Using the strategic planning process to help you make choices about the future nature and direction of your organisation
Assessing the benefits and risks of strategic planning
Preparing for the planning process including developing a project plan, identifying your stakeholders
The value of stakeholder involvement at every phase
Undertaking a strategic review to determine ‘where are we now?' including stakeholder research, collaborator/competitor analysis and understanding when and how to use analytical tools such as SWOT, PEST and the Boston Consulting Group matrix to understand your organisation and its environment
Thinking about the relationship between outputs, outcomes and impact
Identifying strategic direction
Taking a fresh look at what your organisation is, what it does, and why
Clarifying mission, vision, values and direction of travel
Recognising the relationship between organisation strategy and brand identity, and aligning the two
Recognising how the findings of the review will impact on the organisation's strategic direction
Setting strategic objectives
Establishing success criteria
Listing priority areas for action and developing objectives
Applying SMART strategic thinking skills
Using outcomes-based tools
Implementing the strategy
Understanding the key factors involved in implementing strategy
Using action planning tools such as logical frame-working, action planning grids and planning wheels
Communicating your strategic plan
Undertaking effective monitoring and evaluation
Understanding the difference between monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment
Identifying the indicators, and how to measure their achievement
Recognising emergent approaches to monitoring and evaluation such as participatory, real-time, balanced scorecard
