Master class Strategic policy and budget cycle

The Master Class Strategic policy and budget cycle is part of the Executive Master in Public Governance & Leadership. Its three perspective areas reinforce each other, providing an integrated view of public decision-making. From financial choices and strategic direction to execution and societal impact.

Financial Management: 

• Strategy, budgets, and long-term financial planning
• Reading annual financial statements (balance sheet and income statement)
• Financial analysis
• Identifying future cash flows and potential risks
• Measuring sustainability and its financial impact

Strategic Management:

• Taking a holistic view of the organization and aligning key choices
• Applying management paradigms to analyze strategic directions
• Critically evaluating your strategy through debate and dialogue

Performance Management:

• Translating strategy and resources into concrete deliverables
• Using performance metrics for organizational learning, accountability, and adjustments
• Taking a critical look at what you measure—and why
• Making societal value and impact tangible

• Start date: February 16, 2027
• Schedule: Tuesdays from 1:30 pm to 9:00 pm(excluding school holidays)

The Master Class Strategic policy and budget cycle can be taken as a standalone program or as one of the core modules of the Executive Master in Public Governance & Leadership.

This executive master is the only Dutch-language master’s program for leaders in the public and non-profit sectors in Flanders. It combines academic depth with immediate practical application, preparing participants to strengthen public organizations strategically in a climate of growing complexity and change.

You can choose to take this master class on its own or integrate it into the full master’s program at a later stage, allowing you to tailor a learning path that fits your professional ambitions.

Download the brochure via this link for more information about this master’s program.

After completing this master class, you will be able to:

• Interpret financial data to assess risks, returns, and investment choices
• Demonstrate financial feasibility and communicate it effectively to stakeholders
• Critically evaluate strategic decisions and adapt them to your organizational context
• Bridge the gap between strategy and execution
• Monitor, evaluate, and use performance metrics to drive improvements
• Align financial, strategic, and societal considerations to generate sustainable public value