Course Objectives

On completion of the course, attendees should be able to:

• Understand the rudiments of strategic planning and strategic management
• Learn how to identify strategic problems and develop a competitive strategic plan to address it
• Identify the similarities and differences between strategic planning and strategic management
• Learn how to integrate strategic planning goals, metrics, and objectives into the administration of the company
• Recognize the best techniques needed to implement strategic planning
• Learn how to incorporate customers’ demands into strategic planning
• Recognize the various methods used in strategic planning
• Understand how to build a strategic roadmap through a clear statement and vision of strategic intent
• Recognize the challenges of strategic management and how to overcome them

Course Outline

1. Introduction to Strategic Planning

• Definition of terms
• The goals of strategic planning
• Strategic plan elements
• Importance of strategic planning
• Fundamental components of strategic planning
• Building and managing the strategy process
• The adjustability of strategic planning

2. Strategic Intent, Strategic Choice and Balancing Scorecards

• Vision and Mission Statements – Preparing for the Future
• Business Analysis and Contingency Planning
• Strategic Choice
• Converting the SWOT Analysis into the “Strategy Matrix”
• Strategy Formulation – Programmes, Projects, Policies
• Transforming the Organization – Strategy Implementation and Managing Change

3. Assessing the Current State of the Organization

• Leadership and Management in relation to Strategy
• Customer and Market Focus
• Human Resources and Knowledge Management
• Building a Strategic Planning Team
• Effective Process Management to Achieve Business Results
• Monitoring and Measuring Business Performance

4. Strategic Planning Best Practice Whilst Avoiding the Pitfalls

• The Strategy Life-cycle and the Problem of Strategic Drift
• Getting Innovative thinking into the Organization
• The Potentially Negative Dimensions of Success
• Overcoming inability to evaluate fresh ideas, denying the truth and thinking inside the box
• The Critical Importance of Good Planning Team Dynamics

5. Personal Strategic Planning

• Applying Strategic Tools and Techniques to the Individual
• Personal Goal Setting, Creating a Personal Strategic Plan
• Implementing Change – Achieving Progress as a Strategic Manager
• Executing Strategy
• Developing Inspiration and Gathering Support
• Overcoming Adversity by Leveraging your Skills and Building on Success
• Conclusion – A Personal Role in the Strategic Planning and Goal Setting Processes