Strategic Planning Skills
Course Specifications
Course number: 088644
Software: Microsoft Windows®
Course length: 0.5 day(s)
Course Description
This course will provide you with a process for developing a clear understanding of your business's culture, operations, and market position, while facilitating the development of a strategic blueprint for gaining the competitive advantage necessary for your business's success, now and in the future. 
Course Objective: You will develop an approach to the formulation of strategic programs and initiatives critical for effectively leading and managing an organization.

Target Student: Executives, managers, consultants, and other business professionals who are responsible for strategic planning in an organization.

Prerequisites: An understanding of business processes. Suggested courses: Practical Leadership, Leading and Managing Teams, Managing Change

Delivery Method: Instructor led, group-paced, classroom-delivery learning model with structured hands-on activities.
Hardware Requirements
•	Pentium 90 MHz or higher processor, or Macintosh PowerPC.
•	Screen resolution of 800 x 600 set to 256 colors.
Platform Requirements
Software Requirements
•	Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows NT 4.0, Windows XP Home Edition, or Windows XP Professional. 
•	Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0x, 5.5, 6.0, or Netscape Navigator (excluding 6.0 and 6.1) 
•	Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0 or higher, Apple QuickTime 5.0 or higher, Macromedia Flash Player 6.0.79 or higher, or Macromedia Shockwave 7.0.2, 8.0, 8.5, 8.5.1, or higher. 
•	Turn off pop-up blocking. (Windows XP with Service Pack 2 Internet Explorer users only). 
Performance-Based Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 
•	prepare for the strategic planning process.
•	develop a mission statement, define a vision for your organization, and conduct an assessment of internal and external factors that influence your business. 
•	apply the information you have gathered and work to apply the values of your company's mission with its vision to create a successful strategy for your business operations. 
•	put the plan into action and work toward the vision. You will implement and monitor the plan to gauge its effectiveness. 
Course Content
Lesson 1: Preparing for the Strategic Planning Process
Topic 1A: Set the Parameters for the Strategic Planning Process
Topic 1B: Establish a Committee
Topic 1C: Gather Operational Data

Lesson 2: Initiating the Strategic Planning Process
Topic 2A: Develop a Mission Statement
Topic 2B: Develop a Vision Statement
Topic 2C: Assess Internal/External Environments
Topic 2D: Perform SWOT Analysis

Lesson 3: Developing the Strategic Plan
Topic 3A: Prioritize What the Strategic Plan Will Address
Topic 3B: Set Goals and Objectives
Topic 3C: Develop Strategy for Achieving Goals
Topic 3D: Draft the Strategic Plan

Lesson 4: Executing the Plan
Topic 4A: Assign Responsibility and Authority
Topic 4B: Establish a Monitoring System