Module 2

• How to identify a company’s strengths and weaknesses
• How to evaluate competitive threats and opportunities 
• How to develop sustainable competitive advantages
• Understanding the importance of strategic positioning 
• Building a learning culture within your organization. 
• Understanding the concept of intrapreneurship
• Incentivizing it within your organization. 
• How to create a strategic plan using Vision, Design Thinking, Innovation, Culture & Branding

Michael-James (MJ) holds 25+ years of management experience leading and supervising large professional teams of scientists and engineers with budget accountability over $80MM whilst living in the UK, Angola, Egypt, Alaska, Texas & California. MJ has a strong technical background in mechanical, petroleum & reservoir engineering and has gained expertise in strategy, leadership & performance management whilst working directly for the BP Executive team (CEO & SVPs) in St James London. 

More recently MJ has been teaching in the UCSB Technology Management department for 4+yrs. In addition to teaching, he also mentors new venture teams in a range of technical fields - several of which are now successful $MM companies. MJ regularly consults to various business including Decker’s in SB & MBNL in the UK. He’s been a chartered mechanical engineer for 25yrs and is enthusiastic about mentoring and developing the next generation of leaders as they tackle the immense challenges ahead.

This class introduces business strategy, principles and practices required for developing skills for business success, professional development and career advancement. Attendees will be exposed to key management theories, models and tools in strategy, finance, accounting, research & development, marketing, sales, service, HR and TQM (total quality management). We will also explore the role and impact of leadership in achieving business value through organizational effectiveness and capability. 

Using a general leadership and management perspective, you will evaluate a company’s external competitive environment, projected business opportunity, advantages and gaps, and business drivers. You will learn through individual work, in-class discussions, group projects, and team efforts. In addition to demonstrating your knowledge of concepts, terms, and application of business and strategy, you will have an opportunity to enhance your group communication and presentation skills. 

• Understand what comprises a business strategy. 
• Gain knowledge of the “language” of business and the tools which are used to analyze competing companies and to inform your own businesses strategy. 
• See how competitive advantage is gained through differentiation, operations, innovation, HR, TQM, positioning, culture, branding & marketing. 
• Apply your knowledge through team exercises using a realistic, competitive, real-life case examples in a variety of business sectors in 2022/3 & beyond.

Coming soon

Coming soon

The Pocket Reference Card will be given to you at the end of the session. A downloadable version will be available after the class is completed.