Strategic Planning and Thinking Course

• Educational Background: No specific qualifications are required, but a basic understanding of organisational operations or management principles is recommended. 

• Professional Experience: Ideal for individuals in managerial or leadership roles, though newcomers to strategic planning can also benefit. 

• Language Proficiency: Learners should have a good command of English, as all materials and discussions will be conducted in English. 

• Master Strategic Thinking Techniques: Develop a systematic approach to analysing challenges and opportunities. 

• Create Effective Strategic Plans: Learn to craft actionable strategies that align with organisational goals. 

• Improve Decision-Making Skills: Gain the ability to make informed decisions based on strategic analysis. 

• Manage Risks and Resources: Understand how to allocate resources efficiently and mitigate risks during strategy execution. 

The Strategic Planning and Thinking Course is tailored for professionals aiming to enhance their strategic thinking and planning abilities. It is ideal for individuals who play a key role in organisational decision-making and growth. Below are the individuals who will benefit from this course: 

• Business Managers 

• Strategy Analysts 

• Project Managers 

• Operations Managers 

• Team Leaders 

• Entrepreneurs 

• Marketing Directors 

Module 1: Introduction to Strategic Planning 

• Defining What "Strategic" Means 

• Using the Strategic Planning Process 

• Assessing the Benefits of Strategic Planning 

• Preparing for the Planning Process 
   

Module 2: Stakeholder Involvement and Undertaking a Strategic Review 

• How do You Define Stakeholders? 

• Stakeholder Research 

• Collaborator/Competitor Analysis 

• Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Matrix 

• Thinking about the Relationship Between Outputs, Outcomes, and Impact 
   

Module 3: Strategic Direction 

• Identifying Strategic Direction 

• Mission, Vision, Values, and Direction 

• How Review Findings Will Impact On the Organisation's Strategic Direction 

• Relationship Between Organisation Strategy and Brand Identity, and Aligning the Two 

• Setting Strategic Objectives 

• Applying SMART Strategic Thinking Skills 
   

Module 4: Establishing Success Criteria 

• Be Transparent  

• Include Past Plans in the Process  

• Agree on Terminology 

• Engaged Leadership  

• Avoid Rushing to Conclusions 

• Plan for Change Management 

• Strategic Planning Takes Time 
   

Module 5: Listing Priority Areas for Action and Developing Objectives 

• Strategic Plan Development 

• SWOT Analysis to Set Priorities 

• Long Term Strategic Objectives 
   

Module 6: Using Outcomes-Based Tools and Action Planning Tools 

• Using Outcomes-Based Tools 

• Using Action Planning Tools 
   

Module 7: Implementing the Strategy 

• Strategy Implementation 

• Key Factors Involved in Implementing Strategy 

• Communicating Strategic Plan 
   

Module 8: Monitoring and Evaluation 

• Undertaking Effective Monitoring and Evaluation 

• Difference Between Monitoring, Evaluation, and Impact Assessment 

• Identifying the Indicators and How to Measure their Achievement 

• Recognising Emergent Approaches to Monitoring and Evaluation