Global Learning for Operational Leaders
Professional training course
Strategic Thinking and Planning
An organization without a strategy is like a ship without a rudder. How can organizations continue to provide exceptional value to stakehold... The outline covers Strategic Thinking and Planning, Analysis of the Environm...
Introduction
Course overview
Why Attend
An organization without a strategy is like a ship without a rudder. How can organizations continue to provide exceptional value to stakeholders and customers if they are not clear on where they are heading and how they will get there? The answer is they can't. This is where the role of strategy becomes essential. Strategy is about setting ambitious goals, understanding the surrounding current and future environment and providing a sense of direction for the organization. In this course, we will cover the 7 steps of the strategy management process, starting with the 'thinking' components of strategy, moving into the 'planning' components and ending with 'execution'. At the end of the course, participants will be able to implement or improve the strategic process at their organizations to reach their vision and achieve their mission.
Course Methodology
The course enables participants to practice the development of each of the strategy management steps. In addition, the most important strategy tools and frameworks will be discussed and put into practical use during the course.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Differentiate between strategic thinking and strategic planning
- Analyze the current environment using different strategic frameworks
- Develop organizational vision and mission statements
- Analyze and assess various competitive strategic options
- Formulate strategic objectives, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and targets
Target Audience
All managers and senior professionals who are involved in influencing, formulating or supporting the long term planning and strategy of their department or organization, as well as those who are responsible for linking, measuring and improving the performance of the organization, including strategy or performance management professionals, balanced scorecard managers, business unit and department managers and business analysts.
Target Competencies
- Strategic thinking
- Strategic planning
- Situational analysis
- Developing vision and mission statements
- Performance management
- Results orientation
What you will achieve
Learning objectives
- Differentiate between strategic thinking and strategic planning
- Analyze the current environment using different strategic frameworks
- Develop organizational vision and mission statements
- Analyze and assess various competitive strategic options
- Formulate strategic objectives, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and targets
Who should attend
Target audience
- All managers and senior professionals who are involved in influencing, formulating or supporting the long term planning and strategy of their department or organization, as well as those who are responsible for linking, measuring and improving the performance of the organization, including strategy or performance management professionals, balanced scorecard managers, business unit and department managers and business analysts.
- Target Competencies
- Strategic thinking
- Strategic planning
- Situational analysis
- Developing vision and mission statements
- Performance management
- Results orientation
Methodology
Learning approach
- The course enables participants to practice the development of each of the strategy management steps. In addition, the most important strategy tools and frameworks will be discussed and put into practical use during the course.
Course content
Course outline and key learning areas
Module 1
Strategic Thinking and Planning
- Strategy safari
- The strategic management process
- Strategic thinking versus strategic planning
- Benefiting from strategic management
- Myths about strategy
Module 2
Analysis of the Environment
- Porter's 5 forces
- Creating and capturing value
- Conducting a SWOT analysis
- Fundamentals of the PEDESTL framework
- Succeeding in strategic analysis
Module 3
Vision and Mission Statements
- Using vision and mission statements
- Definition of vision statements
- Formulating vision statements
- Definition of mission statements
- Formulating mission statements
- Embracing organizational values
Module 4
Assessing Strategic Choices
- Porter's generic competitive strategies
- Developing a competitive advantage
- Product development
- Market development
- Horizontal integration
Module 5
Strategic Objectives, KPIs, and Targets
- Ensuring strategic alignment in the organization
- Developing effective strategic objectives
- Using the Balanced Scorecard (BSC)
- Using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Developing different types of KPIs
- Setting SMART targets
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What does Strategic Thinking and Planning cover?
This course covers Planning and Strategy Management through a structured five-day outline focused on practical application, discussion, and implementation planning.
When is the next available session?
The next scheduled session starts on 15 - 19 June 2026, with additional classroom dates and mirrored Online / Live options listed in the course schedules section.
Who should attend this course?
All managers and senior professionals who are involved in influencing, formulating or supporting the long term planning and strategy of their department or organization, as well as those who are responsible for linking, measuring and improving the performance of the organization, including strategy or performance management professionals, balanced scorecard managers, business unit and department managers and business analysts., Target Competencies, Strategic thinking
How can I register for a session?
Use any Register button next to the available course dates to open the participant registration page and submit your booking request for the selected session.
Is this course available online as well as classroom-based?
Yes. The course detail page includes both classroom sessions and Online / Live sessions, with online options aligned to the same course dates for easier planning.
Where are classroom sessions delivered?
Current classroom venues include London, Istanbul, Vienna, Barcelona, Paris, Frankfurt.
Still Have Questions?
Contact the academy team for course details, delivery options, and delegate guidance.
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