40 Strategic Thinking courses in Cardiff delivered Live Online

Business Development Course Overview This Business Development course provides a comprehensive foundation in key areas essential for driving organisational growth and operational excellence. Learners will explore critical topics such as succession planning, process and supply chain management, strategic analysis, and effective communication. The course equips participants with the skills needed to manage projects, lead teams, and optimise retail pricing and procurement strategies. Through a focus on developing negotiation, marketing, and conflict management skills, learners will gain the confidence to represent their organisation effectively and make informed decisions. By the end of this course, participants will be prepared to contribute strategically to business growth, operational planning, and risk management, enhancing their professional capabilities and career prospects. Course Description This detailed course covers a wide spectrum of business development areas designed to enhance learners’ understanding of how to grow and sustain a successful organisation. Topics include planning and forecasting operations, supply chain oversight, quality management, and project coordination. Participants will delve into strategic product scope, analysis, and multi-channel selling techniques, alongside essential soft skills such as negotiation, communication, and business etiquette. The learning experience emphasises the development of management competencies, talent and time management, and approaches to conflict resolution. Learners will also engage with modules on marketing fundamentals and risk management, ensuring a well-rounded grasp of business dynamics. This course is ideal for those wishing to elevate their strategic thinking and leadership skills within diverse professional environments. Business Development Curriculum Module 01: Business Development and Succession Planning Module 02: Process Management Module 03: Supply Chain Management Module 04: Planning & Forecasting Operations Module 05: Procurement & Purchasing Management Module 06: Project Management Module 07: Retail Pricing Module 08: Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring Module 09: Strategic Analysis and Product Scope Module 10: Quality Management Module 11: Management Skills for Leading Your Team Module 12: Selling in Multiple Channels Module 13: Representing Your Boss and Company Module 14: Preparing for Brainstorming Module 15: Generating Solutions (I) Module 16: Generating Solutions (II) Module 17: Analyzing Solutions Module 18: Selecting a Solution Module 19: Negotiation Techniques Module 20: Communication Skills Module 21: Skills of an Effective Administrator Module 22: What is Marketing? Module 23: Common Marketing Types (I) Module 24: Common Marketing Types (II) Module 25: Conflict Management Module 26: Talent Management Module 27: Time Management Module 28: Managing Risk and Recovery Module 29: Business Etiquette (See full curriculum) Who Is This Course For? Individuals seeking to enhance their business growth and development skills. Professionals aiming to progress into leadership or management roles. Beginners with an interest in business operations and strategic planning. Team leaders and administrators looking to improve communication and negotiation skills. Career Path Business Development Manager Project Coordinator Supply Chain Analyst Procurement Officer Marketing Executive Operations Manager Sales Manager Team Leader or Supervisor

Master the Formulas For Entrepreneurial Success Course Overview This course offers a comprehensive guide to mastering the essential strategies for entrepreneurial and business success. Learners will explore fifteen proven approaches that cover financial understanding, leadership development, competitive advantage creation, and effective execution. The course emphasises the importance of value-based pricing, recurring revenue streams, and strategic partnerships, while also addressing company culture, talent retention, and marketing excellence. By engaging with this course, learners will gain clarity on how to synchronise key business initiatives to drive sustainable growth. It is designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and established professionals alike with actionable insights that foster confident decision-making and strategic business growth. Upon completion, learners will be equipped to navigate complex business environments and implement effective strategies that align with their goals. Course Description This detailed course delves into the core strategies that underpin entrepreneurial success, covering a wide array of business fundamentals and leadership principles. Participants will engage with topics such as financial literacy, problem-solving, competitive positioning, and the development of a unique value proposition. The curriculum highlights critical aspects including building recurring revenue, value-based pricing, marketing and sales leadership, and strategic alliances. It further addresses the importance of talent attraction and retention, organisational culture, and managing priority initiatives effectively. The learning experience is designed to enhance strategic thinking and business acumen, preparing learners to lead with confidence and vision. By the end of the course, participants will have gained a robust framework to build, scale, and sustain a successful business enterprise in a competitive marketplace. Master the Formulas For Entrepreneurial Success Curriculum Module 01: Introduction – 15 Strategies for Entrepreneurial & Business Success Module 02: Strategy #1 – Know Your Numbers Module 03: Strategy #2 – Know the Problem You Are Trying to Solve Module 04: Strategy #3 – Become a Leader in Your Industry Module 05: Strategy #4 – Have a Clear and Distinct Unique Competitive Advantage Module 06: Strategy #5 – Execution is Everything Module 07: Strategy #6 – Always Be Investing and Building Assets Module 08: Strategy #7 – Build Reoccurring Revenue Module 09: Strategy #8 – Price Based on Value Delivered Module 10: Strategy #9 – Build a Cohesive Messaging Strategy Module 11: Strategy #10 – Be a Sales and Marketing Driven Company Module 12: Strategy #11 – Leverage Partners to Build Your Business Module 13: Strategy #12 – Become a Thought Leader In Your Industry Module 14: Strategy #13 – Attract and Retain Your Top Talent Module 15: Strategy #14 – Build an Incredible Culture Module 16: Strategy #15 – Manage your Top 5 Key Initiatives Module 17: Bonus Strategy #1 – Create a Compelling Event Module 18: Bonus Strategy #2 – Stairstep Your Investment Module 19: Bonus Strategy #3 – Make All Strategies Sync Up (See full curriculum) Who Is This Course For? Individuals seeking to launch or grow their own business ventures. Professionals aiming to develop strategic leadership and business management skills. Beginners with an interest in entrepreneurship and business strategy. Business owners wanting to refine their competitive advantage and growth tactics. Career Path Entrepreneur / Business Owner Business Development Manager Strategic Planner or Consultant Marketing and Sales Manager Leadership and Team Development Specialist

Duration 2 Days 12 CPD hours This course is intended for Professionals who want to make the best decisions and develop creative and elegant solutions to challenging problems will benefit from this course. Overview Enable you to evaluate, identify, and distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information Engage critical thinking through curiosity and your ability to ask good questions Apply the eight best practices of critical thinking in practice Leverage open-mindedness to become more receptive and highly tuned for new ideas Students will learn to explore challenges, defy incorrect assumptions, and look at things with new and differing perspectives, incorporating these insights into your thought processes, and enabling them to find solutions to even the most difficult tasks. Private classes on this topic are available. We can address your organization?s issues, time constraints, and save you money, too. Contact us to find out how. 1. The Challenges of Modern Thinking Becoming a Rational Thinker Critical Thinking in Application Applying Reason Developing Open-Mindedness Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone Avoiding Jumping to Conclusions Expecting and Initiating Change Being Ready to Adapt Thinking Logically 2. Critical Thinking Best Practices Listening Actively Evaluating Information Making Assumptions Watching Out for Bias Asking Clarifying Questions Performing SWOT Analysis Benefitting from Critical Thinking 3. Putting It All Together Changing Your Perspective Considering Other Viewpoints Dealing with New Information Solving Problems Identifying Inconsistencies Asking Why Evaluating the Solution Retaining Your New Skills Reflecting and Learning from Mistakes Asking Questions on an Ongoing Basis Additional course details: Nexus Humans Thinking with Critical Insight training program is a workshop that presents an invigorating mix of sessions, lessons, and masterclasses meticulously crafted to propel your learning expedition forward. This immersive bootcamp-style experience boasts interactive lectures, hands-on labs, and collaborative hackathons, all strategically designed to fortify fundamental concepts. Guided by seasoned coaches, each session offers priceless insights and practical skills crucial for honing your expertise. Whether you're stepping into the realm of professional skills or a seasoned professional, this comprehensive course ensures you're equipped with the knowledge and prowess necessary for success. While we feel this is the best course for the Thinking with Critical Insight course and one of our Top 10 we encourage you to read the course outline to make sure it is the right content for you. Additionally, private sessions, closed classes or dedicated events are available both live online and at our training centres in Dublin and London, as well as at your offices anywhere in the UK, Ireland or across EMEA.

Duration 1 Days 6 CPD hours This course is intended for This course is intended for individuals who want to become more rational and disciplined thinkers. Overview Upon successful completion of this course, students will boost their performance with an increase in their decision-making ability. In this course, students will learn develop their ability to analyze and evaluate information. 1 - GETTING STARTED Icebreaker Housekeeping Items The Parking Lot Workshop Objectives 2 - COMPONENTS OF CRITICAL THINKING Applying Reason Open Mindedness Analysis Logic Case Study 3 - NON-LINEAR THINKING Step Out of Your Comfort Zone Don't Jump to Conclusions Expect and Initiate Change Being Ready to Adapt Case Study 4 - LOGICAL THINKING Ask the Right Questions Organize the Data Evaluate the Information Draw Conclusions Case Study 5 - CRITICAL THINKERS (I) Active Listening Be Curious Be Disciplined Be Humble Case Study 6 - CRITICAL THINKERS (II) Seeing the Big Picture Objectivity Using Your Emotions Being Self-Aware Case Study 7 - EVALUATE INFORMATION Making Assumptions Watch out for Bias Ask Clarifying Questions SWOT Analysis Case Study 8 - BENEFITS OF CRITICAL THINKING Being More Persuasive Better Communication Better Problem Solving Increased Emotional Intelligence Case Study 9 - CHANGING YOUR PERSPECTIVE Limitations of Your Point of View Considering Others Viewpoint Influences on Bias When New Information Arrives Case Study 10 - PROBLEM SOLVING Identify Inconsistencies Trust Your Instincts Asking Why? Evaluate the Solution(s) Case Study 11 - PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER Retaining Your New Skills Reflect and Learn From Mistakes Always Ask Questions Practicing Critical Thinking Case Study 12 - WRAPPING UP Words from the Wise Review of Parking Lot Lessons Learned Completion of Action Plans and Evaluations

Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving: In-House Training Two critical skillsets for the future of work are critical thinking and creative problem solving. These modes of working and thinking intersect and overlap; both are necessary and both can be taught. Having the ability to exercise creativity while at the same time applying structure and discipline to the thinking process is a key competency in the twenty-first century workplace. This course explores the interplay between critical and creative thinking, and the necessity of each to effective problem solving and decision making. Participants will learn a variety of techniques to apply critical thinking to real-life scenarios. They will experiment with different problem-solving approaches and will learn about cognitive influences on our decisions and choices. The course delves into the business value of creativity and involves participants in actively integrating criticality, creativity, and problem solving. What you will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Explain basic concepts of problem solving Infer types of cognitive biases that impact decision making Utilize types of root cause analysis Differentiate among obstacles to sound decision making Apply a variety of problem-solving approaches / processes to existing challenges Evaluate alternative solution methods using various techniques Analyze real world problem scenarios to determine the lateral thinking type needed to address them Foundation Concepts Definitions Thinking modes and cognitive bias Basic problem-solving framework Problem Definition and Solution Generation Root cause analysis Basic problem-solving obstacles Generating alternative solutions Evaluating Alternatives Critical thinking guidelines Obstacles to sound decision making Tools for evaluating alternatives Exploring Lateral Thinking Problem-solving challenge Workplace application

Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving (Virtual) Two critical skillsets for the future of work are critical thinking and creative problem solving. These modes of working and thinking intersect and overlap; both are necessary and both can be taught. Having the ability to exercise creativity while at the same time applying structure and discipline to the thinking process is a key competency in the twenty-first century workplace. This course explores the interplay between critical and creative thinking, and the necessity of each to effective problem solving and decision making. Participants will learn a variety of techniques to apply critical thinking to real-life scenarios. They will experiment with different problem-solving approaches and will learn about cognitive influences on our decisions and choices. The course delves into the business value of creativity and involves participants in actively integrating criticality, creativity, and problem solving. What you will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Explain basic concepts of problem solving Infer types of cognitive biases that impact decision making Utilize types of root cause analysis Differentiate among obstacles to sound decision making Apply a variety of problem-solving approaches / processes to existing challenges Evaluate alternative solution methods using various techniques Analyze real world problem scenarios to determine the lateral thinking type needed to address them Getting Started Foundation Concepts Definitions Thinking modes and cognitive bias Basic problem-solving framework Problem Definition and Solution Generation Root cause analysis Basic problem-solving obstacles Generating alternative solutions Evaluating Alternatives Critical thinking guidelines Obstacles to sound decision making Tools for evaluating alternatives Exploring Lateral Thinking Problem-solving challenge Workplace application Summary and Next Steps

This Strategy Insights Masterclass will explore how the approach to strategy is changing, and how organisations are strengthening their strategic capabilities for uncertain times.

In our constantly changing environment, if you always do what you've always done, then you'll always get what you've always got - and that's not enough! Building a strategic marketing plan is a powerful way to take a step back from day-to-day activities, review the opportunities available to your business and your products, and build a roadmap of tactics that will set you apart from the competition. In this workshop, we look at how to build a customer-focused strategic marketing plan to pin-point your milestones to success over a 12-month period. This programme will help participants to: Understand the key questions that a strategic marketing plan should answer Understand the value of customer and competitor insight and how to develop actionable insights to guide your plan Conduct a market analysis and identify the barriers and drivers to success Learn how to build a customer buying journey and how to identify the most valuable customers Develop a customer-focused strategy and customer engagement plans Develop core messages and winning tactics to engage with your key customers Identify the key metrics to review and measure to keep your plans on track 1 Situational analysis Introduction to marketing strategy Market and competitor analysis and insight generation Understanding the customer buying journey How to segment customers to identify your most valuable customer opportunities Identifying the barriers and drivers to your success 2 Strategy Introduction to strategy How to build strategic imperatives and SMART objectives How brand vision and positioning drive customer focus A guide to building key message themes 3 Tactics, messaging and measurement Introduction to building customer-focused tactics How to build a customer-engagement plan How to build key messages and a customer-focused tactical plan A practical guide to developing key metrics to review success and keep your plans on track Actionable outcomes Throughout the programme we will use your own product examples to build your plan, participants will: Learn best practice examples of strategic planning Discover market and customer opportunities to strengthen your competitive edge Create a strategic plan that can be implemented immediately within your business Start planning compelling marketing messages to reach the right customer at the right time Receive immediate feedback on your strategic marketing plan Have the opportunity to share common issues and solutions with colleagues in the group

The need for key staff to have commercial skills is paramount, as the public sector is increasingly opened up as a commercial market, in which organisations compete against each other and the private sector for contracts. Generating additional income and being commercially aware is vital for this to be a success, and is what many public sector organisations are looking to do. This programme will help you: See commercial awareness as not just another skill-set, but as a different mind-set Use a variety of tried-and-tested commercial, analytical decision-making techniques and tools Define your commercial objectives Develop a strategic focus Start looking at service clients as market segments Analyse, in a competitive context, your service offering Plan a commercial strategy, prepare for its implementation and see it through to execution 1 What is commercial thinking? Understand what it means to be a commercial thinker Identifying commercial opportunities often involves not only a different skill set but also a different mindset; looking at the services that you provide 2 Defining strategic commercial objectives Defining your key commercial objectives Prioritising your strategic objectives Two key strategic planning tools:Resource and Competency MatrixPESTLE How to apply these tools to your particular situation 3 Developing a strategic focus Decision-making on how to compete in the markets identified by your strategic objectives requires a strategic focus Developing strategic focus A tool for helping you to make those decisions: using the Ansoff Matrix 4 Defining customer targets How to think more commercially by understanding who all your customers are and how they differ from each other how to apply the principles to your areas to identify the type of customers you have and their key characteristics - Customer segmentation Who are your customers? How do their needs vary? - Scenarios 5 The competitive market place Understanding the competitive forces at play Different types of competition Analysing your competitive environment using Porter's 5 Forces model 6 Meeting stakeholder expectations Two simple models to help you identify the key stakeholders who could influence your commercial environment How to use your stakeholders to help you achieve your commercial objectives 7 Implementation - systems, structures and processes Effective commercial activity involves working with others to implement ideas and strategies What do you need to have in place before you implement your commercial strategy? How to health-check your organisation prior to implementation using the McKinsey 7S framework 8 Implementation - people and culture A good commercial strategy only works if the people involved buy in to the ideas and if the culture of the organisation is conducive to the effective implementation How the latest thinking in behavioural economics can help you develop your culture and people to work commercially 9 Tools and checklists Be more commercial within your sphere of influence using a commercial checklist to help you Using the checklist as a benchmark against the most commercially aware organisations Using the checklist as a health check - both corporately and individually

When managers have too many decisions to make, it can have a serious impact on the speed and efficiency of the organisation. When those decisions are commercial ones, the results can wreak havoc with the bottom line. Often the problem arises when those below them or in operational areas of the organisation aren't equipped or allowed to make a decision for themselves. Issues get passed back up and that wastes time. This programme provides a solution, giving your entire team the skills to: And most importantly, they'll be able to do this in line with the broader aims and commercial objectives of the business. By the end of the programme participants will be able to: Fully appreciate the importance of effective decision-making in business Use the five-step 'Stop, Think, Act!' decision-making process Stop leaping to conclusions Really understand the situations and decisions they are dealing with Identify good options Evaluate those options Make decisions and then put them into action Apply these tools and techniques to all their decisions in future 1 Understanding the business we work in What are the critical factors in our business? What is the SWOT analysis for our business? 2 Understanding what decision-making is 3 Background Culture of 'having to be doing' To change things we have to think about it! We are paid to make decisions! 4 Recognise the opportunity to make a decision 5 The 'Stop, Think, Act!' technique 6 STOP! Recognise the opportunity to make a decision Don't leap to conclusions Get ready to think Initial questions:Is this my decision? (Do I have the authority?)Who is this going to affect? (Do they need to be included?)When do I need to make the decision? (What's the timeline?) 7 THINK! The 3 Cs - making sure we understand the decisions we have to make What is the context of this decision?What is the overall situation?Why is this decision important?What do we need to achieve?What will success look like? Do I have clarity about the decision I need to make?Can I write it down?Can I express it clearly in two sentences? What are the criteria?What are the critical commercial factors that we will use to select our options?What will we use to measure the business success? 8 ACT! Identifying options What data do I need to collect?Issues with today's overloadIdentifying what will help you Select optionsHow many options?Must match your criteriaMust achieve success'Decision compass' exercise Analyse optionsTabular methodRisk analysis (likelihood v effect)Head, heart and gut (is there any organisational history/bias that we are up against?) Making your decision Taking it to actionFirst actionsPlanning how to make it happen