Summer Masterclass for Directors (SMD4)

Theme: AI & the Challenge of Strategic Decisions in a Digital Economy

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

In the digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI) plays an increasingly significant role in shaping strategic decisions. AI offers a wide array of tools that help organizations make more informed, efficient, and data-driven decisions. However, it also presents challenges, particularly as decision-making processes become more complex and technology-dependent.

The integration of AI into strategic decision-making presents both opportunities and risks. On one hand, businesses can gain a competitive edge by leveraging AI for faster, more accurate decisions. On the other, improper implementation or over-reliance on AI may result in poor outcomes, ethical dilemmas, and the erosion of trust. While AI can dramatically enhance strategic decision-making in the digital economy, it requires careful planning, ethical consideration, and a balanced approach that combines human intuition with technological power.

This masterclass provides directors with a structured approach to leveraging AI as a productive tool for making strategic decisions in today’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

At the end of the programme, participants will be able to:

• Explain how AI technologies transform business strategies and decision-making processes.

• Discuss the ethical, organizational, and economic implications of adopting AI in business.

• Identify key strategic frameworks in the digital economy.

• Apply AI tools in business contexts (e.g., Amazon, Tesla, Netflix).

TARGET PARTICIPANTS

CEOs, Executive Directors, Non-Executive Directors, Chairmen, Board Members, Company Secretaries, Board Advisors, business owners, investors, and shareholders in family, private, and public firms. Also suitable for top government functionaries, including Ministers, Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, officials in the Director Cadre, and Board Members of government parastatals and agencies.

COURSE CONTENTS

• Overview of AI and Strategic Decision-Making

• AI & Strategic Considerations in a Digital Economy

• AI, Strategic Leadership, Governance & Oversight in a Digital Economy

• Engaging AI for Competitive Strategy and Market Disruptions

• Ethical Implications of AI in Strategic Decisions

• AI & the Future of Strategy in a Digital World

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Advanced Company Direction Programme (ACDP) is a premier course developed by CIoD Nigeria to enhance the capacity of corporate leadership at the highest levels. The programme offers modules on international partnerships, benchmarking with global corporate peers, and positioning organisations for sustainable growth beyond borders.

KEY ADVANTAGES

• ACDP participants are exempt from the Company Direction Course I (CDC I), which is a prerequisite for CIoD Nigeria membership, as ACDP covers its curriculum and more.

• The programme is recognized as part of the leadership courses required for Fellowship in CIoD Nigeria.

• Attendance is by invitation, allowing experienced directors to participate even if they are not CIoD members.

• Delivered in modules with a real-world approach to ensure practical learning.

• Facilitated by seasoned practitioners with extensive boardroom experience, ensuring an engaging, adaptive, and pragmatic learning experience.

CURRICULUM

The ACDP curriculum is designed to enhance a director's strategic vision and decision-making capabilities across core organisational functions. It covers five key areas:

1. Board Leadership and Governance

2. Finance and Business Risk

3. Strategic Business Direction

4. Current Trends in Governance

5. Board Simulation

Additionally, participants will benefit from business and institutional visits as an integral part of the programme.

TARGET PARTICIPANTS

This programme is tailored for:

• Top Executives, Chairmen, CEOs, Executive and Non-Executive Directors with board experience.

• CIoD members and non-members.

• General Managers with strategic organisational responsibilities.

• Public sector leaders including Ministers, Commissioners, Directors, Permanent Secretaries, Chairmen, and CEOs of public agencies and institutions.

COURSE FEES

The course fee of £3,900 covers tuition, training materials, delivery, business visits, tours, breakfast, and lunch, along with a CIoD Nigeria Certificate of Attendance.

Participants are responsible for their visa processing, flights, and accommodation.

REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT

• Akinola Adeyemi:akinola.adeyemi@iodnigeria.org | 07035848845

• Sunday Adenipekun:sunday.adenipekun@iodnigeria.org | 08037658976

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

DISCOUNT POLICY

• 2.5% discount for 4-6 delegates from the same organisation.

• 5% early bird discount for payments received on or before May 31, 2025.

CANCELLATION, WITHDRAWAL & POSTPONEMENT POLICY

Cancellation by Participants

• If cancellation is communicated more than 10 working days before the programme, a 40% administrative fee applies.

• If cancellation is made less than 10 working days before the programme, the fee is non-refundable.

Postponement by CIoD Nigeria

• If the programme is postponed due to unavoidable circumstances, no refunds will be made.

• Participants may switch to a similar programme of the same cost at no additional fee.

Cancellation by CIoD Nigeria (excluding Force Majeure)

If the programme is cancelled by CIoD Nigeria, participants may:

1. Transfer to another CIoD programme of the same cost at no extra fee.

2. Join another edition of the same programme.

3. Request a full refund of course fees paid.

Force Majeure Policy

In cases of cancellation or postponement due to force majeure, participants may:

1. Transfer to another CIoD programme of the same cost at no extra fee.

2. Join another edition of the same programme.

3. Withdraw with a 40% forfeiture of the course fee paid.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

The roles and responsibilities of directors are well-documented in corporate governance literature. However, real-world dynamics show that the power balance between the Chair, as the board’s leader, and the CEO, who reports to the board, varies across organizations. No single leadership model fits all.

It is essential for board members to understand leadership patterns that foster productive relationships between the CEO, the Chair, and the board. This is particularly critical in today’s corporate environment, where diverse and influential personalities fill these key roles. Only boards that successfully manage these dynamics can effectively fulfill their mandates and drive organizational success.

This programme equips Chairs and CEOs with leadership techniques and practical tools to balance power and authority effectively. Additionally, it provides insights into the role of board members in strengthening board-CEO relationships for optimal governance and strategic execution.

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES

By the end of the programme, participants will be able to:

• Discuss different schools of thought on the concentration and dispersal of Chairman/CEO powers, with practical examples.

• Identify the distinct and shared responsibilities of the Chairman and the CEO.

• Explain leadership dynamics and key attributes necessary for Chairs and CEOs to perform effectively.

• Understand the balancing acts required for both roles to operate professionally and efficiently.

• Analyze the complexities of Chair-CEO power dynamics and the crucial role of board members in managing them.

EXPECTED PARTICIPANTS

• Chairmen, CEOs, Executive Directors, and Non-Executive Directors

• Board Members, Company Secretaries, and Board Advisors

• Business owners, investors, and shareholders in family, private, and public firms

• Top government officials: Ministers, Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Director Cadre officials, Chairmen, and Board Members of government parastatals and agencies

COURSE FEES

The course fee is $3,700 per participant. The fee covers tuition, training materials, delivery, industry visits, breakfast, and lunch. Participants will also receive a CIoD Nigeria Certificate of Attendance.

Please note: Participants are responsible for their visa processing, flight arrangements, and accommodation.

REGISTRATION & PAYMENT

Participants must complete registration at least one month before the event to secure a place in the programme. Payments should be made to the Institute of Directors Nigeria at:

OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS

DISCOUNT POLICY

• 2.5% discount for groups of 4-6 delegates from the same organization.

• Early Bird Discount: Payments received on or before July 31st, 2025, will attract a 5% discount.

CANCELLATION, WITHDRAWAL & POSTPONEMENT POLICY

Cancellation & Withdrawal:

• If cancellation is communicated more than 10 working days before the programme, an administrative charge of 40% of the fee will apply.

• If cancellation is made less than 10 working days before the programme, the full course fee will be forfeited.

Programme Postponement:

• If the programme is postponed by CIoD Nigeria due to unavoidable circumstances, no refunds will be issued. However, participants may transfer their registration to a similar programme at no extra cost.

Programme Cancellation:

• If the programme is canceled by CIoD Nigeria (except in cases of Force Majeure), participants may:

  1. Transfer to another CIoD programme of the same cost at no additional fee.

  2. Join another edition of the same programme.

  3. Request a refund of the course fee, which will be processed by CIoD Nigeria.

Force Majeure Policy

In the event of cancellation or postponement due to Force Majeure, participants may:

1. Transfer to another CIoD programme of the same cost at no additional fee.

2. Join another edition of the same programme.

3. Withdraw and forfeit 40% of the course fee paid.