The Certified Strategist

About the Course

The Certified Strategist training course offers a practical approach to comprehending the process of developing and implementing strategies. This is a chance for all professionals and leaders to acquire the skills to translate strategy into operational performance effectively. Organisations focusing on a strategy need a complete execution model that supports long and short-term planning cycles; both strategically and financially. The execution model will facilitate a wide range of management processes to review performance and monitor and evaluate the efficacy of strategic objectives. It will establish the foundation that connects strategy, planning, operations, and risk on a unified platform.

A recent survey of more than 400 global CEOs found that executional excellence was the number one challenge facing corporate leaders in Asia, Europe, and the United States, heading a list of some 80 issues, including innovation, geopolitical instability, and top-line growth. In fact, John Kotter, the renowned organisation transformation expert, has recently found that only 5% of strategies deliver the expected results. More than 80% of managers say that their goals are limited in number, specific, and measurable and that they have the funds needed to achieve them. If most companies do everything right regarding alignment, why are they struggling to execute their strategies?

This training programme provides an effective way of understanding how strategy is created and effectively executed. It will empower you to develop a strategic mindset, conduct an analysis of the competitive environment, and advocate the firm’s positioning and value creation.

Core Objectives

The delegates will achieve the following objectives:

• Apply strategic thinking and planning tools and techniques
• Develop and communicate strategic vision, mission, and objectives
• Utilise models to strategically analyse an organisation internal and external environment
• Acquire the set of conditions for the successful execution of strategy and plans by creating optimal support structures, systems, and processes
• Execute the plans and lead tactically in the face of obstacles and challenges

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 suitable for Executives, Entrepreneurs, and Managers who must develop and execute excellent strategies in highly demanding, competitive conditions are encouraged to attend this training course.  

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

• Functional and Line Managers
• Intermediate and Advanced Level Managers
• Team Leaders and Supervisors within all sectors, private and public, profit and not-for-profit
• Professionals responsible for Strategy, Marketing, Business Development, Operations, HR, Product Development, and other Functional Departments within businesses and other organisations

Daily Discussion

DAY ONE: UNDERSTANDING THE STRATEGY

• The Concept of Strategy
• Principles of Strategic Management and Business Planning
• The Scope of a Strategic Business Plan
• Creativity and Innovation in Strategic Management
• The Importance of Consulting with Colleagues and Other Stakeholders: The Blink Men and the Elephant

DAY TWO: DEVELOP A STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLAN

• Strategic Analysis of Business Environment
• Industry Analysis Tools and Techniques
• Tracking Market Developments
• Understanding the Organisation’s Ability to Respond to Market Opportunities and Threats
• Strategic Fit of the Organisation’s Structure, Business Processes and Culture
• Generating, Prioritising, and Selecting Strategic Options 

DAY THREE: STRATEGY AND THE QUEST FOR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

• Crafting Strategies to Gain a Distinctive Edge Over Competitors
• Identifying Key Attributes That Set Exceptional Companies Apart
• Striving to Be the Most Cost-Efficient Player in the Industry
• Outperforming Rivals through Differentiation
• Highlighting the Role of Innovation in Sustaining Competitive Advantage

DAY FOUR: TURNING STRATEGY INTO ACTION

• Invisibility of Performance Bottlenecks to Top Management
• The Steps in Turning Strategy into an Actionable Plan
• Need for Performance Management System
• Characteristics of Good Measures
• Developing A Strategy Map
• Advantages and Disadvantages of The Balanced Scorecard

DAY FIVE: EVALUATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN

• Effective Implementation - Converting Strategic Plans into Tangible Results
• Understanding and Anticipating Future Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities
• Involves Strategic Thinking and Planning to Proactively Shape the Future Rather than Merely Reacting to It
• Integration of Futures Research Methods (E.G., Futures Table, Futures Wheel, Weak Signals) into the Strategic Management Process
• Utilising Foresight to Inform Strategic Decision-Making and Enhance Organisational Adaptability
• Optimising Information Systems for Managing Technology Resources