Acquire a deeper understanding of the wider economic environment.
Global economic trends and events can profoundly affect businesses of all sizes, whether it’s inflation, governmental policy, or changes in market demand. To remain decisive and competitive, making sense of the economy is of crucial importance to all executives.
The Making Sense of the Economy online course is designed for you to develop a clearer understanding of the wider economic environment within which managers and businesses operate. You’ll explore a number of economic principles, gaining the ability to interpret key macroeconomic information, understand the drivers of economic activity, appreciate the role of governments in management of the economy, and recognise the causes and consequences of many economic challenges.
Programme information
- DurationApproximately 20-24 hours of study, plus reflection activities
- LocationOnline
- Cost£950
Module dates
Modules 1 and 2
Immediate online access to self-paced learning.
Module 3
Next live online sessions: 27 October and 3 November 2025 (9:00 - 14:00)
Please note: both Module 3 dates must be attended. Bookings will automatically be enrolled on the next available live online session. The option to change to a later date is available after booking is completed.
Concessions available
Cranfield alumni can claim a 20% discount via .
Who is this for?
All executives who have an interest in the economy and wish to understand the effects it has on business.Programme impacts
- Gain clarity on the importance of macroeconomic data and economic forecasts to organisations and managers.
- Develop a deeper and clearer understanding of the practical problems and policy challenges facing governments and nations.
- Advanced insights into how governments seek to manage a range of macroeconomic issues associated with government financing, inflation, unemployment, and international trade.
- Develop an awareness of the latest economic thinking and its role in shaping Government policy.
- Enhanced knowledge to evaluate economic growth and the implications of different economic policies.
- Increased confidence to analyse key macroeconomic indicators for an economy.
- The ability to identify potential implications for your business, based on the current state of an economy.
Programme Structure
This course includes 3 modules:
- Modules 1 and 2 are online and self-paced, so you choose where and when you learn.
- Module 3 is live online with peers and Cranfield faculty to embed your knowledge and learnings.
What you'll learn
Module one – How the economy works
Online self-paced learning (estimated four hours – plus reflection activities)
Enrich your understanding of the practical way in which an economy works and why different governments adopt different economic policies.
- Understand how the economy affects business.
- Demystify economic jargon and data.
- Deepen knowledge into how the economy works.
- Achieve a better understanding of the economic objectives of governments.
- Gain a clearer picture of how governments manage the economy.
Module two – Understanding how to manage a range of macroeconomic issues
Online self-paced learning (estimated six hours – plus reflection activities)
Reflect on how the economy works and develop a clearer understanding of the wider economic environment within which managers and businesses operate.
- Gain insights into the role and consequences of government deficit financing policy.
- Enhance your understanding of the policies governments deploy to manage a range of macroeconomic issues such as:
- Inflation.
- Unemployment.
- International trade imbalances.
- Recognise business cycles and reflect on policy options, and how fluctuations in economic activity affect these.
- Explore the causes of economic growth and implications of economic policy.
Module three – Advancing your understanding of the economy
Live online (two half days, five hours each – plus reflection activities)
To embed and enhance your learning from the two online modules, you’ll join peers and our expert faculty in a live online environment to advance your understanding of the economy.
- Explore the current global economic environment and prospects, including an analysis of the major economies.
- Opportunity for detailed examination of a national economy.
- Explore the complexities associated with managing economies in the context of economic and financial crises.
- Discover potential implications for your business, short term and long term.
Digital Badges and Certificate
On completion of each module, you will be issued with a digital badge that can be displayed on your professional profiles, serving as compelling evidence of your expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of business and management knowledge.
On successful submission of the final assignment you will receive a certificate of achievement.
How to apply
Next steps
Our team of executive development experts will be happy to talk to you about your development needs, please email us or call +44 (0)1234 754500.
