Since 2022, Cordillera Applications Group has delivered a central unit on Strategic Design & Innovation (SDI) for Complex Security Contexts in the Australian Institute of Police Management (AIPM) Graduate Certificate in Applied Management program. The SDI program has become one of the most popular and highly acclaimed units of the certificate program, which is delivered twice annually.
The SDI program provided to the AIPM is one of CAG’s most robust design programs, consisting of a 4-week online blended distance learning design education, followed by a 4-day in-residence program at the AIPM campus in Manly, NSW. This program follows the model first created and employed with the Swedish Police Authority in 2021 due to COVID restrictions preventing desired and preferred extended in-person engagements. The delivery model proved highly effective and successful in imparting and delivering design education remotely, which subsequently and significantly augmented the design impacts and outcomes of the in-residence program.
AIPM’s recognition and establishment of the SDI unit as a critical element of organizational education and leadership development is a remarkable example of an organization at the forefront and leading the way in embedding strategic design education in formal professional education programs. Graduates of the program leave better prepared and equipped as leaders with new tools and ‘ways of thinking’ to contend with the expanding challenges encountered in increasingly complex and dynamic security environments in which they operate.
TESTIMONIALS
“Loved the program… this should be taught to all senior managers within my organization.”
“The course presenters were genuinely passionate about the subject and committed to our learning. Maybe the first time I can honestly say that I have felt this way about formal education within [my organization].”
“Thank you [SDI Team] for being absolutely brilliant facilitators and presenters, the course success is attributed to these two gentlemen. Everything did come together at the end, and I was convinced it wouldn’t! But [the facilitators] quickly earned the trust of the [cohort] and made it an environment very conducive to learning. This course has really opened my mind to new concepts, ways of thinking and innovation. It has been excellent (particularly the residential component). The content online I found heavy, however the residential component really tied it together. Thank you for a great course, and I have no hesitation in promoting this course into the future.”
“This course was the best course I have ever completed. The [facilitators] were the best I have ever had in 36 years of policing. Previous courses have been heavily relied on power points or reading from a lectern. [The facilitators] were so different in their approach and presentation, it was so interesting and challenged me and others outside of our comfort zone. [The facilitators] are so knowledgeable and gave us an understanding of the power of design which we can now take back and utilise to help train others. [They] presented in a way that is very unique and provide powerful messaging through the use of metaphor. One word to describe the course is Amazing!!!!. Thank you… for your patience and different method teaching us, I will remember this for a lifetime.”
“It was a pleasure and an honour being led by such insightful and knowledgeable experts, thank you… I have thoroughly enjoyed the content and the lessons; my only sadness is that it’s over so soon…”
“I really enjoyed the process of being forced to think differently. The uncomfortableness of this process was challenging, rewarding, frustrating and engaging. You have a very good course, and it is very well presented. Congratulations to you.”
“I really appreciate the challenging ways the design concepts were delivered to us. This course has certainly taken me out of my comfort zone, and I really enjoyed the online discussions with [the facilitators]. The facilitators were always helpful and willing to go above and beyond. Thank you.”
“Facilitators of a very high standard and made it a pleasure to learn – correct mix of practical and theoretical, would highly recommend this to others. Has truly reignited my passion to learn more.”
“The presenters were engaging, and it was this engagement that drove the learning and ensured understanding. The personality of the presenters was perfect for the subject material as well as it made the participants want to work with them to learn the subjects.”
“Great course!”
“Excellent facilitators and the course truly challenged me to think differently and opened my mind to the concept of design… Thank you to CAG Team!”