An ILM Recognised Training Course
Planning Specialist
Creating Innovative Strategic Plans in our Volatile World
Course Overview
In order to be successful managers must have the ability to plan strategically. Developing this competency is a key component of managerial skills enhancement given that effective strategic planning is essential to the future success of any organization. However, most strategic planning is lacking in vision. It is merely a straight-line extrapolation of the past into the future. In a world where the pace of change is greater than ever before this is at best short-sighted and at worst a prescription for disaster.
Real strategic planning is about positioning the organization for a future which will be different from the past. This Planning Specialist training course will focus on strategic planning as the essential management system guiding the manager and organization into the future by setting focused goals that will establish and enhance competitiveness. This training course will also focus on the necessity of developing both personal mental agility and organizational agility. Close examination will be made of the driving forces creating both strategic successes and failures.
Highlights of this GLOMACS Planning Specialist training course are as follows:
- Presentation of the concept and significance of strategy and strategic planning
- Introduction to the main approaches to strategy formulation and goal setting
- Case examples of organizations formulating strategic plans
- Group work on specific cases and problems
- Extensive use of practical examples in which the course leader has been personally involved
Training Outline
DAY 1: Strategy, Strategic Planning and Competitive Positioning
- Introduction to the training course– Structure and Content
- Strategy - Concept and Significance
- “Competitive positioning” vs. “Blue Sky” Approaches
- Achieving competitive advantage through flexibility and agility
- The interaction of strategy, structure and business processes
- Gathering information and intelligence for the SWOT Analysis
- Mini-cases and group discussion – “Cost vs. Differentiation”
DAY 2: Strategic Intent, Strategic Choice and Balancing Scorecards
- Vision and mission statements - Preparing for the Future
- Business analysis and contingency planning
- Strategic choice
- Converting the SWOT Analysis into the “Strategy Matrix”
- Strategy formulation – Programmes, Projects, Policies
- Transforming the organization - Strategy implementation and managing change
- Mini-case and group discussion – “Major strategic re-orientation”
DAY 3: Assessing the Current State of the Organization
- Leadership and management in relation to strategy
- Customer and market focus
- Human resources and knowledge management
- Building a strategic planning team
- Effective process management to achieve business results
- Monitoring and measuring business performance
- Mini-case and group discussion – “A market entry problem”
DAY 4: Strategic Planning Best Practice Whilst Avoiding the Pitfalls
- The strategy life-cycle and the problem of strategic drift
- Getting innovative thinking into the organization
- The potentially negative dimensions of success
- How to Avoid 'Paralysis by Analysis'?
- Overcoming inability to evaluate fresh ideas - Denying the Truth and Thinking Inside the Box
- The critical importance of good planning team dynamics
- Mini-case and group discussion – “How and why a good organization can go bad?”
DAY 5: Personal Strategic Planning
- Applying strategic tools and techniques to the individual
- Personal goal setting, creating a personal strategic plan
- Implementing change - Achieving progress as a strategic manager
- The mix of competencies and personal skills required in 21st century business
- Executing strategy - How to break it down and get it done?
- Developing inspiration and gathering support
- Overcoming adversity by leveraging your skills and building on success
- Conclusion - A personal role in the strategic planning and goal setting processes
Certificates
- On successful completion of this training course, GLOMACS Certificate with eligible Continuing Professional Education credits (CPE) from National Registry of CPE Sponsor, will be awarded to the delegates
- This is an ILM Recognised Training Course. Optional ILM Recognised Certification carries an assessment component which contributes to measuring learning impact.
Accreditation
GLOMACS is registered with NASBA as a sponsor of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. NASBA have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.learningmarket.org.
All Training Seminars delivered by GLOMACS by default are eligible for CPE Credit.
Providers and Associations
About Saudi Glomacs
At Saudi GLOMACS, we specialize in delivering world-class training courses in Saudi Arabia and across various international locations. Our training courses are tailored to meet the unique demands of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Human Capability Development Program, focusing on empowering Saudi citizens and enhancing workforce skills. We offer diverse courses spanning leadership, management, engineering, and technical disciplines to cultivate expertise and drive professional growth. Our flexible learning options—whether in-person, online, or in-house—ensure accessibility and convenience for individuals and organizations alike.
With over 30+ years of experience through the GLOMACS global network, we are committed to delivering innovative, results-driven training solutions. Our expert instructors combine industry knowledge with dynamic teaching methods, fostering practical skill development and long-term career success. By choosing Saudi GLOMACS, you're investing in personal excellence and contributing to the Kingdom’s sustainable economic growth and vision-driven transformation.
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