DAY 1

Introductions and course overview

Business planning processes

• different approaches for different organisations
• forecasting, aims, goals and plans

Why plan? 

• achieving the organisation’s mission and goals
• allocating resources, activities and finances wisely
• anticipating hindrances and challenges

Some planning concepts

• defining what we mean by success
• the steps in a planning process
• planning methods and documents

The contents of a planning document

• eight key components of any plan
• who are the audiences?
• getting the style and the emphasis right

DAY 2
 

Presenting your plan

• how much detail to put in the plan
• dealing with questions and answers
• about the underlying assumptions

The financial implications of the plan

• understanding the resource and costs implications of the plan
• what are the returns from the plan?
• measuring the probability of success

Risks and contingencies

• the principal risks and contingency plans

From plans to successful implementation

• getting sign-off on the plan
• from planning to successful implementation
• involving the implementation team
  

Adapting to change 

• handling the unexpected
• monitoring progress
• reacting and adapting

Action planning

• participants’ own business plans and budgets