Strategic Advocacy for Bus

1.5 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course provides a comprehensive perspective on the inner workings of policymaking in Washington and other key global capitals as businesses seek to operate successfully in an era beset by rising populist nationalism, sharp swings of the political pendulum and unpredictable policy decisions. Focused on practical and experiential elements and designed to help build an executive’s advocacy skills, the course will focus on four key dynamics integral to policymaking regardless of the specific locale: policy, politics, process and people. Understanding politics and policymaking is now a necessary skill for every CEO. Developing this understanding and the advocacy skills that accompany it are increasingly vital tools of modern management. Business leaders must hone their ability to negotiate with government leaders and regulators and develop and apply campaign-like strategies. Political knowledge and policymaking acumen are no less essential than finance, accounting, technology, talent development, organizational design and other more traditional forms of management expertise. This course will combine classroom discussion, practical tools and experiential elements. While considerable focus will be on the United States, key global capitals and international developments will also be explored. Our locus in Washington, DC will allow us to take advantage of the School’s and University’s vast network of high-level relationships at the intersection of policy and politics, meeting experienced practitioners at their places of business to learn first-hand how business leaders can succeed in today’s challenging environment.