In times of increasingly powerful artificial intelligence and growing big data it is more important than ever to develop your thinking skills. In this two-day programme you will train your analytical, critical, and creative thinking with the best practice methods and techniques of the world’s top-tier strategy consulting firms.
This course is offered by Rotterdam School of Management b.v.. For more information about the legal structure of Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, visit this page.
Have you ever been confronted with a complex strategic problem and wondered how to start dealing with it? Or found that even though you analysed all the available data, you couldn’t come up with a solution? Analytical, critical, and creative thinking are among the top business skills needed to be effective at your job, whether you work in a large enterprise, the public sector, healthcare, education, and other not-for-profit organisations.
The key to analysing and solving problems is a structured approach that identifies the priority analyses and the range of possible outcomes, then brings you to a rational and implementable solution. The process results in a clear case that can be presented to stakeholders and provides the basis for successful implementation. Only when you think clear, you can you write clearly and communicate effectively.
During this extensive and practical course you will learn from RSM strategy experts, Dr Marc Baaij and James Parker. Occasionally we may substitute other faculty members according to the content of the programme and their availability.
Dr Marc Baaij is an associate professor of strategic management at RSM. He previously worked for the Boston Consulting Group as manager of research and strategy consultant, and at IBM in sales and marketing positions. He specialises in methods and techniques for strategy development and execution, with a focus on stakeholder management and foresight development under high levels of uncertainty. He has written professional books and scientific articles on strategic management, management consultancy and structured problem-solving. Marc holds degrees in economics and strategic management.
James Parker is a partner at Parma Consulting Group and has more than 30 years of experience in consulting and managing professional organisations. He worked for McKinsey & Company in North America, the UK and the Netherlands, was a founding partner of Mitchell Madison Group, and managing partner of Boer & Croon Corporate Strategy. He was also a director of First Level Young Executives, and manager of Barclays International Banking in Canada and Zaire (now the Congo). James co-authored Changing the leopard’s spots: Renewal of the professional firm (2009). He has an MA from the University of Oxford, and an MBA from INSEAD.
26 - 27 November 2025
€ 2,700 (excl. 21% VAT) including course materials, lunches and snacks. This fee does not include hotel accommodation.
15% discount for alumni from Erasmus University Rotterdam and RSM.
All of our short courses can also be delivered as personalised in-company training to groups of employees from the same organisation. This enables us to develop a comprehensive programme that focuses on your organisation’s own unique situation and issues.
In this co-authored article, Dr Marc Baaij and James Parker further dive into what we mean with strategic problem-solving, the complexities businesses constantly face, and how a well executed analysis allows you to tackle strategic problems with clarity and confidence.
Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) offers a dynamic learning environment for professionals looking for new skills and knowledge in business and management education.
This programme takes place in Bayle building on the Woudestein Campus of Erasmus University Rotterdam, just 15 minutes by public transport from Rotterdam city centre. Our modern and lively campus has innovative study facilities, sustainable design, and calming green spaces.
Most programmes start at 09:00. Finishing times are different for each programme. There’s also an approximate schedule in each programme’s brochure and on its webpages. When you register for a programme you will be given access to Canvas, our online learning system, and the full schedule is in Canvas. Your programme manager will hand out a detailed schedule on the first day of your programme.
Class sizes are usually between 12 to 24 people, but it does depend on the programme. We aim for a balance between allowing capacity to guarantee individual attention, and achieving a good group dynamic and networking opportunities.
Yes. Alumni from RSM and Erasmus University Rotterdam receive a 15% discount.
RSM alumni are students who have completed either a bachelor of science, master of science, PhD or one executive education programme of more than 40 credit hours. Additionally, companies which sponsor several participants may also be offered a special price.
Participants of open programmes of less than 40 credit hours will not receive a discount.
Programme fees include tuition, programme materials, plus lunch and refreshments throughout the programme. Hotel accommodation is not included, unless mentioned otherwise in the programme information.
If you require hotel accommodation, we recommend the Novotel Rotterdam Brainpark Hotel and the Bilderberg Park Hotel. Both hotels are located in Rotterdam, accessible to the university, and participants can benefit from special rates.
Please note that due to high demand, we advise you to book your hotel stay for any program as early as possible with a flexible rate.
Our general terms and conditions apply when you register for an open programme. Please review them to learn more about our policies for cancellation, deferral and substitution.
If you have more general questions, we recommend you explore our more in-depth FAQs page. If you are looking for personal advice, then please contact one of our advisors using the contact form below.
Programme advisor
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