Introduction

In today's dynamic and increasingly complex global environment, Strategic Planning and Institutional Development have become indispensable disciplines for organizations seeking to achieve sustainable growth, enhance competitiveness, and effectively navigate periods of change. These processes move beyond day-to-day operations to envision a desired future, articulate clear objectives, and formulate actionable strategies that align resources and efforts towards a common purpose. Whether a business, a non-profit, or a governmental body, the ability to anticipate emerging trends, identify opportunities and threats, and build robust institutional capacity is paramount for long-term relevance and impact. Without a well-defined strategic roadmap and a deliberate focus on institutional strengthening, organizations risk reactive decision-making, fragmented efforts, and a diminished ability to achieve their full potential. This essential training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Strategic Planning and Institutional Development.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to empower executives, senior managers, project leads, board members, and consultants from diverse sectors with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to develop, implement, and evaluate effective strategic plans and drive institutional development initiatives. Participants will gain a deep understanding of environmental analysis, vision and mission articulation, objective setting, and stakeholder engagement in strategy formulation. The course will delve into topics such as organizational assessment, change management, resource mobilization, performance measurement, risk mitigation, and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. By mastering the principles and methodologies of Strategic Planning and Institutional Development, participants will be prepared to lead their organizations through periods of profound transformation, ensuring future relevance, enhanced effectiveness, and sustained success.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Senior Executives and Directors
• Strategic Planners and Business Development Managers
• Program and Project Managers
• Consultants in Management and Organizational Development
• Non-Profit Organization Leaders and Board Members
• Government Agency Heads and Planners
• Human Resources Directors (for talent alignment)
• Quality Assurance Managers
• Aspiring Leaders and Managers
• Entrepreneurs and Business Owners

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts and importance of strategic planning for organizational success.
• Learn to conduct comprehensive environmental scans and internal organizational assessments.
• Acquire skills in defining a compelling vision, mission, and strategic objectives.
• Comprehend the process of strategy formulation, implementation, and evaluation.
• Explore methodologies for building institutional capacity and fostering organizational development.
• Understand the role of stakeholder engagement and communication in strategic processes.
• Gain insights into resource mobilization and financial planning for strategic initiatives.
• Develop a framework for monitoring performance and adapting strategic plans over time.

Course Content

Module 1: Foundations of Strategic Planning

• Defining strategic planning and its role in organizational success.
• The strategic planning cycle: vision, mission, analysis, formulation, implementation, evaluation.
• Distinguishing between strategic, tactical, and operational planning.
• Benefits of strategic planning: focus, alignment, resource optimization, adaptability.
• Common pitfalls in strategic planning and how to avoid them.

Module 2: Environmental Scan and Organizational Assessment

• External environmental analysis: Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, Environmental (PESTLE) factors.
• Industry analysis: Porter's Five Forces model.
• Internal organizational assessment: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) analysis.
• Identifying core competencies and competitive advantages.
• Tools for data collection and analysis for strategic insights.

Module 3: Vision, Mission, Values, and Strategic Objectives

• Crafting an inspiring organizational vision statement.
• Developing a clear and concise mission statement.
• Defining organizational core values and ethical principles.
• Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) strategic objectives.
• Aligning objectives with the overall vision and mission.

Module 4: Strategy Formulation and Choice

• Levels of strategy: corporate, business, functional.
• Generic strategies: cost leadership, differentiation, focus.
• Growth strategies: market penetration, market development, product development, diversification.
• Developing strategic initiatives and action plans.
• Decision-making frameworks for strategic choice.

Module 5: Strategic Implementation and Execution

• Translating strategy into actionable plans and initiatives.
• Resource allocation for strategic priorities.
• Organizational structure and culture alignment with strategy.
• Leadership roles in driving strategic implementation.
• Performance management systems for tracking execution.

Module 6: Institutional Development and Capacity Building

• Defining institutional development and its importance.
• Assessing organizational capacity: human, financial, technical, structural.
• Strategies for human resource development: training, talent management, succession planning.
• Developing robust systems and processes for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Fostering a learning organization and continuous improvement.

Module 7: Stakeholder Engagement, Communication, and Resource Mobilization

• Identifying and categorizing key internal and external stakeholders.
• Developing a stakeholder engagement and communication plan for the strategic process.
• Managing expectations and building consensus among diverse groups.
• Strategies for resource mobilization and fundraising for strategic initiatives.
• Building partnerships and alliances to achieve strategic goals.

Module 8: Performance Monitoring, Evaluation, and Strategic Adaptation

• Establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for strategic monitoring.
• Developing a dashboard for tracking strategic progress.
• Periodic review and evaluation of strategic plan effectiveness.
• Adapting strategy in response to internal and external changes.
• Building organizational agility and resilience for future challenges.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training