders.
Hands-on workshop: Crafting scenarios for a hypothetical organization.


Day 4:
Advanced Forecasting Techniques

Introduction to probabilistic forecasting and Monte Carlo simulations.
Leveraging AI and machine learning for predictive modeling.
Integrating qualitative insights with quantitative data.
Ethical considerations in forecasting: Bias, transparency, and accountability.


Day 5:
Implementation and Evaluation

Translating scenarios into actionable strategies and contingency plans.
Communicating findings effectively to diverse audiences.
Measuring the success of scenario planning initiatives.
Final project presentation: Applying course concepts to a real-world challenge.

Part 4 / 5

Effective Meeting Facilitation and Planning

Day 1:
Fundamentals of Effective Meetings

The importance of meetings: Purpose and objectives.
Common challenges and pitfalls in meeting facilitation.
Principles of meeting design: Structuring agendas and setting goals.
The role of a facilitator: Responsibilities and key skills.

Day 2:
Advanced Planning and Preparation

Identifying stakeholders and participants.
Selecting the right meeting format: In-person, virtual, or hybrid.
Preparing meeting materials and resources effectively.
Time management strategies for meeting planning.

Day 3:
Facilitation Techniques and Best Practices

Creating an inclusive and collaborative meeting environment.
Techniques for encouraging participation and managing discussions.
Handling difficult conversations and resolving conflicts.
Decision-making frameworks for productive outcomes.

Day 4:
Technology in Meetings

Overview of tools and platforms for virtual and hybrid meetings.
Managing technical challenges and disruptions.
Enhancing engagement through technology: Polls, breakout rooms, and more.
Best practices for virtual meeting etiquette and communication.

Day 5:
Post-Meeting Actions and Continuous Improvement

Documenting meeting outcomes: Minutes, summaries, and action plans.
Assigning accountability and tracking progress on action items.
Evaluating meeting effectiveness and gathering feedback.
Building a culture of effective meeting practices within your organization.

Executive Diploma Thesis

Final Paper: 4,500 - 5,000 Words