Design Thinking for Strategic Management and Masterclass in Advanced Critical Thinking Skills

Introduction

In a rapidly evolving business landscape, leaders must be able to re-examine assumptions, interpret ambiguous information, and innovate strategically. This GLOMACS training course on Design Thinking for Strategic Management and Masterclass in Advanced Critical Thinking Skills equips participants with the mindset, tools, and processes required to solve complex problems, enhance decision-making, and drive organisational innovation.

Through a blend of analytical and creative methodologies, participants will learn how to:

• Ask the right questions and challenge assumptions
• Understand user needs and apply empathy-driven design
• Frame and reframe organisational problems
• Generate, test, and refine innovative solutions
• Make informed, evidence-based decisions
• Lead teams through structured, repeatable problem-solving processes

 This training course engages delegates in interactive activities, case studies, real-world applications, prototyping, and collaborative analysis. Participants will leave with a rigorous, practical toolkit for strategic leadership, innovation management, and organisational problem-solving.

Objectives

By the end of this training course participants will be able to:

• Apply a systematic, theory-informed methodology for analysing problems, evaluating information, and making sound decisions.
• Recognise and avoid common cognitive biases, fallacies, and reasoning errors to improve judgement and critical insight.
• Use user-centric tools (e.g., empathy maps, personas, journey maps) to understand stakeholder needs and define problems accurately.
• Generate creative ideas through structured ideation techniques and apply collaborative thinking within teams.
• Develop and refine solutions using rapid prototyping, iterative testing, and feedback-driven improvement.
• Integrate critical thinking and design thinking principles into organisational strategy, operations, and culture to enhance innovation and performance.

Training Methodology

This highly engaging programme uses experiential and practical learning techniques, including:

• Self-assessment tools and diagnostic instruments
• Group activities for both analytical and design challenges
• Case studies from innovation leaders across industries
• Practical exercises applying both critical thinking and design thinking tools
• Short, interactive presentations introducing key theories and models
• Video clips, demonstrations, and facilitated discussions
• Team-based ideation, prototyping, and problem-solving activities

Participants will analyse their own workplace challenges, ensuring high transferability and immediate practical value.

Organisational Impact

On completion, organisations can expect:

• Improved analytical and strategic assessment capability
• Increased capacity to perceive and evaluate critical needs
• Better stakeholder analysis and user-centric decision-making
• Enhanced ability to navigate complexity using adaptive problem-solving
• Stronger collaboration across functions and teams
• Faster, more effective prototyping and implementation of solutions
• A culture of continuous improvement, creativity, and innovation
• Reduced risk through better judgement and reasoning processes

Personal Impact

Delegates will leave with:

• A consolidated toolkit of advanced critical and creative thinking methods
• Enhanced capability to analyse situations objectively and deeply
• Confidence in tackling complex decisions and ambiguous problems
• Strengthened innovation skills and idea-generation capacity
• Improved empathy for users, customers, and colleagues
• Stronger team collaboration and communication abilities
• Greater flexibility and readiness for organisational change
• Practical skills to design, test, and implement strategic solutions