What is ‘Strategic Concepts’?

Offered exclusively through Skills Education, ‘Strategic Concepts’ is a learning program designed to introduce you to the Third Wave Strategy framework.

What is the ‘Third Wave Strategy’ framework and how can it help me?

The Third Wave Strategy framework gives a fresh way to consider organisational planning and change and to facilitate critical strategic thinking.

Especially as the Australian VET sector enters a period of transition where the onus is on the training organisation to demonstrate organisational elements including positive workplace culture, stakeholder engagement, risk management and ongoing compliance within a self-assured quality operating environment, it makes sense that strategic and critical thinking skills will come to the fore.

As a cutting-edge approach to strategic planning, the Third Wave Strategy framework shows how to adopt a mindset for proactive, sustainable, competitive advantage and to maximise ongoing opportunities for adaptation and continuous improvement. 

We are in the Knowledge Age and operate in complex times, but while the future can bring ambiguity and uncertainty, the Third Wave Strategy cultivates brave, bold, (but not reckless) action.

In ‘Strategic Concepts’ you will:

  • Learn what the Third Wave Strategy is, how it can help you navigate complexity, and develop strategic leadership capacity

  • Understand the principles of strategic planning and decision-making in uncertainty

  • Learn how to engage stakeholders, think critically, and evaluate strategic initiatives

  • Explore case studies of successful companies like Amazon and Cadbury

  • Develop a systemic view of strategic management 

  • Learn how to implement strategic alignment, tune after change, and optimise future strategies

  • Develop strategic thinking skills to make informed decisions that drive innovation and long-term growth


Key outcomes will be how to:

  • Effectively frame and guide strategic discussions

  • Proactively respond to changing market conditions

  • Formulate and implement short-term and long-term strategy

  • Evaluate strategic initiatives 

  • Engage stakeholders in the strategy process

  • Align organisational goals with sustainable, strategic operations

  • Foster a culture of innovation and experimentation

  • Build strategic capacity for agile responses to changing circumstances


Develop:

Participants can expect that these learning programs will develop strategic awareness, and skills including:

  • Personal analysis

  • Critical thinking

  • Problem-solving 

  • Forecasting

How is the program structured?

The ‘Strategic Concepts’ program is offered across two courses:

  1. Strategic Thinking Fundamentals
  2. Advanced Strategic Leadership and Transformation


In Course One ‘Strategic Thinking Fundamentals’, you will discover the underpinning basics of strategy and strategic excellence and learn how to apply strategic thinking and planning in today's dynamic business environment. This course introduces the Third Wave Strategy framework and will lay the foundations for more advanced concepts introduced in Course Two.

In Course Two, you will be able to take your strategic thinking to the next level and learn how to apply the Third Wave Strategy framework in practice.

Each course is made up of four modules with a number of underlying topics and lessons. Video learning content, case studies, and worksheets support your knowledge and skill development. 

You will also have access to a 'Chief Strategy Officer' (CSO) Sandbox where you can practice the concepts in the program.

Course 1

Course 2

Modules

4

Modules

4

Topics

16

Topics

16

Lessons

43

Lessons

37

Approx. Video Learning Content

12hrs

Approx. Video Learning Content

12hrs

Optional Live Monthly Q&A Session

 yes

Optional Live Monthly Q&A Session


 yes

Within the course access period of 6 months, participants can work through the modules at your own pace, at times and locations convenient to you. 

You can register for the courses independent of each other, or bundle together to save.

Register

Want to start smaller?

We recognise that some people may prefer to complete a module at a time or specific modules only.

That's why we've made the course modules available for separate registration.

Course Modules

Who is the course for and who should attend?

‘Strategic Concepts’ is for anyone looking to develop the skills to think critically and know how to proactively respond to changing market conditions.

It will suit:

  • Business leaders and managers looking to develop their strategic thinking skills

  • Professionals seeking to advance their careers in strategic management

  • Anyone interested in learning about the latest approaches to strategic planning and implementation

  • Anyone interested in broadening their personal, professional and organisational development capabilities

Your invitation to register


Who developed the Strategic Concepts learning program?

‘Strategic Concepts’ was developed by Dr Paul Hunter.

Paul Hunter

Paul is a professional nudger (someone who uses behavioral psychology to influence people's decisions and behaviours by gently guiding them to act in their own best interest), a professional management consultant, author, teacher and researcher. He applies knowledge obtained from independent research, authoring activities and invention of future focused content to advise CEOs and other C Suite executives on strategy, leadership, organisational structuring and strategic change. 

Paul has authored four business strategy books and has qualifications in Business, up to a Doctorate of Business Administration. Paul ensures change is realised by applying dynamic ways of thinking, formulating and implementing strategy; challenging wicked strategic problems, breaking tradition or obliterating content lying dormant in the ‘too hard’ basket.

See books by Paul: