Strategic Thinking and Planning

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Strategic Thinking and Planning

Introduction: 

Strategic thinking and planning are indispensable elements in navigating the complexities of today’s global landscape. While often associated with business and organizational strategy, these principles extend far beyond boardrooms, permeating every facet of life where deliberate decisions shape outcomes. At its core, strategic thinking involves the ability to anticipate future trends, assess current realities, and craft innovative approaches to achieve desired goals effectively.

Strategic planning, its practical counterpart, translates strategic thinking into actionable steps and initiatives. It involves setting clear objectives, identifying key resources, and allocating them efficiently to maximize outcomes. Whether applied to personal aspirations, professional endeavours, or organizational growth, strategic planning provides a structured framework for realizing ambitions and responding adeptly to changing circumstances.

This introduction sets the stage for exploring the interconnected concepts of strategic thinking and planning, emphasizing their role in fostering resilience, innovation, and sustainable success. By cultivating these skills, individuals and organizations can navigate uncertainty with confidence, capitalize on opportunities with precision, and chart a course towards a prosperous future.

Course Objectives:      

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify the difference between Plan and Strategy
  • Explain the Strategic Thinking vs. Strategic Planning
  • Identify Organizational Vision and Mission
  • Set SMART vs. SMARTER Objectives
  • Set challenging and achievable Objectives
  • Practice the Strategic Planning and Control Process
  • Identify Flow vs. Pattern Strategical Methodologies
  • Define a business plan
  • List the components of a business plan

Course Content:

Plan and Strategy

  • The difference between Plan and Strategy
  • The definition and components of Organizational Strategy
  • Strategic Thinking vs. Strategic Planning & “Helicopter View”
  • Development of Organizational Vision and Mission
  • Organizational Core Values

Strategic Objectives

  • SMART vs. SMARTER Objectives
  • Objectives as Outcomes not Process
  • Setting challenging and achievable Objectives

Strategic Planning

  • Strategic Thinking Assessment
  • The Strategic Planning and Control Process
  • Operational Strategic Plan vs. Strategic Business Plan
  • Balanced Scorecards
  • Flow vs. Pattern Strategical Methodologies
  • Key Result Areas and key Performance Indicators (KPI’s)

Business Plan

  • Definition of a business plan
  • Types of business plans
  • Benefits of a business plan
  • Components of a business plan
  • The process of the business plan

Developing a Strategic Business Plan

  • Conducting a situation analysis
  • Developing tactics, programs and action plans
  • Forecasting, pricing and applying break-even analysis
  • Sourcing, allocating and scheduling
  • Applying basic financial concepts
  • The income statement
  • Balance sheet
  • Cash-flow analysis
  • Program Budgets
  • Writing the executive summary of a Business Plan

Executing a Strategic Business Plan

  • The communication phase
  • Task assignments
  • Reporting structure
  • Knowledge base
  • The controlling phase
  • Monitoring and evaluating the progress of the business plan
  • Dealing with deviations
  • Identifying the Business Risks and conducting causes analysis
  • Providing constructive feedback
  • Corrective actions and adjustments
  • Budget adjustments and linking to organizational budget

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for executives, managers, professionals, salespeople, entrepreneurs, customer service representatives

Training Methodology

The workshop is highly interactive and includes

  • Group discussions
  • Individual exercises and team activities
  • Personal Assessments
  • Games
  • Role playing
  • Case study
  • Exercise & Experience sharing
  • Video clips covering above topics

Competencies Covered

  • Strategic Thinking
  • Set SMART &. SMARTER Objectives
  • Flow vs. Pattern Strategical Methodologies
  • Business planning