Duke Corporate Education
BALANCING STRATEGY AND EXECUTION
Previously , executive education largely focused either on execution or strategy , according to Duke ' s Vishal Patel . “ Execution encompasses both technical and tactical aspects . The technical side involves considering one ' s tech stack , IP , and R & D , which are fundamental to the success of a business . On the tactical side , the emphasis is on aligning individuals to achieve specific goals . Traditional executive education still sees the execution lens without differentiating the tactical and technical .”
Relying solely on an executioncentric approach or strategy alone has its limitations , says Patel . “ In today ’ s rapidly changing landscape , there is a greater emphasis on transformation – [ and this ] requires a broader lens encompassing strategy , change management , organisational design and an understanding of the wider ecosystem in which businesses operate .
" Strategy provides the necessary framework and constraints for business to operate effectively , while organisational design ensures investments and capital allocation align with market demand . Meanwhile , ecosystems , which are fundamentally built on relationships , must be addressed in a manner that is both sensible and conducive to deriving commercial value .”
Patel argues that the conversation between strategy and execution needs to be further refined – considering its technical , tactical , transformational , and ecosystem dimensions .
“ We must approach it with greater precision and specificity in the design of executive leadership programmes . By embracing these dimensions , we can unlock the true potential of corporate education and empower leaders to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape .”