Rotterdam school of Management, Erasmus University compact logo
  • Starting date

    TBA

  • Duration

    2 days

  • Fee

    € 2,700 (excl 21% VAT)

  • Language

    English

  • Format

    In person

In times of increasingly powerful artificial intelligence and growing big data it is more important than ever to develop your thinking skills. In this two-day programme you will train your analytical, critical, and creative thinking with the best practice methods and techniques of the world’s top-tier strategy consulting firms. 

This course is offered by Rotterdam School of Management b.v.. For more information about the legal structure of Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, visit this page.

Why RSM?

  • Small-scale workshop

    Each session is highly interactive, making this a unique course offering in the Netherlands

  • Taught in English

    This course is accessible to all as it is fully taught in English. All English speakers are welcome! 

  • Academic Excellence

    RSM is the top business school in the Netherlands and one of the best in the world. 

  • Successfully taught for 10 years

    This unique programme has been taught for the last 10 years assuring a top tier course and a top tier learning experience. 

Learning goals

By participating in this course you will be able to succesfully navigate problems.

  • Understand the methods and techniques for solving stratregic problems and presenting solutions that top strategy consulting firms use.
  • Apply your skills to your own project, discuss business case studies, conduct small group exercises, make presentations.
  • Implement problem-solving in your own organisation.
  • Gain confidence as someone knowledgeable and skilled in structured problem-solving.

For whom

Explore if this course is for you

Your roles
  • Involved in policymaking
  • Involved in strategic planning
  • Involved in corporate development
  • Advisor and internal or external consultant
Your responsibilities
  • Find solutions to complex business problems
  • Create standardised approach to face new problems
Your challenges
  • Navigating difficult and complex strategic problems
  • Understanding and managing the changing nature of organisations
  • Creating a standardised approach to face difficult challenges

Interested in a programme for your entire team?

Discover our options for customised and in-company programmes tailor-made for your organisation.

Examples of Strategic Problems

The first step of problem solving is identifying what specific problem your business is facing. Identifying and understanding this is crucial for developing effective strategies. Below, are a few examples that your organisation might be facing.

  • Declining Growth

    An organisation is experiencing a slowdown in growth. How can it revitalise and accelerate its growth trajectory?

  • Financial Challenges

    Despite rapid growth, an organisation is not profitable. How can it improve its financial performance and achieve profitability?

  • Customer Engagement

    An organisation is experiencing low customer engagement and loyalty. How can it enhance customer engagement and build stronger relationships with its customers?

  • Sustainability Concerns

    An organisation has a significant environmental footprint. How can it reduce its impact and become more sustainable?

  • Talent Retention

    An organisation is losing top talent to other companies. How can it improve its retention strategies to keep its best employees?

  • Leveraging Opportunities

    An organisation has identified a promising business or sustainability opportunity. How can it effectively present its value to the organisational leadership to gain their support?

Your expert faculty

During this extensive and practical course you will learn from RSM strategy experts, Dr Marc Baaij and James Parker. Occasionally we may substitute other faculty members according to the content of the programme and their availability.

Dr Marc Baaij

Dr Marc Baaij is an associate professor of strategic management at RSM. He previously worked for the Boston Consulting Group as manager of research and strategy consultant, and at IBM in sales and marketing positions. He specialises in methods and techniques for strategy development and execution, with a focus on stakeholder management and foresight development under high levels of uncertainty. He has written professional books and scientific articles on strategic management, management consultancy and structured problem-solving. Marc holds degrees in economics and strategic management.

 

James Parker

James Parker is a partner at Parma Consulting Group and has more than 30 years of experience in consulting and managing professional organisations. He worked for McKinsey & Company in North America, the UK and the Netherlands, was a founding partner of Mitchell Madison Group, and managing partner of Boer & Croon Corporate Strategy. He was also a director of First Level Young Executives, and manager of Barclays International Banking in Canada and Zaire (now the Congo). James co-authored Changing the leopard’s spots: Renewal of the professional firm (2009). He has an MA from the University of Oxford, and an MBA from INSEAD.

 

More information

Programme dates

TBA

Programme fee

€ 2,700 (excl. 21% VAT) including course materials, lunches and snacks. This fee does not include hotel accommodation.

 

15% discount for alumni from Erasmus University Rotterdam and RSM.

A programme for your entire team

All of our short courses can also be delivered as personalised in-company training to groups of employees from the same organisation. This enables us to develop a comprehensive programme that focuses on your organisation’s own unique situation and issues. 

Related articles

In this co-authored article, Dr Marc Baaij and James Parker further dive into what we mean with strategic problem-solving, the complexities businesses constantly face, and how a well executed analysis allows you to tackle strategic problems with clarity and confidence.

  • What is strategic problem-solving and why it will future-proof your career
What is strategic problem-solving and why it will future-proof your career

Frequently asked questions

Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) offers a dynamic learning environment for professionals looking for new skills and knowledge in business and management education. 

  • RSM is consistently ranked among Europe’s top business schools.
  • World-class professors and a globally oriented faculty deliver business leaders with an innovative mindset.
  • A prestigious Triple Crown accreditation puts RSM among the top 1% of business schools worldwide.
  • With our no-nonsense approach, RSM's goal is to give you the tools to put your new skills and knowledge directly into practice, for real impact.
  • It’s about you: during your programme you can discuss your specific business challenges and receive personal coaching.
  • You will meet a new network of peers in an RSM programme: extend your network, share experiences and become inspired by your fellow participants.

This programme takes place in Bayle building on the Woudestein Campus of Erasmus University Rotterdam, just 15 minutes by public transport from Rotterdam city centre. Our modern and lively campus has innovative study facilities, sustainable design, and calming green spaces.

Most programmes start at 09:00. Finishing times are different for each programme. There’s also an approximate schedule in each programme’s brochure and on its webpages. When you register for a programme you will be given access to Canvas, our online learning system, and the full schedule is in Canvas. Your programme manager will hand out a detailed schedule on the first day of your programme.

Class sizes are usually between 12 to 24 people, but it does depend on the programme. We aim for a balance between allowing capacity to guarantee individual attention, and achieving a good group dynamic and networking opportunities.

Yes. Alumni from RSM and Erasmus University Rotterdam receive a 15% discount.  

RSM alumni are students who have completed either a bachelor of science, master of science, PhD or one executive education programme of more than 40 credit hours. Additionally, companies which sponsor several participants may also be offered a special price.

Participants of open programmes of less than 40 credit hours will not receive a discount. 

Programme fees include tuition, programme materials, plus lunch and refreshments throughout the programme. Hotel accommodation is not included, unless mentioned otherwise in the programme information.

If you require hotel accommodation, we recommend the Novotel Rotterdam Brainpark Hotel and the Bilderberg Park Hotel. Both hotels are located in Rotterdam, accessible to the university, and participants can benefit from special rates.

Please note that due to high demand, we advise you to book your hotel stay for any program as early as possible with a flexible rate.

Our general terms and conditions apply when you register for an open programme. Please review them to learn more about our policies for cancellation, deferral and substitution.

If you have more general questions, we recommend you explore our more in-depth FAQs page. If you are looking for personal advice, then please contact one of our advisors using the contact form below.

Manjeet Kaur

Programme advisor

It's my priority to help you identify how you can meet your professional objectives, so reach out and let's make a plan for your personal development.

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