Strategic thinking is a cognitive process that plays a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of today’s dynamic landscape. It involves the adept analysis of intricate situations, the foresight to anticipate future developments, and the formulation of comprehensive plans aimed at achieving long-term goals.
Whether for executives aiming to steer their organizations toward success or professionals aspiring to enhance their problem-solving acumen, taking online strategic thinking courses offer a structured and insightful approach to fostering strategic thinking skills in the ever-evolving world of business and beyond.
This article serves as a comprehensive guide to the best strategic thinking courses available, this resource aims to assist readers in making informed choices tailored to their specific needs, ultimately serving as a go-to reference for those seeking to develop strategic thinking in today’s dynamic business landscape.
Why is Strategic Thinking Important?
Strategic thinking is paramount in today’s landscape, as underscored by the fact that 97% of senior leaders identify it as the leadership behavior most critical to their organization’s success, according to a study by Harvard Business Review. This underscores the widespread acknowledgment of its significance in steering organizations toward their goals.
Strategic thinkers are sought after in roles such as management consultants, business analysts, and project managers, where their capacity to develop and implement effective strategies can drive positive outcomes. Ultimately, the benefits to learn strategic thinking extend beyond immediate problem-solving, creating a foundation for sustained career growth and strategic leadership.
Table of Content
- 1 Best Strategic Thinking Courses, Certification, Tutorials, Training, Classes Online
- 1.1 Strategic Thinking for Everyone Specialization [Coursera]
- 1.2 Think Strategically and Make Your Ideas a Reality [Udemy]
- 1.3 Master Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving Skills [Udemy]
- 1.4 Learn strategic thinking with online courses and programs [edX]
- 1.5 Anticipating Your Next Battle, in Business and Beyond [Coursera]
- 2 FAQ
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Best Strategic Thinking Courses, Certification, Tutorials, Training, Classes Online
Strategic Thinking for Everyone Specialization [Coursera]
This Strategic Thinking certification is designed to equip learners with essential strategic thinking skills. These beginner-level courses enable individuals to envision diverse future scenarios, gather and vet pertinent information, understand different perspectives, and craft effective strategies for decision-making.
Course Instructor
Dr. Timiebi Aganaba, a distinguished expert from the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society, leads this Strategic Thinking training, bringing extensive knowledge and practical expertise in strategic thinking, futures studies, and innovative approaches to planning and decision-making.
What you’ll learn
This coursera strategic thinking course contains four courses:
- Futures Thinking: Learners engage in an immersive experience focused on breaking away from traditional thinking patterns.
- Information Gathering and Vetting: Learners delve into the art of collecting and evaluating information effectively.
- Perspective-Taking: Participants delve into comprehending the motivations and rationale behind others’ actions.
- Strategic Thinking: Learners are guided through analyzing insights, evaluating potential scenarios, and crafting well-informed strategies.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Practical Tools and Strategies
- Continuous Skill Development
Cons
- Limited Interactivity
- Time Commitment
Key Highlights & Learning Objectives
- Learners acquire essential skills such as envisioning possible futures, gathering and vetting information effectively, understanding diverse perspectives, and crafting strategies for informed decision-making.
- Participants develop critical thinking skills, enabling them to navigate complex situations, make informed decisions, and strategize effectively in both personal and professional endeavors.
- Throughout the specialization, learners gain access to a toolkit of practical strategies, frameworks, and methodologies that can be applied directly to various contexts.
- The Specialization encompasses over 20 video lectures, 24 hours of content, accompanied by articles, practical exercises, and certificate of completion.
Who is it for?
The Strategic Thinking certification course is ideally suited for individuals aspiring to enhance their strategic thinking capabilities in various personal and professional contexts. It is particularly beneficial for professionals, decision-makers, students, or anyone eager to sharpen their critical thinking skills, regardless of their industry or background, aiming to navigate uncertainties and make strategic decisions with confidence.
Rating: 4.8/5
Duration: 1 month at 10 hours a week
Think Strategically and Make Your Ideas a Reality [Udemy]
This comprehensive decision-making, project implementation, and strategic thinking course online offers a transformative journey into the evolving landscape of projects. From dissecting the pivotal role of projects in shaping civilizations to preparing individuals for the impending “Project Revolution,” the curriculum navigates through essential frameworks for project success, strategic agility in fast-changing environments, and the future of leadership intertwined with project management.
Course Instructor
Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez, an esteemed authority in project management and co-founder of the transformative Brightline movement, stands as the driving force behind this strategic thinking training, leveraging his profound expertise and global influence to redefine the significance of projects in both business and personal spheres.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Economic Implications
- Strategic Thinking Unveiled
Cons
- Generalization
- Short
Key Highlights & Learning Objectives
- Explore the pivotal role of projects in driving societal advancement, unveiling how projects are the catalysts for transformative changes across civilizations and industries.
- Gain insights into fostering adaptability and strategic agility, crucial in navigating today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving business environments.
- Uncover a comprehensive framework empowering individuals to translate ideas into successful projects, offering a roadmap for achieving tangible outcomes.
- Delve into the global impact of projects, foreseeing the rise of project-based roles and the escalating demand for proficient project managers across diverse sectors and industries.
- This course comprises 33 lectures spread across 7 sections, supplemented by 17 downloadable resources, and completion certificate.
Who is it for?
This comprehensive course caters to a diverse audience, welcoming professionals across industries, entrepreneurs seeking startup success, project managers, engineers, and curious learners eager to enhance their strategic thinking and project management skills.
Rating: 4.5/5
Students Enrolled: 87,523
Duration: 2 hours
Master Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving Skills [Udemy]
This Mastering Strategic Thinking course online is an essential course designed to equip individuals with the tools and strategies necessary to tackle life’s complexities. This comprehensive program delves into diverse decision-making models like the Eisenhower Model, SWOT analysis, and Cost-Benefit Analysis Techniques.
Course Instructor
This online strategic thinking course is taught by Dr. Warren Chalklen, an accomplished education innovator, renowned for teaching over thousands of students globally across various platforms, and is deeply passionate about enhancing individual and organizational capacities in fields such as diversity, policy analysis, and data-driven performance.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Instructor’s Pedagogical Approach
- Excel Decision Making Workbook
Cons
- Pacing and Depth
- Overarching Focus
Key Highlights & Learning Objectives
- Learn practical models to resolve conflicts effectively and deliver constructive feedback, fostering healthier work dynamics.
- Gain insights into conducting thorough product analyses, aiding in understanding market dynamics and consumer behavior.
- Acquire a diverse skill set applicable across personal and professional spheres, empowering individuals to make informed decisions aligned with long-term goals.
- This comprehensive course comprises 41 lectures of video content, supplemented by 3 articles and 10 downloadable resources and a Certificate of Completion.
Who is it for?
This strategic thinking certification course caters to a diverse audience seeking to enhance their decision-making acumen. Whether a global learner, a career advancer, or someone committed to continuous learning, this course equips individuals across various backgrounds and geographic locations with essential strategies for effective decision-making in both professional and personal realms.
Rating: 4.4/5
Students Enrolled: 82,924
Duration: 3 hours
Learn strategic thinking with online courses and programs [edX]
The edX strategic thinking courses, provides an in-depth exploration of crucial business aspects, empowering learners to analyze complex scenarios, develop innovative strategies, and make informed decisions.
Course Instructor
In courses hosted on edX, the content is typically developed and delivered by a consortium of accomplished academics, subject matter experts, and industry practitioners affiliated with esteemed educational institutions collaborating with edX.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comprehensive Exploration
- Industry wide recognition
Cons
- Limited Networking Opportunities
- Variable Course Quality
Key Highlights & Learning Objectives
- The course offers an extensive examination of strategic thinking, covering essential aspects such as strategic analysis, competitive strategy, planning, innovation, and leadership.
- Learners gain practical insights into analyzing complex business scenarios, devising innovative strategies, and making informed decisions applicable across diverse industries.
- Delivered by a consortium of experienced academics, subject matter experts, and industry practitioners associated with reputable educational institutions partnering with edX.
- The course on strategic thinking available through edX encompasses a diverse array of resources, including videos, articles, and supplementary materials, designed to offer a comprehensive learning experience.
Who is it for?
The strategic thinking certification courses offered through platforms like edX cater to a broad spectrum of learners, including seasoned professionals aiming to refine their decision-making prowess in leadership roles, entrepreneurs seeking to fortify their business strategies, students keen on acquiring versatile skills applicable across industries, and individuals looking to enhance their strategic acumen for career advancement.
Rating: 4.3/5
Duration: Self-paced
Anticipating Your Next Battle, in Business and Beyond [Coursera]
Delve into the art of strategic foresight with Udemy’s Strategic Thinking course. This beginner-level MOOC explores the intricacies of future-oriented thinking, from understanding influential forces and navigating uncertainties to crafting resilient long-term strategies.
Course Instructor
Jeremy Ghez, an esteemed instructor affiliated with HEC Paris, brings a wealth of expertise and academic prowess, guiding learners through the intricacies of strategic foresight and future-oriented thinking in this course.
What you’ll learn
This course includes the following courses:
- Taking a Deep Dive into the Future: This segment sets the course’s tone by emphasizing the significance of future-oriented objectives, guiding learners through the roadmap of anticipation and reinvention.
- Drawing the Map of the Future: This section introduces fundamental techniques essential for identifying and understanding the forces shaping tomorrow.
- Don’t Let Risk and Uncertainty Impress You!: This segment delves into the dynamic aspects of decision-making by dissecting the strategic implications of uncertainty and risk.
- Becoming a Game-Changer: This final segment synthesizes the insights garnered from previous modules, enabling learners to translate analysis into robust, actionable strategies.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strategic Foresight Emphasis
- Adaptive Decision-Making
- Leadership and Strategic Action
- Relevance Across Professions
Cons
- Time Commitment
- Theoretical Emphasis
Key Highlights & Learning Objectives
- The course places a strong focus on strategic foresight, enabling participants to anticipate future trends and challenges across personal and professional domains.
- Modules on risk, uncertainty, and strategic implications empower learners to navigate uncertainties effectively, fostering adaptability, agility, and resilience in decision-making processes.
- Learners are equipped not only to analyze future landscapes but also to act upon that analysis, transforming insights into tangible, long-term strategies.
- This course encompasses 28 videos, 26 hours of content, supplemented by 28 readings, and successful completion of certificate.
Who is it for?
Designed for entrepreneurs, managers, executives, decision-makers, and professionals seeking to enhance their strategic thinking, this strategic thinking course online, in Business and Beyond’ offers a comprehensive platform for honing strategic foresight skills. This course equips learners from diverse backgrounds with the tools to anticipate future trends, adapt to uncertainties, and develop resilient long-term strategies.
Rating: 4.7/5
Students Enrolled: 42,361
Duration: 26 hours at 3 weeks at 8 hours a week
FAQ
How is strategic thinking used?
Strategic thinking is a critical skill used in various contexts to achieve long-term goals and ensure sustainable success. It involves the ability to anticipate future trends, identify opportunities and challenges, and devise plans that align with overarching objectives. Here’s how strategic thinking is used in different areas:
Business and Management
Vision and Mission Development: Strategic thinkers help define the vision and mission of an organization, setting a clear direction for its future.
Goal Setting: They establish long-term goals that align with the organization’s vision, breaking them down into actionable and measurable objectives.
Competitive Analysis: Strategic thinkers analyze competitors to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis), allowing the organization to position itself advantageously in the market.
Resource Allocation: They prioritize and allocate resources efficiently to ensure that the most critical initiatives receive the necessary support.
Risk Management: By anticipating potential risks and developing contingency plans, strategic thinkers help mitigate adverse impacts on the organization.
Public Policy and Government
Policy Development: Strategic thinking is used to develop policies that address long-term societal needs and challenges, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Crisis Management: During crises, strategic thinkers devise strategies to manage and resolve issues effectively while minimizing harm to the public.
Diplomacy and International Relations: Strategic thinking aids in formulating foreign policies and negotiating with other nations to advance national interests and maintain global stability.
Personal and Professional Development
Career Planning: Individuals use strategic thinking to set career goals, identify opportunities for growth, and plan steps to achieve professional aspirations.
Decision Making: It helps in making informed decisions by considering long-term implications and potential outcomes.
Skill Development: Strategic thinkers identify skills that will be valuable in the future and invest time and resources in acquiring them.
Education and Research
Curriculum Design: Educators use strategic thinking to develop curricula that prepare students for future challenges and opportunities.
Research Planning: Researchers use strategic thinking to identify significant areas of inquiry, plan their studies, and secure funding for long-term projects.
Technology and Innovation.
Product Development: Strategic thinking guides the development of new products and services that meet future market demands.
Innovation Management: It helps organizations foster a culture of innovation by identifying emerging technologies and trends that can be leveraged for competitive advantage.
Key Components of Strategic Thinking
Systems Thinking: Understanding the interconnectedness of various elements within an organization or system.
Long-term Perspective: Focusing on long-term goals and the future implications of current actions.
Analytical Skills: Evaluating data and information to make informed decisions.
Creativity and Innovation: Generating new ideas and approaches to solve problems and capitalize on opportunities.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Being open to change and willing to adjust strategies as circumstances evolve.
Steps to Enhance Strategic Thinking
Continuous Learning: Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and global events.
Reflection: Regularly reflect on past decisions and outcomes to learn from successes and failures.
Engage in Diverse Experiences: Exposure to different perspectives and challenges can enhance strategic thinking abilities.
Collaborate and Network: Engage with other strategic thinkers to exchange ideas and gain new insights.
In essence, strategic thinking is about seeing the bigger picture, anticipating future trends, and making decisions that position individuals and organizations for long-term success.
How can I learn strategic thinking?
Learning strategic thinking involves developing a set of skills and adopting a mindset that allows you to anticipate future trends, identify opportunities, and devise plans to achieve long-term goals. Here are some steps and resources to help you develop strategic thinking:
Steps to Develop Strategic Thinking
Understand the Basics of Strategic Thinking
Learn about strategic thinking concepts, such as SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats), PEST analysis (Political, Economic, Social, Technological), and Porter’s Five Forces.
Read foundational books on strategic thinking, such as “The Art of Strategy” by Avinash K. Dixit and Barry J. Nalebuff, or “Blue Ocean Strategy” by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne.
Set Clear Goals
Define what you want to achieve in both the short term and the long term.
Break down these goals into actionable steps and measurable objectives.
Analyze Your Environment
Stay informed about industry trends, market conditions, and emerging technologies.
Conduct regular SWOT and PEST analyses to understand the external and internal factors affecting your goals.
Develop Problem-Solving Skills
Practice identifying problems and generating multiple solutions.
Use frameworks like the root cause analysis (5 Whys) and brainstorming techniques to explore different approaches.
Enhance Decision-Making Abilities
Learn to make decisions based on data and evidence rather than intuition alone.
Use decision-making tools such as decision trees, cost-benefit analysis, and scenario planning.
Improve Your Critical Thinking
Engage in activities that challenge your thinking, such as puzzles, games, and reading thought-provoking materials.
Question assumptions and consider alternative perspectives.
Foster Creativity and Innovation
Encourage creative thinking by exposing yourself to diverse experiences and viewpoints.
Practice brainstorming sessions and creative exercises to generate new ideas.
Engage in Continuous Learning
Take online courses and attend workshops focused on strategic thinking and management.
Seek mentorship and guidance from experienced strategic thinkers.
Practice Reflection
Regularly reflect on your decisions and actions to learn from successes and failures.
Keep a journal to document your thought processes and insights.
Collaborate and Network
Engage with peers, mentors, and industry experts to exchange ideas and gain new perspectives.
Participate in professional organizations and attend conferences related to your field.
Resources for Learning Strategic Thinking
Online Courses and Platforms
Coursera: Offers courses like “Strategic Leadership and Management” by the University of Illinois and “Business Strategy” by the University of Virginia.
edX: Provides courses such as “Strategic Management” by Copenhagen Business School.
LinkedIn Learning: Offers courses like “Developing Strategic Thinking” and “Strategic Thinking.”
Books
“Good Strategy Bad Strategy” by Richard Rumelt
“Thinking in Bets” by Annie Duke
“The Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton Christensen
Workshops and Seminars
Attend workshops and seminars offered by business schools, professional organizations, and consulting firms.
Mentorship and Coaching
Seek mentors who are experienced in strategic thinking and management.
Consider hiring a coach who specializes in strategic leadership development.
Professional Organizations
Join organizations like the Strategic Management Society (SMS) or the Association for Strategic Planning (ASP) to access resources and networking opportunities.
Practical Exercises to Enhance Strategic Thinking
Scenario Planning
Create different scenarios based on potential future developments and plan your responses to each scenario.
Strategic Simulations and Games
Participate in strategic business simulations and games that mimic real-world strategic challenges.
Case Studies
Analyze case studies of successful and unsuccessful strategies in various industries to understand what works and what doesn’t.
Role-Playing
Engage in role-playing exercises where you must make strategic decisions in a simulated environment.
By combining these steps and resources, you can systematically develop your strategic thinking abilities and apply them effectively in your personal and professional life.
