Level 3 Strategic Planning Diploma

Level 3 Strategic Planning Diploma Course Contents

Level 3 Strategic Planning Diploma Module One – Introduction to Business Strategic Planning

What is a strategic plan? What are the planning stages? We need to understand business plans – their variables and control management.

To have a plan or not to have a plan – why should there be an interest in strategic planning? Strategic plans and change – discover why there may be a need to be aware of variables. This unit provides the foundation material for the course. It examines, at a high level, the theories and concepts of strategic planning and the methods, techniques and toolsets employed. The student learns the early differentiation between IS Strategic Planning and IT Strategic Planning. The broader perspectives are examined including Corporate Planning and the interlock to key components such as Programme Management and Change Management. By the end of this module you will have a better understanding of analysis when putting together long-term strategic plans. Culture and change in organisations’ effect policy – the vision (objectives) and a mission (who we are) are the tools required for good promotion. Notable achievements from history, which help to understand strategic plans, are also considered.

Level 3 Strategic Planning Diploma Module Two – The journey of strategy making

This refers to the cyclical approach of strategic decision making and the journey process. The module will assess the bigger picture and influences of strategic planning. It will consider such items as;

• Political feasibility,
• Role of participation,
• Determination of reality,
• Shareholder Management,
• The links between strategy and organizational change,
• Using computer support as an assistance in strategic delivery.

Level 3 Strategic Planning Diploma Module Three – Accepted theories and concepts of strategic planning

This unit examines the varying theories and concepts supporting this approach;

• The accepted definitions and theories of strategic planning,
• The concepts in constructing a strategic plan,
• The important aspects of business integration,
• Strategy as a catalyst for promoting business change,
• Identification of risk and managing strategic problems.

Level 3 Strategic Planning Diploma Module Four – Stakeholder Analysis and Management

This unit looks at the determination of the key stakeholders in IS Strategic Planning;

• Managing the competing demands of different sets of stakeholders,
• Analysis of Stakeholders,
• Stakeholder Influence,
• The Stakeholder Grid – Thinking about stakeholders,
• Modelling the basis of power and interest,
• The coherence of strategy making – inclusion of stakeholder views.

Level 3 Strategic Planning Diploma Module Five – Developing Models of Strategic Planning

This unit examines the complexity of strategic planning and the type of planning models that can be produced;

• The conventional approaches to strategic planning – the accepted models,
• Latest trends and techniques in strategic planning,
• Managing Executive acceptance and understanding – the consultants dilemma,
• A look at the structured approaches to strategic planning.

Level 3 Strategic Planning Diploma Module Six – The method approach to strategic planning

This unit considers the formal structured method approaches to completing a strategic plan. The following areas are examined;

• Introduction to structured planning techniques,
• Approaches adopted by the big international strategy houses,
• A look in depth at the approach put forward by OGC for strategic development work within the UK Government Departments,
• Concepts of interlock – how the pieces fit together,
• Computer software assists supporting strategy development.

Level 3 Strategic Planning Diploma Module Seven – Working with teams – group approach to strategic development

This unit explores the importance of group dynamics within the overall concept of strategic development work;

• Guidelines for working with teams,
• Computer supported group workshops,
• Getting the best from team interaction,
• Concepts of Brainstorming,
• Oval Mapping Workshops.

Level 3 Strategic Planning Diploma Module Eight – Maps and Models for Workshops

Workshops form a vital part in the gathering, analysis and dissemination of information for strategic planning. This unit explores the maps and models that support this approach;

• Guidelines for analysing interview maps,
• Basic Map analysis,
• Locating goals and strategic issues,
• Creating Categories,
• Developing draft and core options,
• Analysing maps and computer models,

Level 3 Strategic Planning Diploma Module Nine – Methods of Delivery – Implementing Strategic Concepts

This unit explores how strategic plans are converted to action plans and subsequently rolled out and implemented;

• Key interlock criteria – Programme and Change Management,
• Interface to Corporate Planning,
• Benefits Measurement Criteria,
• Modularity in strategic planning,
• Managing Risks and Exposure,
• Key implementation criteria.

Level 3 Strategic Planning Diploma Module Ten – Concepts of Interlock – integrating strategic planning into the business framework

This unit examines how strategic planning fits into a holistic model within the Corporate architecture;

• The holistic strategic model,
• The importance of interlock,
• Communications in strategic planning,
• The facilitator – winning hearts and minds Vignettes – Case studies of strategic planning in action.