Postgraduate IMI Diploma in Strategy and Innovation

Course details

To be a successful manager, you must have the capacity to understand and be able to positively influence the strategy process within your business. This is particularly the case today when SMEs are facing the most uncertain times in a generation. A critical element in any successful strategy is the capability to make innovation a key management process. By completing the IMI Diploma in Strategy and Innovation, you will be equipped to play a key role in developing and executing a strategy and innovation process that is very relevant to both the success of your business and to your own career and personal development. You will learn the skills to lead, influence and participate in the strategic success of your business. The IMI Diploma in Strategy & Innovation is a nationally accredited and internationally recognised postgraduate programme at Level 9 of the National Framework of Qualifications.

Who should attend?

The programme is aimed at SME Managers who share a common ambition to play a leading role in developing and implementing strategy and innovation within their organisations. This will include experienced SME owners and managers, experienced functional specialists within SMEs, and SME Executives who intend to develop significant professional careers in management.

What does the Programme consist of?

• An eighteen day taught programme
• Delivered on a monthly basis, in chunks of three days per month over six months
• Six modules: External Environment, Competitive Environment, Creating Strategic Value, Strategy Choices, Business Model Innovation, Strategy Execution & Implementation
• Opportunity for progression to a Masters of Business

Accreditation

The IMI Diploma in Strategy & Innovation is a minor award and a constituent part of the IMI Master of Business framework, accredited with 30 credits at Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Successful participants will be awarded with an IMI Diploma in Strategy & Innovation and a Postgraduate Certificate from University College Cork.

The MBS in Business Practice Pathway

This requires you to complete three IMI Diplomas and a reflective integrated assignment . The purpose of this reflective assignment will be to integrate, prioritise and synthesize key reflections, learning and themes that have developed over the duration of their learning journey.

The MSc in Business Practice Pathway

This requires you to complete two IMI Diplomas followed by the Business Research Project. This pathway allows for the development of significant research and analytical skills and provides the opportunity for a participant to develop deep insight and expertise in relation to a specific issue that is of significance to their work.

The MBS in Business Practice, the MSc in Business Practice and their constituent IMI Diplomas are accredited and awarded by University College Cork – National University of Ireland, Cork.

How will your business benefit?

As with each of the other IMI Diplomas that make up the IMI's Master of Business (MOB) Framework, the IMI Diploma in Strategy & Innovation is driven by an intensely practical, action learning philosophy. Throughout the MoB, classroom learning is applied to real-life business challenges via exercises, group work, case studies and projects that centre on both your day-to-day work and the challenges currently facing your busines. Both you and your business will derive genuine real-world benefit from your participation.

By completing the IMI Diploma in Strategy & Innovation you will:

• Write a strategy audit for your business that is both practical and informed
• Be capable of undertaking a key role in the strategy and innovation process
• Acquire a toolkit to evaluate and address the strategic challenges facing your business
• Be capable of undertaking a key role in the strategy process
• Be able to make strategic sense of the global and domestic business environment
• Network with experienced participants from other SMEs in Ireland
• Meet leading experts, faculty and practitioners in the strategy process