Business Management

Strategic Management Certificate

Gain accredited strategic management skills to analyse markets, integrate ethics and sustainability, and design strategies for long-term organisational growth.

Description

The Strategic Management Certificate provides students with analytical tools and practical knowledge to design and implement strategies that drive competitive advantage and sustainable growth. As organisations face increasingly complex environments, the ability to evaluate both internal strengths and external challenges has become essential.

The curriculum introduces students to globally recognised frameworks including SWOT, STEEPLE, Porter’s Five Forces, PESTEL, and SELECT. Students will gain confidence in evaluating risk, developing actionable strategies, and applying corporate, business-level, and innovation-focused approaches. The course also covers leadership and change management, with emphasis on integrating ethics and sustainability into decision-making.

Through case studies, applied exercises, and workplace-focused tasks, students will develop practical decision-making and problem-solving skills. On completion, graduates will receive a QCTO-accredited certificate endorsed by QLS in the UK, ensuring professional recognition both nationally and internationally.

What You’ll Gain

  • Apply strategic analysis tools including SWOT, STEEPLE, Porter’s Five Forces, and PESTEL.
  • Evaluate internal capabilities and external challenges to inform strategy.
  • Formulate and implement strategies at business and corporate levels.
  • Integrate ethical leadership and sustainability into strategic decision-making.
  • Lead organisational change and innovation initiatives effectively.
  • Communicate strategies through mission, vision, values, and KPIs.
  • Anticipate and mitigate risks that impact strategy execution.

Included in the Course

  • Dedicated student support during office hours via WhatsApp, email, phone, or live chat.
  • Fully online course delivery with no offline option.
  • Immediate and continuous access to resources and modules after enrolment.
  • Certification issued in both digital and physical formats upon successful completion.
  • Access to supplementary professional development content, including videos and case studies.
Strategic Analysis Frameworks

Apply global frameworks like SWOT, STEEPLE, Porter’s Five Forces, and PESTEL to assess environments.

Risk and Ethical Strategy

Learn how to design responsible strategies that integrate ethics, governance, and risk management.

Business and Corporate-Level Strategies

Explore competitive advantage through differentiation, cost leadership, and growth strategies.

Innovation and Transformation

Understand how innovation and change management drive organisational resilience.

Leadership and Communication

Gain leadership skills and communication strategies for advocating transformation and sustaining change.

Strategic Management Certificate

QCTO Accredited
QLS Endorsed
NQF Level 5 Skills Programme
14 Modules
6 to 13 weeks
Self-Paced
College
Accelerate Management School
Accreditation No.
SP-210409
Credits
8
Full course access, accredited certification, and ongoing learner support valued at
R 14 595
.
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If your organisation is already a LearnSquad partner, you’ll have received login details by email. Use these credentials to access the platform.
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Entry Requirements
  • Matric/Grade 12 qualification.
  • Mature age exemption for candidates 23 years or older.
  • Proficient English literacy.
  • Reliable internet access.
  • Suitable mobile or desktop device.
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Course Introduction

This short video gives you a quick overview of your course, what to expect, and how to get the best out of your learning experience.

What you can
expect to learn

Students can expect a flexible, self-paced online programme supported by structured resources and case-based learning. The course balances theory with applied exercises and frameworks that students can implement directly in workplace contexts.

Support is available during office hours to guide students throughout coursework and assessments. Certification is awarded in both digital and physical formats. Students also retain access to content for 24 months, ensuring time and flexibility to complete.

Career Opportunities

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Course Structure

14 Modules
6 to 13 weeks
Module
1
Introduction to Strategic Management

Explore the foundations of strategic management and decision-making.

  • Apply strategic principles.
  • Understand levels of strategy.
  • Develop decision-making frameworks.
Module
2
External Environmental Analysis

Learn to evaluate external environments using PESTEL.

  • Analyse political, economic, and social factors.
  • Assess technological and legal impacts.
  • Apply PESTEL in strategy formulation.
Module
3
External Industry Analysis

Understand Porter’s Five Forces and competitive dynamics.

  • Assess supplier and buyer power.
  • Analyse threats of entrants and substitutes.
  • Evaluate rivalry intensity.
Module
4
Internal Environment Analysis

Assess internal organisational capabilities.

  • Identify core competencies.
  • Analyse culture and resources.
  • Conduct functional area reviews.
Module
5
The Business Environment

Apply STEEPLE to assess globalisation and socio-economic trends.

  • Apply STEEPLE analysis.
  • Understand globalisation’s impact.
  • Evaluate environmental influences.
Module
6
Strategy Formulation

Explore frameworks for developing strategies.

  • Formulate business strategies.
  • Align strategy with goals.
  • Apply formulation principles.
Module
7
Business Level Strategies

Develop competitive advantage through key strategies.

  • Apply cost leadership.
  • Implement differentiation.
  • Use focus strategies effectively.
Module
8
Corporate Level Strategies

Explore growth, stability, and retrenchment strategies.

  • Apply growth models.
  • Analyse stability approaches.
  • Implement retrenchment strategies.
Module
9
Change Management

Learn frameworks for managing change effectively.

  • Apply change models.
  • Manage communication and engagement.
  • Anticipate resistance.
Module
10
Strategy and Innovation

Explore how innovation strengthens strategy.

  • Align innovation with goals.
  • Apply creative frameworks.
  • Drive competitive advantage.
Module
11
Management and Leadership

Examine leadership diversity and theories.

  • Distinguish leadership and management.
  • Apply contemporary leadership theories.
  • Leverage diversity in leadership.
Module
12
Marketing

Learn strategic marketing fundamentals.

  • Apply the 6 Ps and 4 Cs frameworks.
  • Manage brand equity.
  • Conduct segmentation.
Module
13
Advocating for Change and Transformation

Build communication and transformation strategies.

  • Define mission, vision, and values.
  • Develop KPIs and goals.
  • Apply strategic communication practices.
Module
14
Conflict Management

Resolve organisational conflict effectively.

  • Identify sources and types of conflict.
  • Apply emotional intelligence.
  • Report conflict outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are course materials provided?

Yes. Students receive structured course modules, assessments, and resources. Content remains accessible for at least 24 months after enrolment for ongoing reference.

Can international students enrol?

Yes. All courses are accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO, SA) and endorsed by the Quality Licence Scheme (QLS, UK), ensuring both national and international recognition.

Does the course include practical exercises?

Yes. Every programme combines theory with practical assignments, case studies, and applied assessments to ensure real-world learning.

Is dedicated student support available?

Yes. Real human support is available via WhatsApp, live chat, phone, and email in multiple languages. Response times are SLA-driven, with live channels responding within minutes.

What are the prerequisites for enrolment?

A Matric/Grade 12 (or equivalent), reliable internet access, and English proficiency are required. Some specialised courses may recommend prior work experience.

What devices are required for the course?

The platform is mobile-first and works on smartphones, tablets, or desktops. Courses are optimised for low-data use and include offline-ready options for rural or low-bandwidth areas.

Will I receive certification upon completion?

Yes. On successful completion, students receive an accredited certificate in both digital and physical formats, recognised locally and internationally

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