Strategic Planning (Level 3 Diploma)

The Level 3 Strategic Planning course is divided into ten comprehensive modules:

Module One : Introduction to Business Strategic Planning
This unit provides the foundation material for the course. It examines, at a high level, both the theories and concepts of strategic planning and the methods, techniques and toolsets employed. The students 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.

Module Two : The journey of strategy making
This refers to the cyclical approach of strategic decision making (the journey). 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

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

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

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

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

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

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 analyzing interview maps
- Basic Map analysis
- Locating goals and strategic issues
- Creating Categories
- Developing draft and core options
- Analyzing maps and computer models

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

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

Course Assessment

When you have completed the programme, your tutor needs to verify that you have worked through all parts of any Workbooks, Activities and Exercises successfully.

100% of the final mark is made up of an online multiple choice exam.

Upon verification of the activities, exercises and assignments, you will be awarded your diploma by ABC Awards as confirmation that your written work has met all of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for the programme.

Course Fees

Our aim is to provide you with the best deal available, therefore any registration fee, certification fee and full tutor support is included in the course price for you. The enrolment fee for the Level 3 Diploma in Strategic Planning home study course is £518.75, though for a limited time we are offering you the opportunity to pay only £415 which is a 20% discount if you enrol online and pay in full.

You can also opt for our Easy Payment Plan and enrol online today by paying a deposit of £103.75 and then 4 equal payments of £103.75 per month. The first instalment is paid about a month after you receive your course.

Online Version : £415
Online & Paper Version : £480