International Summer School 2026 – Learning Organisations in the 21st century

About

The Faculty of Organisational Studies in Novo mesto (FOŠ), Slovenia, invites students who wish to acquire knowledge in the field of organisational learning and development and to gain ECTS credits to the Summer School 2026 - Learning Organisations in the 21st century. The Summer School is organised through the FOS International Transdisciplinary Research Centre LEAD (Leadership Excellence and Development) and the Academic Development Centre (ARC).

In today’s rapidly changing and complex environment, organisations that succeed are those that continuously learn, adapt, and evolve. Building on the seminal work of Peter Senge, this intensive six-session programme explores the concept of the Learning Organisation and its relevance in the 21st century. Participants will engage with key principles such as systems thinking, shared vision, team learning, mental models, and personal mastery.

The Summer School 2026 is delivered by academics and guest practitioners who bring real-world insights from both public institutions and international organisations. Through practical examples and case-based discussions, participants will explore how learning processes function in complex environments—and where they fail.

Through strengthening the faculty’s collaboration with practitioners, the programme also welcomes young and experienced professionals from the public and private sectors. This intensive training provides participants with the mindset, tools, and applied approaches needed to foster learning-oriented change and support organisational development.

The programme combines theory with application through interactive sessions, reflective exercises, and collaborative work. Participants will design concrete action plans for each of the five disciplines of the Learning Organisation, enabling them to apply acquired knowledge directly in their professional, academic, or organisational contexts. The course emphasises critical thinking, reflection, and the ability to translate theoretical concepts into actionable strategies.

You can apply via our website until May 18, 2026. For further information, please contact us

Course leader

Dr Tatjana Dragovic Andersen

Target group

The program is designed for Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD students as well Young and experienced professionals are welcome too

Course aim

By the end of the Summer School 2026, participants will be able to:
• Critically explain and apply the principles of Senge’s Learning Organisation.
• Analyse real organisational scenarios using systems thinking and reflective practice.
• Evaluate how learning processes operate—or fail to operate—within complex institutions.
• Design actionable strategies for all five disciplines of Learning Organisations
• Collaborate effectively across cultural, disciplinary, and professional boundaries.

Course Focus
Participants will identify, analyse, and understand the five disciplines of the Learning Organisation:
1. Personal Mastery – Developing self-awareness, purpose, and commitment to lifelong learning.
2. Mental Models – Recognising and challenging underlying assumptions that shape organisational behaviour.
3. Shared Vision – Building common purpose and genuine commitment across teams and organisations.
4. Team Learning – Enhancing collective intelligence through dialogue, reflection, and collaboration.
5. Systems Thinking – Understanding complex interrelationships and feedback loops that shape organisational dynamics.

Fee info