The Business Acumen for Managers Training Course, offered by the Oxford Training Centre, is a comprehensive programme designed to help managers develop a robust understanding of how businesses operate, grow, and remain competitive in dynamic markets.
Business acumen is more than financial knowledge—it is the ability to connect strategic goals with operational execution. In today’s fast-paced and competitive business environment, managers need the capacity to analyse markets, understand profitability, manage resources effectively, and make informed decisions that drive sustainable performance.
This training explores how strategic thinking, financial literacy, and decision-making come together to form the foundation of effective management. Through practical exercises, real-world case studies, and interactive discussions, participants will develop a strong grasp of how organisational success is shaped by well-informed decisions at every level.
The course also integrates mediation, emotional intelligence, and resilience as critical leadership skills. Participants will learn to manage pressure, balance priorities, and lead teams effectively through transition or financial challenge. By the end, attendees will possess both analytical and interpersonal tools needed to make sound, strategic, and ethical business decisions that align with corporate goals.
Objective and Target Audience
Objectives
- Strengthen participants’ understanding of business acumen, strategic decision-making, and commercial awareness.
- Build essential financial literacy to interpret financial data, balance budgets, and manage resources effectively.
- Enhance understanding of profitability, cost control, and value creation as key drivers of business success.
- Equip managers with the skills to align operational performance with corporate goals through strategic thinking and forecasting.
- Foster confidence in budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation to improve efficiency and accountability.
- Improve adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving under changing market and organisational conditions.
- Strengthen leadership capacity to make informed decisions based on data-driven insights, risk management, and sustainable business practices.
Target Audience
- Professionals and managers across industries seeking to enhance understanding of business dynamics, financial strategy, and performance.
- Department heads and line managers aiming to improve financial awareness.
- Project managers responsible for budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
- Operations and production managers focused on efficiency and profitability.
- Sales and marketing professionals who want to understand financial impact.
- HR leaders seeking to align talent management with business goals.
- Emerging leaders preparing for executive responsibilities.
- Private and public sector professionals aiming to strengthen business acumen and strategic thinking.
Course Modules
Module 1: Understanding Business Acumen and Strategic Thinking
Definition, importance, and components of strategic thinking. Linking corporate goals with operations and understanding how business acumen drives innovation.
Module 2: Financial Literacy and Core Business Concepts
Interpret financial statements, KPIs, and data for decision-making.
Module 3: Budgeting and Financial Planning
Develop realistic budgets, align with strategy, and control costs effectively.
Module 4: Resource Management and Cost Control
Learn principles of resource utilisation, cost reduction, and productivity management.
Module 5: Market Analysis and Business Decision-Making
Use market and competitor data for informed, strategic business choices.
Module 6: Profitability and Value Creation
Understand value drivers, sustainable growth, and profitability strategies.
Module 7: Operational Efficiency and Process Improvement
Apply lean management, KPIs, and innovation for improved performance.
Module 8: Risk Analysis and Decision-Making Under Pressure
Evaluate risks, maintain resilience, and make sound decisions under uncertainty.
Module 9: Emotional Intelligence and Mediation in Business
Enhance empathy, communication, and team cohesion through emotional intelligence.
Module 10: Strategic Alignment and Organisational Performance
Align goals across departments, use performance metrics, and promote accountability.