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Programme Overview

Central to the long-term success of any organisation, strategy defines direction and creates scope to gain competitive advantage. It is what elevates truly extraordinary leaders above merely ordinary ones by enabling them to develop and implement effective business strategies while maintaining motivation, innovation and vision in their people.

Knowledge gained, skills learned and links established on the programme will enhance career potential and directly benefit the organisations that participants work with. The programme provides participants with the insight and understanding needed to lead organisations in a complex global business environment.

The focus on Strategy, Development and Innovation provides the knowledge and skills required to reach the highest level, whether in a commercial or public sector context. It offers business managers and directors with a versatile, strategic toolkit to bring coherence and direction to the actions and decisions of the organisation.

Interested in learning more - check out these two articles 'Why Good Arguments Make Better Strategy' and 'A User's Guide to Open Strategy'.

Key Details

7th March 2024

Next Intake

€8,260 & €7,847*(*UCD Business Alumni)

Fees

9 Months

Duration

6 X 2 day modules

Delivery

NFQ Level 9 / 30 ECTS

Accredited / Credits

Module Dates

Module Title

Module Faculty

Module Dates

Module 1: Strategic Leadership SBUS41760

Associate Prof. Ciaran Heavey

Dr Brian McGrath and Associate Prof. Ciaran Heavey

Thurs 7th March 2024 (1:30 - 5pm)

Fri 8th & Sat 9th March 2024

Module 2: Strategy in a Turbulent Environment: The New Normal  SBUS41770

Prof. Karan Sonpar

Fri 19th & Sat 20th April 2024

Module 3: Market Position and Competitive Advantage  SBUS41050

Associate Prof. Andrew Keating Associate Prof. Marius Claudy

Fri 14th & Sat 15th June 2024

Module 4: Business Model Innovation SBUS4120

Prof. Raomal Perera

Fri 6th & Sat 7th September 2024

Module 5: Leading Innovation and Change SBUS41750 (Live online module)

Prof. David Loree - will deliver live virtual module

Thurs 24th, Fri 25th & Sat 26th October 2024 - This live virtual module will take place from approx 1pm to 5pm. 

Module 6: Top Management Teams and Strategic Decision Making SBUS41060

Associate Prof. Dorota Piaskowska and Prof. Patrick Gibbons 

Fri 29th & Sat 30th November 2024 

Please note - 100% attendance is required at all modules. Should you miss a module due to unexpected circumstances, there is no longer an option to take that module with another intake of the programme. 
Timing:  Typically, 9.00am to 5.00pm on both days

MSc Pathway

This standalone diploma also forms part of the optional MSc in Business (Leadership & Management Practice) Pathway. The pathway framework is comprised of ten diploma programmes. If participants successfully complete any three of these ten diplomas within a recommended 5-year timeframe, they are awarded with the MSc in Business (Leadership & Management Practice).

Our portfolio of pathway diplomas build on your existing skill set and add relevant value to your business needs. From corporate governance to leadership development, our diplomas deepen your understanding of contemporary business issues and will help you become a stronger leader who can deal with complex issues in rapidly-changing environments. Our unique teaching method, immersive learning environment and world-class faculty combine to produce an educational experience like no other.

The majority of our diploma programmes are delivered over a series of 6 two-day workshops within a 10-12 month period. Workshops are typically held on Fridays and Saturdays to minimise interference with busy work schedules. The majority of our diploma programmes are assessed on a module-by-module basis through a variety of practical assignments. There are no examinations (excluding the Diploma in Corporate Governance).



Smurfit Executive Development ranked 35th globally in latest 2023 Financial Times Rankings

UCD Smurfit Executive Development has been ranked 35th in the world in the 2023 Financial Times Executive Education Open Enrolment rankings. We are ranked 1st in Ireland and 21st in Europe with an increased overall participant satisfaction rating at 9.33/10.

The only Irish business school ranked in the Open Enrolment rankings, Smurfit Executive Development is globally ranked 25th place for New Skills and Learning, 28th place for Aims Achieved and 28th place for International Location which highlights the extent to which programmes are run off-site and outside the school’s base country and region bringing diversity of thought to the learning environment.

In addition, UCD Smurfit Executive Development ranked 34th for Teaching Methods and Materials, 35th for Course Design and 37th for Faculty. Find out more here.

Discover our Rankings and Accreditations