Cambridge
Academy
In London

Introduction

Corporate strategy clarifies where the organization will compete, how it will win, and what priorities will guide investment and execution. This practical program builds core skills in running a simple strategic planning cycle—from analysis and direction setting to initiative selection, KPI definition, and governance—using clear templates and repeatable steps.

 

Course Objectives

• Explain core strategy concepts and choices

• Conduct basic internal and external strategic analysis

• Define strategic direction: vision, priorities, and strategic themes

• Translate strategy into initiatives, KPIs, and resource needs

• Build a simple planning calendar and governance routine

 

Target Audience

• Corporate planning and performance specialists

• Strategy and transformation teams

• Department heads and planning focal points

• PMO and initiatives teams supporting execution

• Anyone involved in annual/medium-term planning

 

Course Outlines

Day 1: Strategy Foundations and the Planning Cycle

• What strategy is (choices, trade-offs, focus)

• Strategy vs planning vs budgeting (simple differences)

• Overview of a standard planning cycle and key outputs

• Roles and stakeholders in strategy development

• Activity: Map your organization’s current planning cycle

 

Day 2: Strategic Analysis (Internal and External)

• External scan basics (PESTLE overview)

• Industry/market view: customers, competitors, trends (simple)

• Internal analysis: capabilities, resources, performance review

• SWOT that leads to decisions (not a list)

• Workshop: Produce a one-page strategic analysis summary

 

Day 3: Strategic Direction and Choices

• Vision, mission, and strategic goals alignment

• Strategic themes and strategic objectives

• Defining value proposition and differentiators (basic)

• Setting priorities and what to stop doing

• Activity: Draft strategic themes and objectives (one page)

 

Day 4: From Strategy to Plans (Initiatives, KPIs, Resources)

• Converting objectives into initiatives and roadmaps

• KPI selection: leading/lagging, output/outcome

• Setting targets and simple scorecard structure

• Resource planning basics: people, budget, dependencies

• Case study: Build a strategy-on-a-page (objectives + initiatives + KPIs)

 

Day 5: Governance, Communication, and Review

• Strategy governance: committees, decision rights, cadence

• Performance review meetings and action tracking

• Communication plan: messages, audiences, timing

• Annual refresh and mid-year review process