Overview

Why Attend

Strong business acumen can accelerate strategy execution. Business acumen is defined as a deep understanding of how an organization operates and prospers in its sector. It includes a thorough understanding of what drives profitability and cash flow, an insight into developing a market-focused approach to the business, and an overall big picture understanding of the business and its interrelationships.

Successful organizations understand that leaders and employees throughout the organization must have the appropriate capabilities in different areas to sustain growth. These capabilities include financial acumen, market orientation, strategic perspective, and operational knowledge. Together, these capabilities form a solid business acumen platform.

Business acumen training is a “must-have” across all levels of audiences within an organization as it is critical for success in a global business environment. Participants who successfully complete this course will develop their business acumen skills which will give them the capability to add instant value to their organization.

Course Methodology

The course uses a mix of interactive techniques, such as analytical tools, case studies, presentation development, presentation delivery, and individual feedback.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Articulate the importance of the big picture in business planning
Identify marketing drivers and analyze the competition using strategic frameworks
Define important operational drivers and measure performance using standards correlated with value creation
Streamline processes and apply people optimization tactics in the organization
Improve the decision-making process in their organizations through developing financial acumen
Examine the different external environmental factors affecting an organization’s ability to succeed

Target Audience

This course is ideal for leaders, managers, and professionals who want to improve their business acumen capabilities.

Target Competencies

Business acumen
Financial acumen
Strategic focus
Operational capability
Market orientation

Course Outline

Strategic acumen
- The importance of strategy
- The three big strategic questions
- Key elements of a successful strategy
- The quest for competitive advantage
- Competitive advantage examples
- The breadth of strategy crafting and implementation
- Using frameworks as a blueprint
Marketing acumen
- Strategic frameworks
- Possible strategic moves
- Expanding scope
- Reducing scope
- Changing direction
- Maintaining the status quo
Operational acumen
- The importance of internal activities
- The basics of running a company
- Increasing price
- Increasing volume
- Reducing costs
Organizational acumen
- The most important asset
- Optimizing people processes
- Building skills
- Optimizing compensation
- Simplifying the organization
- Streamlining processes
- Optimizing information systems
- Measuring results
Financial acumen
- Financial goals
- Financial KPIs
- Financial statements
  - Income statement
  - Balance sheet
  - Cash flow statement
- Ensuring cash is king
- Balancing debt and equity
- Managing working capital
External forces acumen
- Managing suppliers
- Managing people
- The effect of the economy
- Dealing with competitors
- The industry as a playing field
- Dealing with auditors
- Understanding legislation
- Using technology

Schedule & Fees

2026 Schedule & Fees

There are no public sessions remaining for the course this year. Please contact us if you wish to have a customized in-house session, or to find out how an additional public session can be scheduled.

2027 Schedule & Fees

3 - 7 Jan, 2027

English

Per participant USD 2,900

3 - 7 Jan, 2027

Arabic

Per participant USD 2,900

31 Jan - 4 Feb, 2027

English

Per participant USD 2,900

31 Jan - 4 Feb, 2027

Arabic

Per participant USD 2,900

4 - 8 Apr, 2027

English

Per participant USD 2,900

4 - 8 Apr, 2027

Arabic

Per participant USD 2,900

2 - 6 May, 2027

English

Per participant USD 2,900

2 - 6 May, 2027

Arabic

Per participant USD 2,900

4 - 8 Jul, 2027

English

Per participant USD 2,900

4 - 8 Jul, 2027

Arabic

Per participant USD 2,900

1 - 5 Aug, 2027

English

Per participant USD 2,900

1 - 5 Aug, 2027

Arabic

Per participant USD 2,900

3 - 7 Oct, 2027

English

Per participant USD 2,900

3 - 7 Oct, 2027

Arabic

Per participant USD 2,900

31 Oct - 4 Nov, 2027

English

Per participant USD 2,900

31 Oct - 4 Nov, 2027

Arabic

Per participant USD 2,900

Certificate in Business Acumen

Overview

Why Attend

Course Methodology

Course Objectives

Target Audience

Target Competencies

Course Outline

Schedule & Fees

2026 Schedule & Fees

2027 Schedule & Fees

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