Cambridge
Academy
In London

Introduction

Modern organizations rely on performance analytics to translate data into actionable insights, improve decision-making, and accelerate results. This advanced program equips performance analysis managers with the tools, methods, and leadership skills to design KPI systems, build insight-driven narratives, and influence performance outcomes across functions.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

·        Design and optimize performance measurement systems aligned to strategy

·        Build meaningful KPIs, targets, and scorecards that drive outcomes

·        Apply advanced analytical methods to diagnose performance issues

·        Develop executive-ready insights, storytelling, and recommendations

·        Improve forecasting, scenario planning, and performance reviews

·        Strengthen governance, data quality, and performance management routines

Target Audience

This course is designed for:

·        Performance Analysis Managers and Performance Analysts

·        Strategy, PMO, and Business Planning professionals

·        KPI owners and department performance coordinators

·        Operational excellence, transformation, and reporting leaders

·        Managers responsible for dashboards, scorecards, and performance reviews

Course Outlines

Day 1: Strategic Performance Measurement Foundations

·        Linking strategy to measurable outcomes (OKRs, Balanced Scorecard overview)

·        KPI architecture: input, output, outcome, and impact measures

·        Defining SMART KPIs, thresholds, and target-setting logic

·        KPI ownership, accountability, and measurement cadence

·        Activity: KPI redesign clinic (audit and improve existing KPIs)

Day 2: Data, Dashboards & Insight Generation

·        Performance data foundations: sources, definitions, and data governance basics

·        Data quality management: common issues and practical controls

·        Dashboard design principles: clarity, relevance, and decision usability

·        Segmentation and root-cause exploration (Pareto, drill-down logic)

·        Workshop: Build an insight-focused dashboard storyboard

Day 3: Advanced Performance Analytics & Diagnosis

·        Driver-based performance models and value-tree analysis

·        Variance analysis (plan vs. actual, trend, mix, volume, efficiency)

·        Correlation vs. causation: interpreting relationships responsibly

·        Identifying leading indicators and early warning signals

·        Practical activity: Performance diagnosis simulation using a case dataset

Day 4: Forecasting, Scenario Planning & Performance Reviews

·        Forecasting methods for managers (trend, rolling forecasts, simple regression concepts)

·        Scenario planning: best/base/worst cases and trigger-based actions

·        Designing effective performance review routines (WBR/MBR/QBR)

·        Turning insights into action: initiatives, owners, timelines, and benefits tracking

·        Case study: Performance recovery plan for an underperforming unit

Day 5: Executive Reporting, Storytelling & Influence

·        Executive reporting: insight narrative structure and decision framing

·        Data storytelling: visuals, context, and recommendation clarity

·        Communicating risk, trade-offs, and confidence levels

·        Stakeholder influence and challenging conversations with leaders

·        Final group project: End-to-end performance insight pack + action p

lan presentation