Issues in the Global Business Environment
Analyse global trends and lead crisis responses
Issues in the Global Business Environment, offered by Salford Business School, examines the major global mega-trends reshaping modern organisations — from AI-driven automation and climate change to shifting geopolitical dynamics and corporate social responsibility.
It equips learners with practical frameworks such as PESTLE and SWOT and uses applied case studies to develop strategic responses and crisis communication skills.
The course frames outcomes as measurable competencies in risk assessment, strategic planning, and rapid-response communication, emphasising applied assessments and peer discussion to support professional practice.
Participants finish prepared to analyse threats and opportunities, craft mitigation strategies, and implement transparent communication plans that preserve stakeholder trust under pressure.
At a Glance
Issues in the Global Business Environment is an online short course taught by experts at Salford Business School that examines major global trends shaping modern business and their strategic implications.
It covers topics such as AI-driven automation, climate change, geopolitical shifts, risk assessment tools, and crisis communication through case studies and applied assessments.
| Level | Intermediate |
| Rating | 4.6 out of 5 |
| Duration | 3+ weeks |
| Languages | English |
| Certificate | CPD-accredited certificate |
| Access | Access during the course with an option to upgrade for extended access and the certificate |
| Course includes |
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| Price | Free to join with an optional paid certificate |
What This Course Teaches
The course frames outcomes as measurable competencies in analysing major global trends, assessing and mitigating business risks, and designing rapid-response communications.
By the end, learners should be able to apply PESTLE and SWOT analyses, develop strategic risk responses, and craft rapid-response communication plans grounded in real-world case studies.
How the Course Is Structured
The course is organised as three weekly modules mapped to the syllabus, each focusing on a core area: mega-trends, risk assessment and strategic responses, and crisis communication.
Planned pacing follows a weekly structure, with a total estimated duration of 3+ weeks across all modules.
Curriculum overview
01 Week 1 — Introduction to Contemporary Issues and Mega-Trends ▾
Introduces core concepts and terminology around global mega-trends, including technological disruption, climate-related impacts and geopolitical shifts, with contextual readings.
- Learning Check One
02 Week 2 — Business Risk Assessment and Strategic Responses ▾
Covers risk assessment frameworks such as PESTLE and SWOT and explores how organisations develop strategic responses to emerging threats and opportunities.
- Learning Check Two
03 Week 3 — Crafting a Rapid-Response Communication Plan ▾
Focuses on the elements and best practices of crisis communication and rapid-response planning, using case studies to illustrate effective organisational responses.
- Learning Check Three
- Final Holistic Assessment
Audience & Requirements
The course is aimed at practising managers and business professionals with some prior tertiary education who are seeking practical frameworks for navigating global mega-trends, assessing organisational risk, and improving crisis-response capabilities. It is best suited to Junior, Mid and Senior managers or graduates moving into strategic or leadership roles.
- Junior to senior managers preparing to lead strategic responses to global change.
- Business professionals seeking to integrate risk assessment and CSR into decision-making.
- Leaders responsible for crisis communication and reputation management.
- Postgraduate students or professionals building strategic management competencies.
- Undergraduate degree or equivalent professional experience.
- Some managerial or supervisory experience is recommended.
- Familiarity with basic business analysis concepts (PESTLE, SWOT) is helpful but not mandatory.
Final Verdict
Issues in the Global Business Environment is a concise, practically focused short course with a strong user rating and a CPD-accredited certificate, making it a low-risk way to acquire strategic frameworks and crisis-communication skills.
Its free-to-join model with an optional paid certificate provides accessible professional development for managers and business professionals who need actionable tools rather than lengthy theory.
If you require ongoing access to materials or formal credentialing, consider the upgrade option that extends access and provides the certificate; otherwise the course is a worthwhile, cost-effective primer for increasing strategic resilience and crisis-readiness.
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