Developing A Business Plan

Course details

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Identify the key steps in the planning process.
• Devise, implement and evaluate a successful business plan.
• Develop key indicators to track progress.
• Manage the budgetary aspects of the plan.
• Decide how and when to review and revise the business plan.

Main Topics

The Planning Process:

• The key elements of the planning process.
• Who should be involved in planning.
• The role and expectations of stakeholders.
• Strategic appraisals.
• The time dimension and the dynamics of planning.
• Gap analysis - measuring the strategic need.
• Developing future strategies.
• Planning activities, projects and identifying priorities.
• Resource needs to implement the strategy.

Financial Plans and Budgets:

• Presenting the financial data .
• The role of budgets and targets.
• Sensitivity analysis.
• Understanding the risks inherent in your plans.

Communicating and Implementing the Plan:

• Formats for successful communication.
• The various audiences for the plan - understanding their needs .
• Unit and department plans - what should you include?
• Responsibilities and personal objectives for implementation.

Reviewing and Revising the Plan:

• Monitoring implementation and progress.
• When and how to revise the plan.

Personal Development:

• Developing your skills and competencies in business planning.
• Personal action plan.