Executive Mini Master in Strategic Innovation and Critical Planning

Course Dates :

05/05/25

35

Course ID:

250505001003575LUEMT

Course Duration :

35 Studying Day/s

Course Location:

Course Category:

Executive Mini Masters

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 Mini Masters Certificate

Leading to
Executive Masters Certificate

Certification Will Be Issued From : From London, United Kingdom

Course Information

Introduction

The ability to innovate strategically and plan critically is an indispensable skill for leaders navigating a rapidly evolving global landscape. The Executive Mini Master in Strategic Innovation and Critical Planning is meticulously designed to empower professionals with advanced methodologies, tools, and frameworks essential for driving organizational success. This comprehensive program integrates innovative thinking and strategic planning, enabling participants to tackle complex challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities effectively.

Throughout this course, participants will explore the synergy between creativity, critical thinking, and data-driven decision-making. By combining theoretical insights with practical applications, this program ensures a profound understanding of innovation's role in shaping strategies and fostering resilience in dynamic environments. Participants will delve into designing innovative solutions, assessing risks, and building actionable strategies that align with long-term objectives.

Each module is tailored to address core areas such as strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and data analysis, offering a well-rounded approach to innovation and planning. Participants will not only master the art of generating ideas but also learn how to implement them effectively within their organizations, ensuring measurable impact and sustainable growth.

The program extends over 30 days of intensive learning, followed by a 5-day period for preparing and submitting a final thesis of 15,000 to 20,000 words. This thesis will act as a capstone project, showcasing participants' ability to synthesize knowledge and apply it to real-world scenarios. With expert guidance, participants will emerge as thought leaders equipped to lead innovation and drive strategic excellence.

The course is built for individuals seeking to elevate their skills in leadership, innovation, and strategic planning. It provides an opportunity to network with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and gain exposure to global best practices. By the end of the program, participants will be poised to lead their organizations toward achieving a competitive edge.

Course Structure

The program consists of six meticulously curated courses, each addressing a critical component of strategic innovation and planning:

Design Thinking for Innovation
Explore the principles and processes of design thinking to foster creative problem-solving and user-centric innovation.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Master critical thinking techniques to analyze complex situations and develop effective solutions.

Strategic Thinking and Planning
Develop strategic frameworks to set long-term goals and navigate organizational challenges.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation Planning
Learn to identify potential risks, evaluate their impact, and create robust mitigation strategies.

Creative Thinking and Innovation Planning
Cultivate a culture of creativity and innovation to drive continuous improvement and organizational success.

Data-Driven Decision-Making
Harness data analytics to make informed decisions and optimize business outcomes.

The program culminates with a final thesis requiring participants to apply their learning to a real-world issue, demonstrating mastery of the concepts and strategies covered during the course.

Conclusion

The Executive Mini Master in Strategic Innovation and Critical Planning is a transformative journey designed to instill the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to lead in today's complex business landscape. By combining cutting-edge innovation strategies with critical planning tools, this program equips participants with a comprehensive skill set to make a lasting impact on their organizations. The inclusion of a final thesis ensures that participants can apply their learning in a tangible, results-driven manner.

This program offers a robust foundation for those aspiring to lead with confidence and make strategic decisions that align with their organization's goals and values.

Objectives

The objectives are:

To equip participants with the skills to think strategically and innovate effectively.
To develop a deep understanding of critical thinking and problem-solving methodologies.
To foster expertise in risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
To enhance participants' ability to use data-driven insights for decision-making.
To cultivate creative thinking and design innovative solutions.
To empower professionals to lead their organizations toward sustainable growth and competitive advantage.

Who Should Attend?

This course aims at:

Mid-to-senior-level managers responsible for driving innovation and strategy within their organizations.
Entrepreneurs seeking to enhance their planning and innovation capabilities.
Professionals in leadership roles looking to strengthen their decision-making and critical thinking skills.
Individuals tasked with managing high-stakes projects or navigating organizational change.
Consultants and strategists aiming to expand their expertise in innovation and planning.

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 / 7

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

Day 1:
Foundations of Critical Thinking

Understanding the principles of critical thinking.
Identifying cognitive biases and their impact on decision-making.
Exploring the role of logic and reasoning in problem-solving.
Applying Bloom’s Taxonomy to enhance analytical skills.


Day 2:
Tools and Frameworks for Problem-Solving

Introduction to SWOT analysis and its applications.
Using Fishbone diagrams to identify root causes.
Leveraging Pareto analysis for prioritization.
Case study: Solving real-world problems with structured tools.


Day 3:
Creative Approaches to Innovation

Principles of design thinking and its stages.
Brainstorming techniques to generate innovative ideas.
Prototyping and testing solutions in controlled environments.
Group activity: Developing a prototype for a given challenge.


Day 4:
Decision-Making Models

Overview of decision-making frameworks (e.g., Grid Analysis).
Assessing risks and rewards in decision-making.
Ethical considerations in professional decision-making.
Role-playing exercise: Making high-stakes decisions under pressure.


Day 5:
Practical Applications and Reflection

Integrating critical thinking into daily workflows.
Communicating solutions effectively to stakeholders.
Reflective practice: Identifying areas for continuous improvement.
Final group presentation: Presenting a comprehensive problem-solving strategy.

Part 3 / 7

Strategic Thinking and Planning

Day 1: Introduction to Strategic Thinking

Understanding the importance of strategic thinking in today’s business environment
Key principles of effective strategic planning
Analyzing the role of leadership in driving strategic initiatives
Introduction to strategic frameworks: SWOT, PESTEL, Porter’s Five Forces

Day 2: Environmental Analysis and Market Understanding

Conducting a comprehensive internal and external analysis
Understanding competitive forces and market trends
Using PESTEL to evaluate macro-environmental factors
Assessing competitor strategies and their impact on your business

Day 3: Developing and Formulating Strategy

Crafting long-term and short-term business objectives
Identifying strategic options and selecting the best course of action
Translating organizational vision into strategic goals
Aligning resources and capabilities with strategic priorities

Day 4: Strategic Implementation and Alignment

Breaking down the strategy into actionable plans and KPIs
Ensuring organizational alignment and commitment to strategic goals
Managing change during strategic implementation
Communicating strategy across all levels of the organization

Day 5: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Adjusting Strategies

Setting up a performance management framework for ongoing strategy evaluation
Using KPIs to track strategic performance
Identifying and responding to strategic challenges and market shifts
Continuous improvement: adapting and refining strategies for sustained success

Part 4 / 7

Risk Assessment and Mitigation Planning

Day 1:
Introduction to Risk Assessment

Understanding Risk Management: Definition, key principles, and frameworks for risk management.
Types of Risks: Identifying financial, operational, technological, legal, and strategic risks.
The Risk Management Process: Steps for assessing, evaluating, and prioritizing risks.
Risk Appetite and Tolerance: How to define and align risk appetite with organizational objectives.

Day 2:
Risk Identification and Analysis

Tools for Risk Identification: Techniques such as SWOT analysis, risk registers, and risk mapping.
Risk Analysis Techniques: Qualitative and quantitative methods for assessing risk.
Scenario Analysis and Stress Testing: Evaluating potential risks through simulation.
Risk Impact Assessment: Determining the severity of identified risks.

Day 3:
Risk Mitigation Strategies

Developing Mitigation Plans: Strategies for reducing, transferring, or accepting risks.
Building Resilience: Creating systems to respond to and recover from adverse events.
Cost-Benefit Analysis in Mitigation: Assessing the effectiveness of risk mitigation efforts.
Integrating Risk Mitigation into Strategic Planning: Aligning mitigation efforts with business goals.

Day 4:
Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management

Understanding Regulatory Requirements: Key compliance standards in different industries.
Legal Implications of Risk Management: How to ensure compliance while managing risks.
Risk Reporting and Documentation: Best practices for documenting risk assessments and mitigation efforts.
Dealing with Risk in a Global Context: Navigating cross-border risk management and international regulations.

Day 5:
Practical Applications and Case Studies

Risk Management Simulation: Applying risk assessment tools and mitigation strategies to real-world scenarios.
Case Studies: Analyzing successful risk management practices and learning from failures.
Risk Communication: How to present risk assessments and mitigation plans to stakeholders.
Final Q&A and Review: Recap of key takeaways and strategies for ongoing risk management improvement.

Part 5 / 7

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 6 / 7

Data-Driven Decision-Making

Day 1: Foundations of Data-Driven Decision-Making

Introduction to data-driven decision-making principles.
Understanding data types, sources, and collection methods.
Data preparation and cleaning techniques.
Exploring key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics for decision-making.

Day 2: Data Analysis Techniques

Descriptive, diagnostic, and inferential data analysis methods.
Statistical tools and software applications for analysis.
Identifying trends and patterns in data.
Hands-on practice with data sets and case examples.

Day 3: Data Visualization and Communication

The role of visualization in decision-making.
Best practices for creating impactful charts and graphs.
Tools for data visualization (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Excel).
Crafting compelling narratives to present data findings.

Day 4: Advanced Applications in Decision-Making

Introduction to predictive analytics and modeling.
Simulating potential outcomes with scenario analysis.
Decision-making frameworks (e.g., decision trees, Monte Carlo simulations).
Overcoming challenges in interpreting complex data.

Day 5: Ethical Considerations and Implementation

Addressing ethical concerns in data usage.
Ensuring data accuracy, reliability, and privacy compliance.
Strategies for integrating data-driven practices in organizations.
Final case study: Applying data-driven decision-making to a real-world problem.

Executive Mini Masters
Thesis

Final Paper: 15,000 - 20,000 Words