1. Strategy as Practice – Edinburgh 2050
Elective 25 – 27 October 2017 (2.5 days)
OVERVIEW
Set against the backdrop of a new vision for Edinburgh, this Masterclass explores the process of strategy making in the public sector. More specifically, how impact can be achieved as a result of the approach taken. Over the course of this elective, participants will understand first-hand the challenges of tackling large scale change and the approaches that might be taken in managing the strategy making process.
This includes:
Which tools and maps contribute to an effective strategy process
How to organize collaborations between the public, private and third sector
How to leverage strategy for internal cultural change processes
How to account for outcomes of the strategy process and monitor success
How politics and power are entangled in the strategy process and how to manage them
How to engage diverse stakeholders through new forms of participatory democracy
DAY ONE (FULL DAY)
Understanding Strategy as Practice
In this opening session, participants will meet at the Edinburgh City Chambers and receive a briefing about the challenges facing Edinburgh as a city and the strategy process that is being put in place. This provides the context for individual projects during the course.
Once back at the Business School everyone will then explore the theories and concepts behind the strategy process, learning the analytical vocabulary to make sense of, and design, strategy processes.
Networking reception
Participants will have an opportunity to network with fellow participants and executives from the Business School’s MBA and Executive MBA programmes.
DAY TWO (FULL DAY)
Effective Strategy Practice
The second day will focus on two specific aspects of strategy practice – the emergent nature of strategy and strategic leadership. Both themes will be explored through case studies, enriched through theoretical reflections and refined through practical application. This will, again, be set in the context of Edinburgh 2050.
Dinner
Enjoy one of Edinburgh’s most innovative dining experiences at Maison Bleue.
DAY THREE (HALF DAY)
Applying Strategy as Practice
Participants will have the opportunity to apply what they have learnt, culminating in presentations back to Edinburgh City Council over lunch. You will also have the opportunity also to apply this learning to your own situations.
Group presentations to City Executive
Participant group presentations followed by feedback and reflection.
Lunch
Light lunch at conclusion of event.
By the end of the two and a half days, participants will have had the opportunity to explore strategy, in a general and an individual context, through a number of different lenses.
This will enable the participants to incorporate what they’ve learnt, both from the teaching team and from other peers on the course in their own organisational environment.
DATES & TIMES
25 October 2017 – meet at Edinburgh City Chambers 9am, 5pm finish followed by a networking reception.
26 October 2017 – 9am – 5pm at the Business School followed by dinner.
27 October 2017 – 9am at the Business School, finishing at Edinburgh City Chambers at 2pm.
PREVIOUS COURSES
“The environment, pace, discussions and networking were excellent.”
Manager, NHS Scotland
“Valuable information on the challenges of disparate businesses, and very insightful presenter.”
Programme Manager, Standard Life

2. TEACHING TEAM Martin Kornberger John Amis Who should attend
Martin is Professor in Strategy and Organisation at EM Lyon. Previously, he worked at the University of Technology Sydney as Associate Professor in Design and Management, and as Research Director of the Australian Creative Industry Innovation Centre; and at Copenhagen Business School as Professor for Strategy and Organization. He is a Visiting Professor at the University of Edinburgh Business School and a Research Fellow at the Vienna University of Economics and Business. His research focuses on the ideas that inform strategy practice and new organizational designs, with the aim to stretch the imagination of practitioners and scholars.
John Amis
John joined the University of Edinburgh Business School in July 2013 as Chair in Strategic Management and Organisation. He is also co-Director of the Centre for Strategic Leadership. John has extensive teaching experience on MBA and Executive MBA programmes.
Who should attend
This Masterclass is intended for middle and senior managers in the public sector.
In addition to participants from Scotland, this Masterclass is being offered as an elective at Copenhagen Business School for executive students on the Masters of Public Governance (MPG) programme. This offers an exciting opportunity for two-way exchange between public sector professionals in both countries.
Course fees
The course fee is £1, This includes all tuition, course materials, daytime catering and a dinner on the second evening.
An early bird registration price of £ is available until 26th September 2017.
There is a 20% discount for staff and alumni of University of Edinburgh. Group discounts are also available. Please contact us for further details.
How to register
To register for this course please visit:
If you require accommodation, please contact us for information on our preferred suppliers and special rates.
Stephen Osborne
Stephen Osborne has fifteen years’ experience working as a social work practitioner and manager before moving to work in the higher education sector in Since then, his research has focused on four areas: the role of the third sector in delivering public services, co- production, innovation in public services and public services reform, and latterly the development of the theories of the New Public Governance and a Public Service-Dominant Logic for Public Service Organisations.