Keltbray Executive Leadership Development Programme

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

in partnership with

Keltbray is a specialist construction engineering and infrastructure solutions group

Our purpose is to redefine the way sustainable development is delivered.

Based on our collective experience, we collaborate at the earliest stage to design and self-deliver innovative customer solutions across technically demanding built environment and infrastructure sectors.

Working in partnership with our stakeholders, we are actively contributing to economic growth, social advancement and environmental protection.

Chairman’s Foreword

One of the major advantages of an effective executive leadership development programme is that they have a positive and lasting influence on the productivity of the entire organisation:

– They enhance employee engagement and create leaders capable of effectively leading teams

– They create a positive work culture, motivating more employees to development new skills, seek new experiences and aspire to more senior leadership roles

– Effective leaders help businesses develop unique and efficient strategies that can drive companies like Keltbray to new heights

– They create a positive image of an organisation’s leadership, giving emerging leaders an example to live by

– They identify and nurture potential leaders, creating a pipeline of senior executive talent that ensures a more seamless succession into the very senior roles in Keltbray

The benefits of leadership development are countless, however, the key lies in creating a development program that matches our work culture and aims at reducing the leadership gaps across our business.

Today, organisations are not only looking for leadership abilities among new starters, but also the ability to nurture new leaders from within who can contribute to the organisation’s goals. The responsibility of creating the leaders of tomorrow therefore lies with the leaders of today.

For these reasons I am a huge supporter of Keltbray’s Executive Leadership Development Programme, developed in association with the University of Ulster. I believe it can be a genuine catalyst to help transform the future of Keltbray as an innovative, growth-oriented company where the best people thrive and succeed.

Brendan Kerr Executive Chairman

Welcome to your next leadership journey

Welcome to Keltbray’s Executive Leadership Development Programme. Our 'Mini MBA' is designed to offer a comprehensive introduction to modern management techniques and leadership skills, underpinned by world-class theory.

Our Mini MBA provides you with an opportunity to deepen your understanding of key management topics, enhancing your capability to lead effectively in today's dynamic environment. Completing this programme not only broadens your leadership and management skills but also lays the groundwork for continued learning, leading to opportunities such as the Executive MBA.

This comprehensive programme spans several months, combining interactive workshops, case studies, and collaborative projects. Tailored for emerging leaders, it focuses on developing strategic thinking, effective communication, and innovative leadership techniques.

Programme overview

Our Executive Leadership Development Programme is structured around a bespoke 'Mini MBA', tailored to equip future leaders with the essential skills and knowledge required for senior management and board roles.

The programme aims to enhance the understanding of effective leadership principles, strategic decision-making processes, and the ability to lead and motivate teams towards achieving organisational objectives.

Here's what you can expect:

– Emotional intelligence and leadership

Understand the role of emotional and social intelligence in leadership. Learn how to lead with empathy, improve interpersonal relationships, and create a positive workplace culture

– Leadership vs. Management

Explore the critical differences between leadership and management and why both are essential for effective organisational performance. Gain insights into accountability, responsibility, and driving change

– Organisational design and strategy

Dive into the principles of organisational design and strategic planning. Learn how to shape your organisation for future success, focusing on adaptability and resilience

–

Self-understanding

Embark on a journey of self-discovery to better understand your leadership style, strengths, and areas for improvement. This session lays the foundation for personal and professional growth

– People leadership

Master the art of inspiring and motivating teams. Delve into performance management, development needs, and the power of coaching and mentoring to unlock the potential of your team members

– Strategy, change, and innovation

Navigate the complexities of strategic planning and implementation. Learn about the drivers of innovation, how to manage change effectively, and position your organisation for future growth

– Finance for leaders

Acquire essential financial literacy skills to make informed decisions.

Understand financial statements, cash flow, cost control, and the financial drivers of business success

Programme delivery

Keltbray have partnered with Ulster University Business School (UUBS), a leading centre for entrepreneurial education, research, and impact. It is distinguished by its commitment to shaping future leaders and innovators, emphasising a practical approach to business education that aligns closely with industry needs.

As a member of Harvard Business School’s Microeconomics of Competitiveness Affiliate Network, and with links to the prestigious Babson College in Boston, the School has established itself as a major centre for management and business education with international standing.

This programme will take place over the course of 18 months, delivered at the state-of-the-art Ulster University’s Belfast Campus, complemented by sessions at select high-quality hotel venues, providing a dynamic and engaging setting for participants. This mix of locations has been chosen to facilitate not only the academic and practical aspects of the programme but also to encourage networking and collaboration among participants in comfortable and inspiring surroundings.

Throughout the programme, you will learn from seasoned leaders and academics renowned for their expertise in leadership and management.

Dr Darryl Cummins

Senior Lecturer in Business Strategy

Darryl is a Senior Lecturer in Business Strategy and teaches in the areas of strategy and competitiveness. He has 15 years academic experience and prior to that, 10 years working in industry, where he was an Associate Director for a leading international market research agency, managing a range of regional, national and international 'blue-chip' clients and project managing countless quantitative and qualitative research projects.

Darryl has published in a range of national and international journals and presented at numerous conferences in the areas of strategy and decision-making in small firms and entrepreneurial education. He is also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Authority.

Professor Michael Brennan Strategy, Planning and Performance Analyst

Michael Brennan is a Professor of Strategy and Sustainable Development at the Ulster Business School, Ulster University Belfast. He teaches creativity and innovation, and his research has a focus on sustainable development through transdisciplinary problem solving.

Michael has been a research investigator on several UK Research Council projects under the Global Challenges Research Fund and is a panel chair in the UKRI Interdisciplinary Assessment College. Recent publication: Education for Sustainable Development. Brennan, M. and Sabogal-Paz, L.P., (2023) in Philipp, T and Schmohl, T. (eds.) Handbook Transdisciplinary Learning, Bielefeld: transcript Verlag.

Dr Shirley Davey Lecturer in Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Dr. Shirley Davey is a lecturer in Innovation & Management Development in Ulster University Business School. She is Course Director for the Transformational Management in a Digital World course. She was elected to the Council of the Irish Academy of Management and chairs the Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management track.

Shirley has over 25 publications; recent works focus on ‘Higher Education and Skills for the Future(s) of Work’ (Davey and Harney, 2023) and has authored 1 book on An Open Business Model Tool, is a reviewer for several journals in the fields of Technology and Management and received the Award for ‘Best Paper in Healthcare & Public Sector Management’ from the Irish Academy of Management. Her PhD students are currently working on projects related to Innovation ecosystems and sustainable innovation for future growth.

Dr Hadyn Bennett Strategy, Planning & Performance Analyst

Hadyn is a lecturer at Ulster University Business School with expertise in organisation behaviour, human resource management and leadership.

Hadyn has many years’ experience of delivering Executive MBA and associated programmes both in the UK and overseas, and is highly experienced in the delivery of executive level education. He has published widely in areas such as HR partnering, employee engagement and change management, and consulted with a wide range of both public and private sector organisations.

Professor

An accounting graduate and Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA). Experience of working in industry before moving into academic. Previously held posts at Warwick Business School, Warwick University (lecturer) and Queens University, Belfast (senior lecturer). Substantial experience of delivering executive education and consultancy to a range of private and public sector organisations.

Joan teaches predominantly on Masters’ courses in the areas of strategic management accounting, accounting and finance, and research methods. She is an active researcher working in the broad areas of education, gender budgeting, entrepreneurship and gender, and gender in senior management. She has published widely in national and international peer reviewed journals.

Professor

Karise Hutchinson is a Professor of Leadership at Ulster University. Working in Higher Education for over 20 years, her passion for education, entrepreneurship and leadership has earned her opportunities to work with businesses both large and small across the world as well as publishing in both academic journals and industry spheres. Her book Leadership and Small Business - the Power of Stories, has received several accolades including the Global Education Practice Award from the British Academy of Management in 2016.

Karise completed her Diploma in Company Directorship from the Institute of Directors in 2022 and has been appointed to Advance HE’s Strategic Advisory Group for Leadership and Management to develop a leadership framework for the Higher Education sector.

Joan Ballantine Professor of Accounting

Karise Hutchinson Professor of Leadership

Nancy

Nancy Brown is a lecturer in Management Development at Ulster University’s Business School. She is a Senior Fellow of the HEA and the Course Director for the MSc in Executive Leadership programme. Nancy has over 20 years first-hand business experience that spans the Americas, Asia, Africa, Europe and Middle East.

Nancy was involved in the launched of Virgin Mobile with Richard Branson and has worked with global brands including Coca-Cola, Diageo, Grafton, MTV, Nintendo and Rimmel.

Brown Lecturer in Management Development

Programme assessment

Our Executive Leadership Development Programme concludes with a comprehensive assessment designed to encapsulate the learning journey. This assessment comprises two integral components: a group presentation and an individual written reflection.

In the group presentation, participants collaborate to showcase their collective understanding and application of the programme's key concepts, demonstrating teamwork and leadership in practice.

The individual written piece offers a reflective opportunity to articulate personal insights and growth experienced throughout the course.

This dual approach ensures a holistic evaluation of your learning, emphasising both collaborative skills and personal development, allowing you to demonstrate your enhanced leadership capabilities and newly acquired knowledge in a practical and insightful manner.

Upon successful completion, participants are awarded 15 credit points at Level 7 (Masters Level) from Ulster University, which can be used towards gaining advanced entry to a Masters course at the University.