Strategic Thinking, Planning and Innovation

Course description and benefits

This course is designed to strengthen the strategic thinking skills of senior managers and staff with strategic responsibility as well as independent entrepreneurs. The tools and techniques covered will also be useful to employees involved in supporting the long-term strategy of an organization or unit. Participants will practice the use of analytical tools such as PESTLE, Boston Consulting Group matrix, scenario planning and Porter’s five forces framework.

Who will benefit

• New, established and emerging entrepreneurs
• Project leaders/managers
• Supervisors for different projects
• Accountants
• Senior managers
• Middle-cadre officers
• Business people (to CEO level)
• NGO representatives
• Trade union activists
• Corporate administrators
• Communication/information officers
• Information analysts
• Educators: teachers/lecturers/administrators
• Human resources managers
• Management consultants
• Other interested stakeholders

Course outline

• Strategic thinking, including definitions and concepts
• Strategic planning process and tools
• Vision and mission statements
• Identifying strategic direction
• Setting strategic objectives

Course outcomes

On completion of this course, participants will:

• Know how to apply strategic thinking skills to current issues.
• Be able to identify individual and organizational barriers to strategic thinking.
• Understand differences between strategic thinking and planning.
• Recognize the importance of detailed analysis using a range of tools and techniques.
• Be able to anticipate problems before they occur. • Understand control systems and performance measures.

Course format

There will be a combination of classroom time and learning workshops. Classroom sessions are intensive and participative and will include a variety of approaches such as lectures, group discussions practical exercises and guest lectures.

Presenters

Course presenters will include top-level experts from various sectors.

Course materials

In addition to comprehensive course notes, participants will be provided with course bags, core textbooks and a notebook.

Tea break and lunch will also be provided.