Developing A Business Plan

Course Overview

With practical tips and real life examples, this course provides a step-by step approach to devise, implement and evaluate a successful business plan.

This intensive two day course prepares managers for developing highly effective business plans with confidence and covers aspects of business analysis, development and communication needed to set the direction and deliver key organisational objectives.

Audience

• Suitable for managers with responsibility for developing business plans in their organisation.

Skills Gained

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.

Course Outline

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