Academic Programmes

SCQF Level: 11 (Postgraduate)
Credits: 60 (3 x 20 credit modules)
Duration: Typically 6–9 months part-time
Award: Postgraduate Certificate
Target Audience: Senior professionals, learning and development leaders, consultants, and aspiring strategists in public, private, and non-profit sectors.

Programme Philosophy

This programme draws upon foundational theories from Chris Argyris and Donald Schön (double-loop learning), Peter Senge (systems thinking and learning organisations), and Willie Pietersen’s Strategic Learning cycle. It is further guided by the Learning-Driven Organisation (LDO) framework developed by Alaa Garad and Jeff Gold. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is integrated as both a subject of study and a strategic enabler of learning.

Module 1: Foundations of Strategic Learning (20 Credits)

Aim: Introduce foundational theories and individual and organisational learning models, critically engaging with key thinkers.

Indicative Content

• • Theories of learning (Kolb, Argyris & Schön, Mezirow)
  • Single-, double-, and triple-loop learning
  • Peter Senge’s The Fifth Discipline and learning organisations
  • Alaa Garad & Jeff Gold’s Learning-Driven Organisation model
  • Introduction to Willie Pietersen’s Strategic Learning framework
  • Psychological safety and learning culture
  • Role of reflection, feedback and dialogue
  • Digital learning ecosystems and AI-enhanced learning environments

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, learners will:

1. 1. Critically evaluate theories of individual and organisational learning.
   2. Analyse learning cultures using established frameworks.
   3. Apply the LDO model to diagnose learning capability in an organisation.
   4. Understand the potential and ethical implications of AI in organisational learning.

Assessment

• • Reflective Essay (40%): Application of learning models to own/selected organisation.
  • Case Analysis (60%): Senge’s principles and LDO model applied to an AI-enhanced learning scenario.

Module 2: Strategic Learning in Action: AI and Organisational Change (20 Credits)

Aim: Explore how organisations can use learning as a strategic capability for adaptation, transformation, and innovation in the age of AI.

Indicative Content

• • Pietersen’s Strategic Learning Cycle: Learn – Focus – Align – Execute
  • Strategy as learning (Mintzberg, Quinn, Pietersen)
  • AI as a driver of strategic learning: From analytics to adaptive systems
  • Organisational ambidexterity and learning agility
  • Case studies:
    • IBM’s Watson in strategy formation
    • Netflix’s learning culture and adaptive AI
    • NHS Scotland’s digital transformation and learning
  • Sensemaking and systems thinking
  • Ethics and bias in AI-enhanced decision-making

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, learners will:

1. 1. Apply the Strategic Learning Cycle to develop adaptive strategies.
   2. Evaluate the role of AI in shaping strategic learning processes.
   3. Design interventions to support continuous learning and innovation.
   4. Develop strategies for ethical and inclusive learning ecosystems.

Assessment

• • Group Strategy Lab (40%): Design a learning-driven strategy using Pietersen’s model.
  • Individual Portfolio (60%): Case-based reflection and proposal for AI-supported strategic learning intervention.

Module 3: Leading the Learning-Driven Organisation (20 Credits)

Aim: Equip learners with the leadership mindsets and tools to embed strategic learning and AI into the DNA of their organisations.

Indicative Content

• • Leadership behaviours that enable learning (transformational, servant, adaptive)
  • Organisational learning diagnostics and maturity models (e.g. Garad’s LDO diagnostic)
  • Learning governance and knowledge stewardship
  • Developing AI fluency and data-informed cultures
  • Systems of rewards, recognition and learning metrics
  • Action learning sets and AI-enhanced reflective practices
  • Future of work and continuous re-skilling
  • Strategic Learning Labs (facilitated simulations)

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, learners will:

1. 1. Lead initiatives that foster a strategic learning culture.
   2. Use diagnostics to assess and enhance learning maturity.
   3. Align AI capabilities with human capital development.
   4. Develop a leadership plan for transforming their organisation into a learning-driven enterprise.

Assessment

• • Leadership Reflection Journal (30%): Insights from AI-enhanced action learning.
  • Strategic Transformation Project (70%): Design and present a roadmap for becoming a Learning-Driven Organisation using AI.

Pedagogical Approach

• • Blended delivery: Live sessions, interactive digital tools, AI-supported simulations
  • Action learning: Real-time organisational challenges addressed in peer groups
  • Case-based learning: Global examples across sectors
  • AI Labs: Hands-on experience with tools such as ChatGPT, data dashboards, and LLM-powered knowledge systems

Progression

Graduates may progress to:

• • PG Diploma / MSc in Organisational Learning, Leadership or Strategic Management
  • Senior leadership roles in L&D, strategy, change, and innovation
  • Doctoral research in AI, learning, or leadership studies