Course Introduction

This Certificate in Strategy Execution training course will enable delegates to understand the elements of developing a strategy, the importance of having a clear vision and the need for long-term plans so that goals can be delivered. The training course provides a step-by-step approach for focusing on the future and the route needed to follow to get there. There is a need to track progress through the use of measurement to demonstrate the organizations progress. The whole approach delivers an aligned organization with every role working together towards the same goal.

The focus is on how to develop strategic business plans then put them into action. You will discover how to align the organization with the strategy by engaging with stakeholders, communicating effectively internally and externally, measuring progress, and making tactical adjustments along the way. It also explains effective ways of evaluating how well strategic objectives have been achieved, learning lessons, recognizing success and the contributions of teams and individuals.

This Oxford Management Centre training course will highlight:

• Principles and Methods of Strategic Management and Business Planning
• Evaluating communication channels to ensure messages are clear and well-received
• Balancing control with creativity and innovation for Agile Planning
• Managing and Mitigating Risks: strategic, tactical, and operational
• Closing the loop: checking, learning, adapting, and re-planning

Objectives

At the end of this Certificate in Strategic Planning and Execution training course, you will learn to:

• Make use of analytical tools for strategy development
• Establish a clear and compelling vision and mission
• Recognize the importance of aligning objectives throughout the organization
• Understand the difference between managing and mitigating risks
• Make use of appropriate measurement to evaluate progress and implement improvements

Training Methodology

This Certificate in Strategic Planning and Execution training course utilizes a range of proven adult learning techniques to ensure maximum understanding, comprehension and retention of the information presented. It includes discussions, case studies, presentations, and exercises.  The course leader will make extensive use of real-life case examples. Each session allows you to develop your skills and apply them to your organization.

Organisational Impact

What will your organization gain from employees completing this Certificate in Strategic Planning and Execution training course? 

• Greater confidence in making more informed contributions to strategic plans
• Improved awareness of team contributions to achieving strategic objectives
• Better able to choose and apply relevant performance measures
• More effective use of the resources required to achieve strategic objectives
• Greater alignment of plans consistent with the organization's overall vision and objectives
• More motivated and engaged workforce supporting delivery of organizational goals

Personal Impact

Participants will be able to further develop their personal management skills by being: 

• More aware of the factors that influence strategic decisions
• Wider awareness of external factors affecting high-level plans and goals
• Greater understanding of their own organizations strategic challenges and opportunities
• Greater recognition of the need for alignment of strategic, tactical, and operational activities
• Able to recognize the need for assessing and managing risks and selecting those to mitigate
• Able to take on higher level, more responsible roles in the organization

Who Should Attend?

This Certificate in Strategic Planning and Execution training course is suitable to a wide range of professionals but will greatly benefit: 

• Senior Executives responsible for strategy development and implementation
• Managers and Leaders of Marketing, Research, Operations, HR, Finance functions
• Managers in the planning function or wanting to set up a planning department
• Specialists in risk management, control, and corporate compliance
• Operational Managers who are looking to take on more strategic responsibilities

Course Outline

DAY 1

The Importance of Strategy

• Thinking ahead: no crystal ball!
• Strategic Context (VUCA)
• The need for Analysis and Creativity
• Building tomorrow’s organization from today’s
• Organizational Planning Processes

DAY 2 

Strategic and Business Planning

• Tools for analyzing the external environment
• Tools for understanding organizational Strengths & Weaknesses
• Setting strategic priorities
• Decision-making challenges
• Business Plan checklist
  

DAY 3

Strategic Thinking for All

• Strategy Maps – Alignment of plans
• Double and Treble Loop Thinking
• Advantages and Disadvantages of “The Balanced Scorecard”
• Hard & Soft Elements of Strategy Execution
• Using a SWOT Analysis to formulate plans
  

DAY 4

Managing Business Processes (DMAIC)

• Control vs Creativity – the Middle Managers dilemma
• How stakeholders impact strategic choices
• Managing and Mitigating Risks
• Policies, Processes, and Measures
• Continuous Improvement Methods

DAY 5

Strategic Agility

•  Employee Engagement
• Effective communication methods and approaches
• Motivating the workforce
• Kolb’s learning cycle
• Personal Action Planning