Strategic Planning and Thinking Course

Strategic Planning and Thinking Course Outline

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 

What You’ll Learn in this Course

This course takes you from understanding strategy fundamentals to applying structured thinking and planning for real-world business goals. Each stage develops your analytical and decision-making capabilities. 
 

• Learn the fundamentals of strategic planning and business analysis 

• Learn how to define goals and align them with organisational vision 

• Learn to apply critical thinking for problem-solving and innovation 

• Learn how to analyse internal and external business environments 

• Learn to design and implement actionable strategic plans 

• Learn how to evaluate progress and adapt to business change