Mastering strategic management: Here's what it takes to become a future-ready leader
The current global business environment is marked by volatility due to geopolitical tensions, shifting monetary policies, trade dynamics, and emerging technologies. As a result, long-term planning is becoming increasingly difficult for businesses.
Macro fluctuations affect corporate strategies, pushing companies to rethink supply chains and hiring policies. Businesses must therefore adopt agile risk management, monitor market signals, and capitalise on emerging opportunities. Mastering strategic thinking requires a mix of foresight and data-driven decision-making. Here are approaches companies should consider:
Anticipate and connect the dots
: A good strategic thinker sees beyond immediate disruptions by connecting trends across geographies and industries. This ability to think ahead helps anticipate risks and opportunities before they manifest.
Embrace data-driven foresight
: Use a dynamic process combining analytics, AI, and scenario planning. This separates actionable insights from noise.
Keep options open
: Volatility demands the ability to pivot as much as it demands long-term vision. Strategic thinking involves balancing planning with responsiveness-adjusting strategies in real time to seize opportunities or mitigate risks.
Quantify and manage risk:
Measuring risk enables better decision-making. Leaders who are aware of their business' risk exposure and prepare contingency plans accordingly can turn volatility into a competitive advantage.
Cultivate cross-functional business acumen:
Integrate insights from different teams such as finance, operations, technology, and marketing to sharpen strategic problem-solving skills.
The demand for future-ready executives has never been higher, especially in the age of data-driven learning. IIM Kozhikode's Advanced Strategic Management Programme is a high-impact, year-long learning journey designed for mid- to senior-level professionals, especially those in strategic management roles. The programme offers over 150 hours of expert-led learning, a two-day campus immersion, and executive alumni status from one of India's premier B-schools.
Programme highlights
Immersive learning with simulations, faculty-guided capstone project, and peer collaboration from a top-tier executive education provider. IIM-K has deep capabilities in strategic leadership development
Familiarisation with new age technologies such as digital transformation and business applications of Generative AI (GenAI)
Exposure to cutting-edge topics such as merger and acquisition strategies, sustainability in strategy, and blue ocean innovation.
Certificate of completion for participants who successfully complete all evaluation components and meet the requisite 75% minimum attendance criteria.
Benefits of being IIM Kozhikode executive alumni status
Opportunities to network with peers from across industries, IIM-K alumni, and industry leaders. These connections are invaluable for career growth and to stay updated with the latest industry trends
Easier transition to higher-level strategic roles, advisory boards, or venture scaling
Access to Kasebook, the online alumni portal
Eligible to periodic newsletters and publications of IIM Kozhikode.
What are the eligibility criteria?
Live Events
Graduates or diploma holders who have at least seven years' work experience, or five years of professional experience after post graduation.
Programme fees
The fee for this certificate programme is INR 2, 98, 000 + GST. Visit the
programme page
to know more about flexible payment options and student loans.
Programme duration and modules
Course commencement date:
June 28, 2025
Duration:
One year
Mode:
Both online and on-campus
Some of the topics covered in the 10 modules include:
Planned vs Emergent Strategy
Measuring and Reporting Financial Position and Financial Performance
Making Capital Investment Decisions
Operations Strategy
Business Strategy in a Globalised Digital & Highly Regulated World
Making Strategic Alliances Work
Business Models of the Future
Leading High-performance Teams
Diagnosing, planning, and preparing for negotiations
Corporate Governance
Exploring Possible Solutions: Design Thinking Processes & Tool Kits
The Advanced Strategic Management Programme by IIM Kozhikode is unique due to its focus on the latest strategic management practice, its rigorous, application-oriented curriculum, and track record of boosting career prospects. It is especially tailored to meet the needs of senior executives who face complex strategic challenges. Visit
the programme page
for more details on faculty and FAQs.
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