As part of the course "Management: Organizational Structures and Decisions", students at our university had the opportunity to engage with international perspectives on strategic thinking, thanks to a special guest lecture delivered by Dr. Ahmed Iraqi, Professor at ESCA School of Management in Casablanca—a valued partner institution.

Dr. Iraqi’s lecture, titled “Understanding Strategic Management – Case Study: APSOPAD International”, took students on a practical journey through the founding and growth of a social NGO. In 2012, Dr. Iraqi established APSOPAD International, a humanitarian non-profit that develops training and social action programs in Morocco and beyond. Today, APSOPAD serves as both a social innovation lab and a real-world example of strategic adaptability in action. More: https://apsopad.org

Focusing on strategy in the social care sector, Dr. Iraqi challenged students to think beyond textbook theory. His insights were grounded in three core messages:

• “Ask.” Whether building an organization or rallying support, never underestimate the power of asking. “If you want to know where an organization can go—ask. If you need support, volunteers, or funding—ask. Those who don’t ask, don’t receive.”
• “Behind every challenge, there is an opportunity.” Change is the only constant. Strategic plans must be flexible and responsive to shifting environments. Challenges, Dr. Iraqi emphasized, are often doorways to innovation.
• “If you don’t grow, you fall behind.” Organizations must grow to remain visible—both to beneficiaries and to stakeholders. Growth brings attention, resources, and credibility. Success, as he reminded students, attracts success.

Throughout the session, Dr. Iraqi urged students to apply what they learn beyond the classroom, highlighting that strategic knowledge is forged through engagement and reflection. “Go out, get involved, learn—and grow through it,” he encouraged.

This session enriched the strategic development discussions currently taking place in the course. The lecture was facilitated by Prof. Dr. Kai Alexander Saldsieder, who leads the course Management: Organizational Structures and Decisions.

Dr. Iraqi’s visit exemplifies our ongoing commitment to international exchange and experiential learning in business education.