Executive Training Program in Strategic Leadership and Decision-Making for Managers

A practical program to strengthen strategic leadership, decision-making, and organizational performance.

Program Overview

The American University in the Emirates (AUE), through its Office of Lifelong Learning and Incubator (OLLI), is pleased to offer the Executive Training Program in Strategic Leadership and Decision-Making for Managers. This program is designed to equip managers with the strategic mindset, leadership capabilities, and decision-making skills required to operate effectively in today’s complex and rapidly evolving organizational environments.

Managers across sectors increasingly face multifaceted challenges characterized by uncertainty, competing priorities, digital transformation, and heightened expectations for performance and accountability. This program provides participants with structured frameworks, practical tools, and applied learning experiences to enhance their ability to address these challenges effectively.

The program integrates strategic thinking, problem-solving, leadership development, innovation, and performance management, ensuring that participants gain knowledge and skills that can be directly applied in their professional roles.

Target Audience

This program is designed for professionals who are responsible for managing teams, projects, and organizational functions. It is particularly suitable for:

Emerging and mid-level managers
Senior managers and department heads
Team leaders and supervisors
Project and program managers
Government sector professionals
Corporate executives and supervisors
Professionals preparing for leadership positions

Program Structure

Total Duration
The total duration of the program is 42 training hours.
Delivery Mode
The program is delivered through a blended learning approach as follows:
• In-Person Training: 21 hours
• Hybrid Learning: 12 hours
• Online Executive Training: 9 hours
Certificate
Participants who successfully complete the program will be awarded:
• Executive Certificate in Strategic Leadership and Decision-Making for Managers American University in the Emirates (AUE)

Program Objectives

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

Apply structured frameworks to analyze and solve complex organizational problems.
Demonstrate enhanced strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities.
Lead teams effectively and foster high-performance work environments.
Make informed decisions under conditions of uncertainty and risk.
Communicate effectively and manage internal and external stakeholders.
Improve operational efficiency and organizational performance.
Lead innovation and organizational change initiatives.
Utilize data and digital tools to support managerial decision-making.
Demonstrate ethical leadership and accountability in managerial roles.

Teaching and Learning Methods

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

Case studies and real-world examples
Group discussions and collaborative exercises
Leadership simulations
Scenario-based learning
Practical workshops
Applied problem-solving activities
Guided online learning and reflection

Assessment and Certification

Participants will be assessed through:

Certification:

Academic Progression Opportunity

Participants who successfully complete and pass this program may be eligible for:
Exemption from one course equivalent to three (3) credit hours in an AUE bachelor’s or master’s degree program, subject to:

Expected Outcomes and Organizational Impact

Organizations sponsoring participants can expect improved managerial performance in the following areas:

Strategic and data-informed decision-making
Leadership effectiveness and team performance
Organizational efficiency and productivity
Problem-solving and critical thinking
Stakeholder communication and negotiation
Innovation and change management
Ethical leadership and accountability

Program Structure

Module 1: Strategic Thinking for Managers

Key Topics:

1. Strategic versus operational thinking
2. Environmental scanning and analysis
3. Strategic frameworks and tools
4. Systems thinking
5. Linking strategy to execution

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will be able to analyze organizational environments and develop strategic perspectives to guide decision-making.

Module 2: Strategic Problem Solving

Key Topics:

1. Double Diamond problem-solving model
2. Root cause analysis
3. Problem framing
4. Divergent and convergent thinking
5. Solution generation

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will be able to identify root causes of complex problems and develop multiple solution alternatives.

Module 3: Decision-Making Under Uncertainty

Key Topics:

1. Decision-making frameworks
2. Risk analysis techniques
3. Data-informed decision-making
4. Cognitive biases
5. Scenario planning

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will make more effective and informed decisions under uncertain conditions.

Module 4: Leadership and Team Management

Key Topics:

1. Leadership styles and effectiveness
2. Team motivation and engagement
3. Conflict management
4. Building high-performing teams
5. Coaching and delegation

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will enhance their leadership effectiveness and team management capabilities.

Module 5: Stakeholder and Communication Management

Key Topics:

1. Stakeholder identification and analysis
2. Strategic communication
3. Negotiation techniques
4. Influence and persuasion
5. Managing expectations

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will communicate effectively and manage stakeholder relationships strategically.

Module 6: Innovation and Change Management

Key Topics:

1. Innovation strategies
2. Change management frameworks
3. Overcoming resistance to change
4. Organizational transformation
5. Building resilience and adaptability

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will lead change initiatives and foster innovation within their organizations.

Module 7: Performance Management and Organizational Effectiveness

Key Topics:

1. Performance measurement systems
2. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
3. Continuous improvement
4. Productivity management
5. Ethics and accountability
6. Time and resource management

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will monitor and improve organizational performance effectively

Module 8: Executive Reflection and Applied Project Guidance

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