New Master's of Strategic Change Management now open for applications
How do you deal with change? Some are better at adapting than others, which we see in our personal and professional lives with ever-churning circumstances that shape our economy, environment and society. In the world of business, firms adapt regularly to issues great and small, including consumer preferences, changes in technology, staffing changes or conflicts and, of course, major economic upheavals, pandemics and changes in government regulations.
Organizations thrive when they not only respond to but also effectively anticipate changes in their external and internal environments. And although change has long been the norm, recent acceleration in the rates of change — attributable to major economic shocks, pandemics, shifts in consumer preferences, increasing global competition and rapid advances in technology — have further heightened the importance of managers who can track trends, make plans for contingencies, manage crises and formulate accurate forecasts.
Successes in these regards can enhance not only an organization’s stability and growth, but also a region’s job growth, household incomes and community development.
Region is poised for even greater post-pandemic success
Now is a pivotal time for change leaders, in Durham and around the world. As a member of the Mayor of Oshawa’s Economic Recovery Task Force, I have witnessed the importance of strategic thinking in response to the pandemic. Business and community leaders from Oshawa and Durham Region have come together to rise to the challenge created by COVID-19. It is inspiring to see how an effective reaction to change can enhance economic opportunity. The City of Oshawa and the wider Durham Region have had to undergo tremendous transformation, both before and after the pandemic. Through undertaking a responsive, thoughtful approach to the challenges faced, both city and region have been able to prosper, and are poised for even greater post-pandemic success thanks to a team that is adept at thinking strategically and navigating change management.
Trent University Durham has launched a new 16-month Master of Management — Strategic Change Management program
Recognizing the continued need for effective leaders of change, Trent University has launched a first-of-its-kind master’s degree program in Strategic Change Management. The program prepares students for leadership roles in a broad range of dynamic sectors including health care, manufacturing, technology and finance. The program’s focus will be on the development of essential skills in change management strategies, crisis management, negotiation and conflict resolution and simulation-based decision-making, through both courses and work-integrated learning experiences.
Applications are currently being accepted for this program. To learn more visit trentu.ca/mmgt.
Dr. Scott Henderson is the dean and head of Trent University Durham GTA. This article originally appeared in Metroland Durham.