Home>Empowering Public Leaders for Uncertain Times: The Crisis Management and Preparedness specialisation of the Executive Master of Public Administration
27.11.2024
Empowering Public Leaders for Uncertain Times: The Crisis Management and Preparedness specialisation of the Executive Master of Public Administration
In a world where crises—be they environmental, health-related, or political—are increasingly frequent and complex, the need for leaders who can effectively respond to these challenges has never been more critical. The Executive Master of Public Administration at Sciences Po, with its dedicated module on crisis management, addresses this pressing demand.
Hripsimé Torossian, leveraging her experience as Academic Director at the National Institute of Public Service (INSP) and her active role in the CrisisLab at Sciences Po*, leads the Crisis Management and Preparedness training.
What makes this specialisation truly unique is its collaboration with CrisisLab, a leading research center in crisis management.
The purpose of the "Crisis Management and Preparedness" training
Designed to equip experienced professionals with the strategic tools and analytical frameworks necessary to effectively navigate uncertainty and manage crises in an increasingly complex world, the purpose of this specialisation is twofold:
- Developing Strategic Leadership
Participants learn to anticipate, respond to, and recover from crises, whether they stem from external or internal events turning to crisis. The module emphasizes leadership, decision-making under pressure, and the ability to coordinate across various stakeholders, including government bodies, private organizations, and civil society.
- Bridging Theory and Practice
The program benefits from the cutting-edge research and practical insights of the CrisisLab at Sciences Po. This partnership ensures that participants not only gain a theoretical understanding of crisis dynamics but also engage in practical simulations, case studies, and workshops that mirror real-world scenarios.
« Ultimately, this specialisation aims to create a new generation of leaders who can foster resilience and ensure preparedness in their respective organizations, thus contributing to a more robust and adaptive society. »
Hripsimé Torossian
Expert guidance for programme participants
The partnership with CrisisLab at Sciences Po offers participants unparalleled access to a network of distinguished speakers and experts. Among them are: Olivier Borraz, Sociologist and Research Director, currently leading CrisisLab, whose work focuses on risk governance and crisis management ; Cécile Wendling, a renowned foresight expert, specializing in anticipation across various domains, including crisis management ; Violette Bouveret, an expert in complex problem-solving and risk analysis, providing participants with practical strategies for managing internal crisis.
In addition to these academic leaders, participants will engage with a diverse group of practitioners from multiple sectors, as well as experts in crisis communication.
Together, they will help participants develop a robust and sustainable skill set in crisis management, empowering them to confidently navigate challenges throughout their careers.
The importance of crisis management and preparedness
Citizens as well as companies expect immediate and effective responses from public authorities during crises. This training is essential for leaders involved in the public sector today because the nature and frequency of crises have fundamentally changed. Whether environmental, health-related, technological, or geopolitical, they are more complex and interconnected.
A crisis in one domain often triggers cascading effects across others, as seen with global pandemics or cyber-attacks. Leaders must be equipped to navigate these multifaceted challenges swiftly and effectively.
This specialisation will allow participants to develop a wide range of skills: developing a strategic vision and the ability to anticipate, adapting to unprecedented situations and providing meaning, making decisions during a crisis and communicating effectively.
But for today’s public sector leaders, crisis management is not just a skill—it’s a necessity for safeguarding their communities and ensuring institutional stability in a volatile world.
*The CrisisLab at Sciences Po is a leading research center in crisis management. Directed by Olivier Borraz and comprising renowned experts, CrisisLab provides participants with an academic foundation and strategic tools essential for understanding and anticipating crises.
