About the Course

This transformative 5-day Strategic Planning Masterclass training course is precisely designed to empower delegates to assume a pivotal role in shaping the future trajectory of their organisations. Recognising that managers play a pivotal role in shaping the future, this masterclass goes beyond traditional training—it is a transformative experience that equips delegates with the foresight to not only navigate change but to anticipate it and respond with strategic precision. In the dynamic landscape of today's business environment, the ability to navigate change, foresee opportunities, and contribute significantly to business development is not just advantageous but crucial for every manager.

Beyond being a routine organisational activity, strategic planning is a metamorphic process that equips managers with the foresight to anticipate and respond effectively to shifts in markets, technologies, competition, business models, and risk management. In an era heavily influenced by globalisation, understanding how to navigate these changes is imperative for sustained success. It is crafted to provide delegates with essential knowledge and practical skills to spearhead strategic planning initiatives. Through an immersive learning experience, they will explore the intricacies of anticipating major changes, developing robust strategies, and aligning resources to drive organisational growth. The goal is not merely to confront challenges head-on but to proactively chart a development that fosters resilience and delivers exceptional financial and operational outcomes, even in rapidly evolving business conditions.

Core Objectives

The delegates will achieve the following objectives:

• Develop an understanding of strategic planning and its value
• Design a strategic planning process for your organisation
• Create insights into strategic planning problems to avoid
• Analyse options and make robust choices in setting goals and objectives
• Lead effective strategic change within your part of your organisation

Training Approach

This training course will use proven adult learning techniques to ensure maximum understanding, comprehension, and retention of the information presented. These techniques include speaker input, facilitated discussion, syndicate work and practical exercises, videos, and self-tests, all emphasizing delegate involvement.

The Attendees

This training course is designed for senior experienced staff from any industry and functional specialisation who wish to gain a broader appreciation of business development dynamics and develop their roles in setting the direction for their organisation to create its future.

Likewise, it will be valuable to the professionals but not limited to the following:

• Specialists in Marketing and Business Development
• Experienced Managers and Leaders in Finance and Accounting
• Specialists in Production and Operations Management
• Logistics and Distribution Specialists
• Human Resource and Organisational Development Staff

Daily Discussion

DAY ONE: STRATEGIC THINKING AND EXTERNAL ANALYSIS

• Definitions of Strategy and Strategic Planning
• Why are strategy and strategic planning important?
• Understanding the Main Frameworks for Strategic Analysis
• Private and Public Sector Strategies – Similarities and Differences
• External Analysis – Understanding and Analysing Business Attractiveness

DAY TWO: INTERNAL ANALYSIS AND MERGING INTO STRATEGIC CHOICE

• The Interface and Balance of External and Internal Analysis
• Internal Analysis: Financial and Non-Financial
• The “Balanced Scorecard”: A Concept and Its Practicalities
• Diagnosing and Analysing Strategic Problems and Opportunities
• Merging Analysis into Strategic Choices – SWOT and the Strategy Matrix

DAY THREE: STRATEGIC PLANS – RELEVANCE OF ALLIANCES AND JOINT VENTURES

• Significance of Alliances and Joint Ventures in the Context of Strategic Planning
• Exploring Various Alliance and Joint Venture Strategies, including Equity Partnerships, Licensing, and Strategic Alliances
• Understanding the Specific Advantages and Challenges Associated with Each Strategy
• Importance of Establishing Clear Governance Structures for Alliances and Joint Ventures
• Role of Effective Risk Management in Maintaining Successful Partnerships

DAY FOUR: GETTING VALUE OUT OF STRATEGIC PLANNING

• Alignment of Strategy, Culture, Structure, and People
• Effective Execution - Converting Strategic Analysis and Planning into Action
• Aligning and Linking Strategy with Operational Objectives
• Implementation – Getting Practical Things Done
• Creating Tomorrow’s Organisation Out of Today’s Organisation
• Strategic Planning at a Personal Level

DAY FIVE: BEST PRACTICES IN STRATEGIC PLANNING

• The Strategy Lifecycle and the Problem of Strategic Drift
• Getting Innovative Thinking into the Organisation
• The Potentially Negative Dimensions of Success
• How to Avoid 'Paralysis by Analysis'?
• Overcoming Inability to Evaluate Fresh Ideas: Denying the Truth and Thinking Inside the Box
• The Critical Importance of Good Planning Team Dynamics