Course Details

Objective

By end of course participants will be able to understand

• Understand the key components of strategic thinking and how it differs from operational thinking.
• Analyze and interpret external and internal factors affecting the organization (e.g., market trends, competition, capabilities).
• Develop long-term strategic goals that align with the organization’s mission and vision.
• Use strategic frameworks to evaluate business opportunities, threats, and resources.
• Make informed strategic decisions based on data, market analysis, and risk assessment.
• Implement strategic initiatives through effective planning and execution, ensuring alignment across all levels of the organization.
• Foster a strategic mindset within teams and departments to drive innovation and competitive advantage.
• Adapt to changes in the business environment and refine strategies for continuous improvement and growth.

Content

Day 1: Introduction to Strategic Thinking and Planning

• • What is Strategic Thinking? Defining strategic vs. tactical thinking.
  • The role of strategy in organizational success: Why strategic thinking is critical for leaders.
  • Key elements of a strategic perspective: Vision, mission, values, and long-term objectives.
  • Understanding your organization’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis).
  • Developing a strategic mindset: Moving from operational to strategic thinking.
  • Tools and frameworks for strategic analysis (PESTLE, SWOT, Porter’s Five Forces).
  • Aligning personal goals with organizational strategy.

Day 2: Analyzing the External Environment

• • External analysis: Understanding the market, competitors, and industry trends.
  • Tools for external analysis: PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, Environmental), market research, and competitive analysis.
  • Identifying opportunities and threats in the external environment.
  • The impact of globalization, digital transformation, and disruptive technologies on strategy.
  • Mapping out market trends and identifying emerging opportunities.
  • Scenario planning: How to plan for different future scenarios.

Day 3: Internal Analysis and Strategy Formulation

• • Internal analysis: Assessing organizational resources, capabilities, and culture.
  • Understanding organizational strengths and weaknesses through a resource-based view (RBV).
  • Aligning strategy with core competencies and competitive advantages.
  • The role of innovation and creativity in strategy formulation.
  • Strategy formulation: Defining long-term strategic goals and objectives.
  • Using strategic frameworks: Balanced Scorecard, BCG Matrix, and Blue Ocean Strategy.
  • Identifying key performance indicators (KPIs) to track strategy execution.

Day 4: Strategic Decision Making and Implementation

• • Strategic decision-making models: Rational decision-making, intuitive decision-making, and bounded rationality.
  • Evaluating strategic options and risk management.
  • Making decisions in uncertain and complex environments.
  • Aligning teams and resources with strategic goals for successful execution.
  • Developing a strategic plan: Creating actionable steps for strategy implementation.
  • Overcoming resistance to change: Leading through change and managing stakeholder expectations.
  • Managing and mitigating risks in strategic execution.

Day 5: Fostering a Strategic Culture and Continuous Improvement

• • Building a culture of strategic thinking across the organization.
  • Leading strategic initiatives: How to inspire teams to think and act strategically.
  • Encouraging innovation, collaboration, and cross-functional thinking to drive strategic goals.
  • The role of leadership in strategy execution and maintaining alignment with business goals.
  • Adapting strategy to changing business environments: Continuous monitoring, evaluation, and feedback loops.
  • The importance of continuous improvement in sustaining competitive advantage.
  • Measuring the effectiveness of your strategy: Key metrics and feedback mechanisms.
  • Q&A and Wrap-up: Recap of key lessons learned and practical takeaways.

NOTE:

Pre-& Post Tests will be conducted.

Case Studies, Group Exercises, Group Discussions, Last Day reviews, and assessments will be carried out.

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Methodology

A highly interactive combination of lectures and discussion sessions will be managed to maximize the amount and quality of information and knowledge transfer. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. You will also be encouraged to raise your questions and to share in the development of the right answers using your analysis and experiences.  Tests of the multiple-choice type will be made available daily to examine the effectiveness of delivering the course.

Very useful Course Materials will be given.

• 30% Lectures
• 30% Workshops and work presentation
• 20% Group Work& Practical Exercises
• 20% Videos& General Discussions