Leaders in Distance Learning

Professional Diploma in Strategic Planning

Course Synopsis:

This diploma course looks at providing the theory and concepts towards the journey of Business Strategic Planning. The course will appeal to students of Management and Business Administration who are looking for a practical foundation in this subject area. In addition, Business Managers wishing to expand their horizons into strategic business planning will find this course an invaluable guide into the theory and practice of strategic planning. The course will consist of ten modules and split into two distinct parts.

Course Structure:

Part 1 - The theory and concepts of strategic planning

1. Introduction to Business Strategic Planning
2. The journey of strategy making
3. Accepted theories and concepts of strategic planning
4. Stakeholder analysis and management

Part 2 - The Practice, Methods, Techniques and Tools

5. Developing models of strategic planning
6. The method approach to strategic planning
7. Working with teams - The group dynamics of strategic planning
8. Maps and Models for Workshops
9. Methods of Delivery - implementing strategic concepts
10. Concepts of Interlock - integrating strategic planning into the business framework

Course Contents:

Unit 1 - Introduction to Business Strategic Planning

This unit provides the foundation material for the course. It examines, at a high level, both the theories and concepts of strategic planning and the methods, techniques and toolsets employed. The students learns the early differentiation between IS Strategic Planning and IT Strategic Planning. The broader perspectives are examined including Corporate Planning and the interlock to key components such as Programme Management and Change Management.

Unit 2 - The journey of strategy making

This refers to the cyclical approach of strategic decision making (the journey). It will consider such items as:

• Political feasibility
• Role of participation
• Determination of reality
• Shareholder Management
• The links between strategy and organizational change
• Using computer support as an assistance in strategic delivery

Unit 3 - Accepted theories and concepts of strategic planning

This unit examines the varying theories and concepts supporting this approach.

• The accepted definitions and theories of strategic planning
• The concepts in constructing a strategic plan
• The important aspects of business integration
• Strategy as a catalyst for promoting business change
• Identification of risk and managing strategic problems

Unit 4 - Stakeholder Analysis and Management

This unit looks at the determination of the key stakeholders in IS Strategic Planning.

• Managing the competing demands of different sets of stakeholders
• Analysis of Stakeholders
• Stakeholder Influence
• The Stakeholder Grid - Thinking about stakeholders
• Modelling the basis of power and interest
• The coherence of strategy making - inclusion of stakeholder views

Unit 5 - Developing Models of Strategic Planning

This unit examines the complexity of strategic planning and the type of planning models that can be produced.

• The conventional approaches to strategic planning - the accepted models
• Latest trends and techniques in strategic planning
• Managing Executive acceptance and understanding - the consultants dilemma
• A look at the structured approaches to strategic planning

Unit 6 - The method approach to strategic planning

This unit considers the formal structured method approaches to completing a strategic plan. The following areas are examined:

• Introduction to structured planning techniques
• Approaches adopted by the big international strategy houses
• A look in depth at the approach put forward by OGC for strategic development work within the UK Government Departments
• Concepts of interlock - how the pieces fit together
• Computer software assists supporting strategy development

Unit 7 - Working with teams - group approach to strategic development

This unit explores the importance of group dynamics within the overall concept of strategic development work.

• Guidelines for working with teams
• Computer supported group workshops
• Getting the best from team interaction
• Concepts of Brainstorming
• Oval Mapping Workshops

Unit 8 - Maps and Models for Workshops

Workshops form a vital part in the gathering, analysis and dissemination of information for strategic planning. This unit explores the maps and models that support this approach.

• Guidelines for analyzing interview maps
• Basic Map analysis
• Locating goals and strategic issues
• Creating Categories
• Developing draft and core options
• Analyzing maps and computer models

Unit 9 - Methods of Delivery - Implementing Strategic Concepts

This unit explores how strategic plans are converted to action plans and subsequently rolled out and implemented.

• Key interlock criteria - Programme and Change Management
• Interface to Corporate Planning
• Benefits Measurement Criteria
• Modularity in strategic planning
• Managing Risks and Exposure
• Key implementation criteria

Unit 10 - Concepts of Interlock - integrating strategic planning into the business framework

This unit examines how strategic planning fits into a holistic model within the Corporate architecture.

• The holistic strategic model
• The importance of interlock
• Communications in strategic planning
• The facilitator - winning hearts and minds
• Vignettes - Case studies of strategic planning in action

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