Postgraduate Diploma in Executive Management (L9, 60 ECTS)

Semester 1 

• Financial Reporting and Corporate Finance 
• Strategic Management 
• International Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Consumer Behaviour 

Semester 2 

• Operations and Sustainable Supply Chain Management 
• Global Talent Management 
• Business Economics 

Module 1: Financial Reporting and Corporate Finance 

Module Aim 

The module aims to develop a students’ ability to understand, analyse and utilise financial information as part of the strategic planning and implementation process within an organisation. Theory covered as part of the module will focus on providing the required skills and knowledge to address the challenges of modern corporate finance. The nuances of alternative financial structures will be examined and contemporary and technological advances in the financial sector will be addressed. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Interpret published financial statements as part of the evaluation of performance and financial position of a business 
2. Critically assess the various sources of finance applicable to businesses. 
3. Evaluate alternative financial structures and strategy 
4. Critically appraise investment opportunities 
5. Manage working capital effectively in a range of organisational contexts 
6. Discuss the impact of contemporary and technological developments on financial performance.

Module 2: Strategic Management 

Module Aim 

This module explores the internal and external factors that shape strategic decision-making behaviour from an international strategic management perspective. The aim of this module is to develop the students’ ability to apply knowledge gained in formal lectures and tutorials to practical strategic management situations and to further the students’ analytical and problem-solving skills in relation to strategic management issues. In addition, this module will enable the students to develop a critical awareness of good strategic management theory and practice and its significance within a range of organisational situations. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Apply an applied knowledge of the key issues related to the strategic management of organisations in a dynamic changing environment. 
2. Critically analyse the relationship between strategic management, competitive advantage, and profitability. 
3. Critically evaluate the analytical techniques associated with strategy formation at business and corporate levels. 
4. Formulate strategies appropriate to an organisation’s context and capabilities. 
5. Synthesise and integrate business decisions with key developments of the changing environment relating to technology, globalisation, and ESG (Environmental, Social Governance). 
6. Appraise the role of leadership in the effective formulation and implementation of successful strategies.

Module 3: International Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Consumer Behaviour 

Module Aim 

This module explores the internal and external factors that shape and frame consumer behaviour from an international marketing perspective. Effects of these on self-concept and lifestyles are considered and the dynamic interplay between these and decision processes are explored. Implications for consumption, marketing and sustainability are discussed from the perspective of the business entrepreneur. The entrepreneurship element affords the opportunity to consider the experience of starting or growing an enterprise. The key aim is that students apply what they have learnt in related modules. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Critically evaluate the role of internal factors such as motivation, emotions and attitudes in consumer behaviour. 
2. Assess how marketing implications can be derived from a deeper understanding of consumer behaviour in all its richness and diversity. 
3. Interpret the various elements of international marketing strategy and apply them to real world situations. 
4. Apply sound decision-making strategies and analytical frameworks to specific international marketing problems and issues. 
5. Critique a range of analytical and creative tools to foster entrepreneurial creativity in a range of challenging situations 
6. Develop a critical awareness of both traditional and digital marketing and a systematic understanding of the importance of digital marketing in modern day international business.

Module 4: Operations and Sustainable Supply Chain Management 

Module Aim 

The aim of the module is to provide the students with the theoretical background and knowledge which will enable them to analyse Global Logistics & Supply Chain Management and to understand the elements which require integration in order to ensure the successful management of Logistics & Supply Chain organisation. Major challenges and issues facing organisations developing and implementing sustainable supply chain strategies will be a key element of the module with a focus on enabling the student to understand the contributions of a supply chain approach to organisational efficiency and effectiveness and to analyse the benefits that can accrue from implementing effective sustainable supply chain practices. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Evaluate the complexities of supply chain management as it applies to a variety of Logistics & Supply Chain businesses. 
2. Discuss the physical management and stock control of inventory. 
3. Analyse and debate the linkage between the overall business aims and managing the strategic objectives of a sustainable supply chain.
4. Identify the role of operations and logistics in the design and implementation of a lean supply chain. 
5. Assess the market, technological and data-driven changes that impact on the areas of operations and logistics. 
6. Appraise the 17 UN Sustainable Goals in respect of Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM)

Module 5: Global Talent Management 

Module Aim 

The purpose of this module is to facilitate the students in developing a critical view of Global Talent Management in the context of modern society and management practice across industrial, commercial and service organisations. The module explores the changing nature of work, working lives and employment relationships, and evaluates the contribution of Global Talent Management and its practices to organisational effectiveness. This module is concerned with the practice of Global Talent Management in an international managerial context. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Critique the evolution of Talent Management and its relevant/importance to organisaitonal success in a global context. 
2. Design a training and development programme, considering geographic, cultural and ethnic differentiators. 
3. Display a contextualised, in-depth understanding of the global labour-relation landscape and its nuances. 
4. Critically appraise the landscape of Irish employee relations and describe the legal obligations of employers towards their employees. Consider the globalisation of the workforce and the workplace of the future 
5. Analyse the functions of the Formal Labour Relations Environment, Labour Court, Labour Relations Commission, Employee Appeals Tribunal and Equality Tribunal. 
6. Design and develop a coaching session on a work-related issue.

Module 6: Business Economics 

Module Aim 

The aim of this module is to develop a students understanding of the economic factors impacting organisations and how strategic development methodologies can help mitigate risks and capitalise on opportunities as a result of changes in economic conditions. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Critically appraise elements of the business environment, using appropriate economic theories and models. 
2. Identify and utilise appropriate economic concepts to inform business decision-making and strategy development. 
3. Determine the impact of economic policy and regulatory decisions on business operations. 
4. Using economic theory, assess the competitive landscape of an organisation. 
5. Critically evaluate economic factors impacting organisations within the context of internationalisation. 
6. Utilise research and analytical skills in the completion of a business economics research project.

Level 8 Degree in any discipline  

and  

Mature over 23 years  

and three years of relevant supervisory or management experience.  

Those with a level 7 degree with three years post qualification and/or those who meet the RPL requirements as per the Technological University of the Shannon RPL policy will also be considered.  

or  

Recognition of Prior Learning (APL and APEL)  

In line with University policies, non-native English speakers are required to have an IELTS level of 6.5 or higher. 

Three evenings per week Online
PLUS occasional occasional Saturdays Online

Lectures will be delivered live online, and recordings of lectures will be available to view in the student’s own time

€8,750

One Year

Upon successful completion of this course, students are eligible to apply for the TUS Executive MBA part-time programme. Graduates of the Postgraduate in Executive Management participants will have acquired a high level of competence that will enhance their ability to make effective decisions in changing, complex and uncertain environments. For this reason graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Executive Management are very sought after and take up senior management positions across a multidisciplinary range of industries.