Leadership & Management

Strategic Planning and Strategy Execution

This course on Strategic Planning and Strategy Execution equips professionals with the frameworks and tools necessary to develop and implement effective strategies. Participants will learn to align organisational goals with actionable plans, ensuring successful execution and measurable outcomes.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Strategic planning is essential for organisations to navigate complex environments and achieve long-term objectives. Professionals often face challenges in aligning resources, managing stakeholder expectations, and adapting to market changes. This course addresses these issues by providing practical methodologies for effective strategy formulation and execution. Participants will engage in activities that simulate real-world scenarios, enabling them to practice critical decision-making and strategic analysis.

The course will also cover how to effectively communicate strategies to diverse stakeholders, ensuring buy-in and collaboration across departments, which is vital for successful implementation. By understanding the nuances of strategic planning, professionals can enhance their organisation's adaptability and resilience.

The ability to execute strategy effectively is often what differentiates successful organisations from their competitors. Participants will learn to develop comprehensive strategic plans that include measurable objectives, resource allocation, and performance indicators.

This course will empower participants to assess the effectiveness of their strategies, adapt to changing market conditions, and make informed decisions based on performance data.

By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the skills to create actionable plans that drive organisational success and foster a culture of continuous improvement. They will also learn to navigate the complexities of stakeholder management, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered in the strategic process.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Strategic priorities that are not translated into operational plans.
Competing initiatives and unclear resource allocation.
Weak follow-up on strategic actions and performance measures.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course employs a blend of case studies, group discussions, and practical workshops to enhance learning. Participants will work through real-life scenarios that require strategic analysis and decision-making. Each session includes collaborative exercises where participants develop strategic plans and execution frameworks, producing tangible outputs such as strategic roadmaps and performance dashboards. Additionally, participants will engage in role-playing exercises to simulate stakeholder interactions, allowing them to practice communication and negotiation skills critical for successful strategy execution. This hands-on approach ensures that participants not only learn theoretical concepts but also apply them in a practical context, reinforcing their understanding and capability. Participants will leave with concrete tools and frameworks to implement in their organisations.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Analyse organisational strengths and weaknesses to inform strategic planning.
Design a strategic plan that aligns with organisational goals and market opportunities.
Evaluate external market conditions using PESTLE analysis to inform strategy.
Prioritise strategic initiatives based on resource availability and impact.
Construct a strategy execution framework that includes key performance indicators (KPIs).
Assess the effectiveness of strategy execution through performance measurement and feedback loops.

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Strategic planners responsible for developing organisational strategies.
Project managers tasked with executing strategic initiatives.
Business analysts focused on market analysis and strategic recommendations.
Senior managers overseeing departmental alignment with organisational strategy.

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Developing comprehensive strategic plans that align with organisational vision.
Conducting thorough market analyses to identify opportunities and threats.
Implementing effective performance measurement systems for strategy execution.
Facilitating cross-departmental collaboration to ensure strategic alignment.
Adapting strategies based on performance data and market feedback.
Communicating strategic objectives clearly to stakeholders.

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Foundations of Strategic Planning

Applied activity: In small groups, participants will conduct a SWOT analysis for a fictional company, identifying key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. They will then present their findings to the class for discussion, focusing on strategic implications and potential initiatives.

Output: SWOT analysis report with strategic implications and recommendations for action.

09:00–09:54Understanding the strategic planning process and its importance for organisational success.
09:54–10:48Identifying and articulating organisational vision, mission, and values effectively.
10:48–11:00Conducting a comprehensive SWOT analysis to assess internal capabilities and challenges.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Conducting a comprehensive SWOT analysis to assess internal capabilities and challenges. (continued)
12:12–13:06Exploring the critical role of leadership in guiding strategic planning efforts.
13:06–14:00Establishing a strategic planning timeline with clear milestones and deliverables.

Day 2Market Analysis and Strategic Positioning

Applied activity: Participants will analyse a case study of a company facing market challenges, using PESTLE and Porter’s Five Forces to identify strategic positioning opportunities. They will discuss how these insights can inform strategic decisions and shape future initiatives.

Output: Strategic positioning report with actionable recommendations for future strategy.

09:00–09:54Conducting PESTLE analysis to evaluate external factors affecting strategy.
09:54–10:48Identifying competitive advantages through Porter’s Five Forces framework.
10:48–11:00Mapping customer segments and defining value propositions for target markets.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Mapping customer segments and defining value propositions for target markets. (continued)
12:12–13:06Understanding current market trends and their potential impact on strategy.
13:06–14:00Aligning strategic objectives with identified market realities and opportunities.

Day 3Strategic Plan Development

Applied activity: Working in teams, participants will develop a strategic plan for a fictional organisation, incorporating SMART objectives and resource allocation strategies. They will present their plan to the group for feedback and refinement, focusing on stakeholder engagement.

Output: Comprehensive strategic plan presentation with stakeholder engagement strategies included.

09:00–09:54Setting SMART objectives for strategic initiatives to ensure clarity and focus.
09:54–10:48Designing detailed action plans that align with strategic goals and available resources.
10:48–11:00Allocating resources effectively to support strategy execution and maximise impact.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Allocating resources effectively to support strategy execution and maximise impact. (continued)
12:12–13:06Engaging relevant stakeholders in the strategic planning process for buy-in.
13:06–14:00Creating a compelling strategic plan presentation for stakeholder approval.

Day 4Executing the Strategy

Applied activity: Participants will create a strategy execution framework for their strategic plan, including KPIs and communication strategies. They will role-play stakeholder presentations to practice effective communication and address potential concerns, ensuring clarity and alignment.

Output: Strategy execution framework document with defined KPIs and communication plans.

09:00–09:54Establishing a robust strategy execution framework and governance structure.
09:54–10:48Defining key performance indicators (KPIs) for monitoring strategy success.
10:48–11:00Implementing change management practices to support strategy execution.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Implementing change management practices to support strategy execution. (continued)
12:12–13:06Communicating strategy and progress effectively to all stakeholders involved.
13:06–14:00Utilising project management tools to facilitate strategy execution and tracking.

Day 5Evaluating and Adapting Strategy

Applied activity: In teams, participants will evaluate the execution of their strategic plan based on hypothetical performance data. They will discuss necessary adjustments and improvements, focusing on adaptive strategies and how to implement changes effectively.

Output: Evaluation report with proposed strategy adjustments and documented lessons learned.

09:00–09:54Monitoring strategy execution through performance metrics and regular reviews.
09:54–10:48Conducting strategy reviews to assess effectiveness and necessary adjustments.
10:48–11:00Utilising feedback loops for continuous improvement of strategic initiatives.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Utilising feedback loops for continuous improvement of strategic initiatives. (continued)
12:12–13:06Assessing the impact of external changes on existing strategies.
13:06–14:00Documenting lessons learned to inform future strategic planning efforts.

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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