Scientific Director

Sotirios Karkalakos,

Professor, Department of Economics, University of Piraeus

Target Audience

The Course is aimed mainly at graduates of universities and technological institutes (AEI/TEI), business executives (and prospective executives), heads of human resources development departments, students of economics schools, and all those who follow developments in the field of business, Entrepreneurship and Business Administration.

Admission Requirements

Participants must have:

• Basic computer skills
• Internet access
• A personal email account

Delivery Method

The training is delivered exclusively by distance learning, using a dedicated digital learning platform. It is asynchronous distance learning with notes, which makes it particularly easy for working people to take part. This type of training is a flexible form of professional development, as there are no restrictions of time or place. It is based on the principles of open education and serves the needs of personalised learning.

Type of Certificate

Trainees who successfully complete the Course are awarded a Training Certificate by KEDIVIM of the University of Piraeus, together with a Supplementary Annex. If successful completion of the Course is not possible owing to discontinuation of studies or failure in the examinations, the trainee is awarded a Certificate of Attendance by KEDIVIM of the University.

See a sample of the certificate awarded here

Units

1. A concise overview of the importance and meaning of strategy for private and public enterprises and organisations – similarities and differences between the private and public sectors
2. The concept of strategy and approaches – strategic analysis framework
3. Strategic planning in practice – a plan or a process?
4. Competitive advantage – types of competitive advantage for sustainability and growth
5. The importance of cost and differentiation in achieving competitive advantage
6. The strategic analysis framework
7. Productive resources and capabilities – assessing and developing resources and capabilities for sustainability and further growth
8. Growth strategies
9. Strategic planning processes
10. Implementing the strategic plan
11. Case studies
12. Completing the Assignment

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Course, participants are intended to:

know the importance of strategic planning for private and public businesses and organisations; understand the concepts of strategy, the alternative perspectives and approaches, and the ways in which strategy is developed in practice; readily understand competitive advantage, its sources and its sustainability; know methods and tools for analysing the strategic position of the organisation in relation to its environment, resources and capabilities, and stakeholder expectations; know turnaround and recovery techniques

Assessment

Learning outcomes are assessed through a final integrative assignment of 700-1,000 words, which is made available on specific dates and submitted to the Secretariat's email for grading.

Discount Policy

The following discount categories apply:

1. GROUP A (-30%): persons with disabilities, unemployed persons, members of large families and families with three children, holders of a European Youth Card up to 30 years of age
2. GROUP B (-15%): Graduates and students of Greek or European institutions or schools (undergraduate and postgraduate), civil servants, military personnel and security forces
3. GROUP C (-10%): Re-enrolment of a trainee who has previously attended a different Course, or registration for at least 2 Courses of the same Cycle (with a common start date)

Please note that:

• Discounts are not cumulative.
• Each trainee may benefit from only one discount category.
• Participants entitled to a discount must submit the supporting documents that will be requested.

* For group registrations of more than ten (10) people, a 10% discount per trainee applies.

Course Fee after discount

Payment of Fees

Fees are payable in a single payment or in 2 equal instalments into the Special Account for Research Funds (ELKE) of the University of Piraeus (1st instalment upon registration, 2nd instalment no later than one month after the start date of the Course).

Failure to pay any instalment will result in the candidate's automatic exclusion from the remainder of the Course, the examinations and the award of the certificate.