Stayer Center for Executive Education

session descriptions

sessions & datesReflects current curriculum. Subject to updates.

Program StructurE

Certificate Series
The Certificate in Executive Management is made up of four specific modules or segments:

MODULE 1 - LEADERSHIP ESSENTIALS
MODULE 2 - FINANCE & ACCOUNTING FOR NON-FINANCIAL MANAGERS
MODULE 3 - LEADING THE STRATEGIC ENTERPRISE
MODULE 4 - APPLIED LEADERSHIP SKILLS


The four segments of the Certificate series are intended to build upon each other and provide a comprehensive learning experience. The program concludes with a capstone experience where participants are members of a team leading a business enterprise as part of the top management team.  This global simulation (Business Strategy Game) allows each participant to:

  • Integrate learning from across the entire Certificate series and apply it in a live, competitive situation
  • Practice being a member of a management team that is leading the organization
  • Develop and implement strategy and react and respond to competitive challenges
  • Practice working as a member of a virtual team
  • See the impact of your decisions over time
  • Receive immediate feedback on your decision making capabilities
  • Experience making a presentation to senior leaders where you describe your strategy and explain and defend your decisions and performance


Participants can start the program with Module 1, 2, or 3. Modules 3 and 4 must be taken in the same year in order to participate in the Business Strategy Game, which spans Modules 3 and 4. The Business Strategy Game is an online business simulation that applies the learning to a simulated real-life business situation and is required in order to receive the “Certificate in Executive Management.” Participants can also register for individual modules.    

module 1 - leadership essentials  

  • Foundations of Leadership
  • Problem Solving and Decision Making
  • Ethical Decision Making
  • Making the Business Case for Sustainability
  • Leading Change: Experience Change

module 2 - finance & accounting for non-financial managers

  • Basic Financial Reporting (online)
  • Cost Information and Decision Making
  • Cost-Volume-Profit Relationships
  • Operating Budgets
  • Depreciation & Cost of Goods Sold
  • Capital Budgeting
  • Sources & Uses of Funds Analysis
  • Operating and Financial Leverage
  • Financial Statement Analysis

Note: Viewing of an online presentation is required prior to beginning Module 2.

module 3 - Leading the Strategic Enterprise

  • Understanding the Competitive Environment
  • Competitive Foresight
  • Innovation
  • Design Thinking
  • Marketing for Managers
  • Thinking Strategically
  • The Challenges of Implementing Strategy
  • Business Strategy Game Introduction*

* Modules 3 and 4 must be taken in the same year in order to participate in the Business Strategy Game. Participants should expect some interterm work between Modules 3 & 4 with their team via phone and email.

module 4 - applied leadership skills

  • Putting Your Personality to Work
  • Negotiations
  • Building Accountability
  • Crucial Conversations
  • Conflict Management
  • Business Strategy Game*

* Modules 3 and 4 must be taken in the same year in order to participate in the Business Strategy Game. Participants should expect some interterm work between Modules 3 & 4 with their team via phone and email.