Learning the strategy of leadership

Successful business leaders must possess strong strategic thinking skills and decision making abilities.

The new Strategic Management graduate certificate provides a skill set that makes for more effective decision makers.  The certificate integrates economics, psychology and management to provide detailed insight into what makes companies competitive. That knowledge is not only important in the business world, but can also translate into a student’s personal life.

“This program may help MBA students to lead a more fulfilling personal life by making decisions strategically, and it may help them to better manage their work by understanding and practicing the strategic management process,” said Jane Zhoa, associate professor of technology management.

The certificate teaches students how to effectively lead and make decisions while adapting to rapidly changing organizations, environments and demographics. Vince Barker, professor and faculty coordinator of the certificate, said this advanced management focus is important to current MBA students, but it also serves a wider market.

“It’s also a great thing for students who already have an MBA,” Barker said. “They pick up that specialized knowledge that’ll allow them to be a better manager and better business owners.”

The Strategic Management graduate certificate is made up of four management courses and one business course, a total of 10 credit hours. The courses cover international business, corporate strategy, managing technological innovation, strategy implementation and managing strategic direction and change.

Apply for fall 2014 by July 15. Visit MBAcert.ku.edu for more information.

by Mackenzie Leander