Leadership, Management and Strategic Thinking Program - 2026

Leadership, Management and Strategic Thinking

This program is delivered over five (5) partial days:

1. Session 1: Monday 21 September, 11:30AM - 3PM AEST
2. Session 2: Thursday 24 September, 11:30AM - 3PM AEST
3. Session 3: Monday 12 October, 11:30AM - 3PM AEDT
4. Session 4: Thursday 15 October, 11:30AM - 3PM AEDT
5. Session 5: Thursday 19 November, 11:30AM - 3PM AEDT

Participants are required to attend all (5) sessions.

Target Audience:

This program has been developed primarily for participants undertaking the ARMS Established Level Accreditation Program (ELAP), and is also open to individuals seeking to strengthen their capabilities in leadership, management, and strategic thinking.

The program is particularly suited to: 

• Mid-senior level research management staff interested in developing a deep, practical understanding of the topics;
• Those currently enrolled in the Established Level Accreditation Program (ELAP); and
• Accredited Research Managers (Foundation or Advanced) seeking to broaden their practical understanding of the topics.

Presenter: 

Dr Lesley Ashton,
Quovadis Consulting Australia

Program Description:

Leaders and emerging leaders in research management have a significant impact on those around them and on the culture and performance of their team and organisation. Higher education is a changing dynamic environment. Hence ongoing relevant professional development is central to employee engagement and organisational performance.

Higher education is a changing dynamic environment. Hence ongoing relevant professional development is central to employee engagement and organisational performance.

The program will be held over five (5) workshops (11:30AM to 3:00PM AEST/AEDT) and include short breaks. Workshops 2-5 will commence with reflection of the content of the previous workshop, to examine the key learnings from the workshop and discuss any actions attendees have taken away from the workshop.

The Program has three (3) themes:

1. Leading People;
2. Leading Performance; and
3. Leading Strategy and Change.

Participants will be encouraged to engage in a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities of managing and leading strategically in higher education.

Program Objectives:

• Identify ways to make lasting changes to an attendee’s management of self and leadership of others.
• Identify, practice, and apply skills for improving staff management and managing challenging conversations.
• Identify strategic strategies and skills to initiate or adapt to personal and work-related change.

Learning Outcomes:

The program uses a multifaceted learning approach based on expert knowledge, published research, peer collaboration, self-reflection, class exercises and the practical application of theory to relevant case studies and workplace scenarios.

Pre-requisites:

The program has no formal pre-requisites.

Pre-reading:

Each session has a list of suggested pre-reading materials that are emailed to participants prior to the commencement of the first workshop. The pre-reading list will also serve as a future resource list for participants.

Attendance:

Your attendance is required in all five (5) sessions to successfully complete the Leadership, Management and Strategic Thinking program.  This program forms Element 1 of the Established Level Accreditation Program (ELAP) and is worth thirty (30) Accreditation points after attending all sessions and successfully completing the program assessment.

Assessment:

At the end of the workshop, participants will be invited to complete a non-compulsory assessment; due two weeks following the end of the elective, or as advised by the presenter.

This assessment is compulsory for participants currently paticipating in the ELAP or those who will be registering in the ELAP within 12 months of completing this elective.

Accreditation Points:

Registered ELAP participants who successfully complete the assessment will recieve thirty (30) accreditation points.

Cost:

ARMS Members: $2360 AUD per elective (GST inclusive) - Please contact ARMSAccreditation@researchmanagement.org.au to arrange for your discounted price.
Non-Members: $2760 AUD per elective (GST inclusive)

Zoom meeting link:

Provided in email sent prior to commencement of the workshop.    

Cancellation Policy:

Should your circumstances change, and you are unable to attend this workshop, you must contact the ARMSAccreditation@researchmanagement.org.au by no later than 10 working days prior to the commencement of the scheduled event. ARMS will refund the full registration fee minus any administrative fees.

Should you cancel less than 10 working days prior to the commencement of this workshop, no refund will be payable but instead you may wish to send a proxy.

ARMS reserve the right to cancel, postpone or re-schedule courses and events due to minimum numbers not being reached or for other unforeseen circumstances.  In the event of a cancellation, ARMS will aim to advise all participants in writing five (5) days prior to the scheduled event and will refund the full registration fee including administrative charges within 30 days after notification.

For participants enrolled in the Established Level Accreditation Program - Cancellation and Transfer Policy for Elements 1 and 2:

We understand that there may be extenuating circumstances which prohibit you from either commencing or completing Element 1. While registration for Elements 1 and 2 of the ELAP are non-cancellable or refundable, you will however be allowed to transfer your enrolment for another scheduled session throughout your three-year enrolment OR transfer your registration to another eligible ARMS member.

Any changes in enrolment circumstances must be made in writing to the ARMS Accreditation and Member Engagement Coordinator in the first instance, email ARMSAccreditation@researchmanagement.org.au.

Confidentiality and Privacy:

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for full details.

Enquiries:

Contact the ARMS Accreditation and Member Engagement Coordinator  ARMSAccreditation@researchmanagement.org.au or +61 8 8201 5592.