The OTHM Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice aims to combine advanced strategic management and leadership skills at the Doctoral level with business research expertise to develop a doctoral thesis.

Unlike Master's programs, the Level 8 Diploma courses explore theories and their practical applications in various global business contexts in depth. These courses are taught by experienced doctorates with extensive academic and managerial backgrounds. Upon graduating, students receive:

• • Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice from OTHM to demonstrate expert competency in workforce transitions.

The program consists of 6 modules, totaling 120 UK credits, lasting a minimum of 1 year.

Mandatory modules:

• • Developing Strategic Management and Leadership Potential (20 UK/10 ECTS Credits)
  • Managing Strategic Change (20 UK/10 ECTS Credits)
  • Project Development, Planning and Management (20 UK/10 ECTS Credits)
  • Advanced Research Design and Methodologies (40 UK/20 ECTS Credits)
  • Developing Research Capability (20 UK/10 ECTS Credits)
  • Strategic Financial Management (20 UK/10 ECTS Credits)
  • Strategic Human Resource Management (20 UK/10 ECTS Credits)
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation (20 UK/10 ECTS Credits)

After each module, learners will take an ending exam. The end-of-module exams are application-oriented essays to help learners review knowledge, apply knowledge in the workplace, and improve the practical environment.

Teaching and learning strategies:

The program's central training philosophy starts with understanding the theory and case studies currently applied in world enterprises and then applies the learned knowledge to the enterprises themselves and the learners’ business environment. In addition to the practical knowledge, the program also equips the necessary skills for a business leader and manager in the volatile and risky global business context.

The program is Learner-centered and focuses on solving learners’ problems:

The Learner-centered training method will focus on solving learners’ problems through background knowledge and case studies that are applied in successful businesses worldwide. Through each module, learners will step by step solve management problems that they face every day with the guidance of the theoretical system, the practice system, expert lecturers and local teaching assistants.

Qualities of effective leadership

Learners will explore the making and developing of powerful leaders.

Developing interpersonal skills

Connecting and bonding with people within the commercial sectors is extremely important for good business. This module trains learners in skills to improve and enhance communication techniques to create strong bonds.

Motivating and influencing people

Inspiring people to create a unity of direction within business.

Making decisions

Doing the right things in the right way at the right time. Learners will look at the process of making a good decision.

Creativity and problem-solving

Do problems pose a threat or are they an opportunity to improve? Here, learners will figure out how to turn a problem into an advantage.

Studying and using management theories

There are many theories concerned with management and the various models developed from these theories. This module looks over these theories with real-life examples.

The external operating environment of business

Planning for influences on the business outside your control.

Culture and ethics

The culture and ethics involved in the business world today.

Governance and directorships

Structuring and controlling a business in a professional way.

Analyzing the competition

What are my competitors doing, how are they doing it, and why are they doing it? Reviewing and analyzing competitors’ actions to enhance managerial roles.

Marketing strategy

Creating an effective and successful market presence. Looking at the development of marketing strategies to create successful marketing campaigns.

High performance sales

Learners will grasp the key elements of successful selling.

E-Marketing communication

Understanding and using effective electronic messages to market.

Customers and their needs

Ensuring that your customers are recognized and valued.

Strategic human resource management

Human Resource Management must play a central role in the strategy of any organization. It is concerned with people as an asset of the business.

Recruiting and CPD

Getting the best people. Developing the best people. Keeping the best people.

Measuring and rewarding performance

Knowing and measuring how your people are performing.

Interpreting business accounts

Using and understanding the litmus tests of business health.

Tools of financial analysis

Resources, tools, and techniques to keep a finger on the pulse of the business.

Managing cash and working capital

Cash, cash flow, and working capital. The lifeblood of business.

Exercises in quantitative techniques

How to use and understand key figures.

Impact of technology on business

Analyse and exploit the role of e-business within a business sector.

Innovation and R&D

Creating commercial advantage from innovation and research.

Implementing and managing quality systems

Right first time, right every time. The place of quality in business strategy.

Strategic planning tools

Resources, tools, and ideas to help create an effective business strategy.

Strategic and systems management

Options for strategic direction. Making the right choices for your business.

The business plan

Creating a plan that targets the stated aims and objectives of a business.

Developing high-performance teams

Cohesion and teamwork that enhances business performance.

Managing projects

Getting things done. Using the right tools to run projects.

Strategies for growth

This module explores the different ideas of growth and the various tools, measures, and controls at a manager’s disposal in planning for growth.

In addition to the entry requirements, candidates applying to the program are also assessed for their suitability by the admissions committee before joining the program to ensure that they can acquire and benefit from the program.

Entry requirements:

To enroll this program, learners must possess one of the criteria below:

• • Learners must be over 24 years old; and

• • A Master’s qualification in Majors from accredited universities; 

• • Or A Level 7 EQF diploma or equivalent. Level 7 Diploma must be from organizations that are authorized to issue qualifications and have been accredited.

English requirements:

If a learner is not from a predominantly English-speaking country, proof of English language proficiency must be provided.

• • Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2 or equivalent;

• • Or A minimum TOEFL score of 101 or IELTS 6.5; Reading and Writing must be at 6.5 or equivalent.

Please note: SIMI and MI Swiss reserve the right to make admissions decisions based on the requirements of recognized agencies and the global quotas of the program.

Learning method:

The Fully Online or Hybrid learning model (conditionally applied), allowing students to study with original programs from Switzerland and partner countries. This enables students to achieve qualifications equivalent to those of full-time international students without the need to live in or attend on-site activities. The Broadcast classes with SIMI’s Lecturers on scheduled days are perfect for those with busy work lives or limited time during the week.

The following video will provide learners with a direct and comprehensive overview of enrolling in online classes at SIMI Swiss: CLICK HERE

Supporting Systems:

We understand that pursuing a postgraduate accredited program can be both exciting and challenging, especially for busy adult learners. To assist in overcoming challenges, we’ve developed the SIMI Swiss Supporting Systems, designed to help navigate any difficulties during learners studies.

For a comprehensive overview of our support, please watch our informative videos for assistance at every step of your academic journey: CLICK HERE

Effective SIMI Pedagogy:

At SIMI, we pay special attention to the effectiveness of our programs. As for our exclusive teaching method specifically designed for busy learners, we strongly believe that this method will allow learners to seamlessly integrate foundational theory and professional knowledge into the context of real life and career.

The following video will help you understand this method more deeply: CLICK HERE

In the SIMI Swiss Doctoral program, emphasis is placed on both acquiring knowledge and expanding professional relationships while staying current with scientific advancements. These elements are not only crucial but also mandatory components of the program.

SIMI Swiss has collaborates with partner universities to organize mandatory seminars for students. Although these seminars do not award credits, they evaluate participants based on essential activities. After attending a seminar abroad, students engage in networking activities to build connections within the academic and professional communities.

SIMI Swiss collaborates with SIMS Swiss in the organization of seminars and networking activities: