The Certified Strategist: From Planning to Execution|Online

Overview

Why Attend

Why do some organizations continually succeed in meeting stakeholders’ expectations while others do not? Why do some organizations continuously outperform the competition while others struggle to keep up? One of the key differentiators between all these types of organizations is the existence and proper execution of a well thought out strategy that takes into account the complexities of today’s competitive world. In this course, we will dig deep into many well-established frameworks, tools and techniques for strategic thinking and planning. Participants will be able to pinpoint the real reasons behind long-term strategic performance and will be able to replicate this success in their own organizations.

Course Methodology

This is a highly interactive course that focuses on the application of each strategic framework to a different business case study. The techniques used in this course include team exercises, group discussions, videos and group presentations. In addition, this course offers participants the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned by passing an exam that will earn them their certificate of attendance.

Course Objectives

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

Apply essential strategic thinking and planning tools and techniques
Employ models and frameworks to strategically analyze the external environment of an organization
Plan future strategic moves based on industry characteristics
Identify and build organizational competencies, capabilities and a competitive position
Define a corporate culture that promotes good strategy execution

Target Audience

All levels of managers and company personnel who are involved in charting and supporting the execution of the company plans to achieve its strategic goals and objectives.

Target Competencies

Strategic planning
Competitive analysis
Trend analysis
Driving customer value
Analytical thinking

Course Outline

The managerial process of crafting and executing strategy
- The three big strategic questions
- Key elements of a successful strategy
- Strategy and the quest for competitive advantage
- Competitive advantage examples
- The importance of strategy
- Breadth of strategy crafting and implementation
- Using frameworks as a blueprint
General approach strategies
- Strategic frameworks
- Possible strategic moves
- Expand scope
- Reduce scope
- Change direction
- Maintain the status quo
Operational strategies
- The importance of internal activities
- The basics of running a company
- Increasing price
- Increasing volume
- Reducing costs
Organizational strategies
- The most important asset
- Optimizing people processes
  - Building skills
  - Optimizing compensation
  - Simplifying the organization
- Streamlining processes
- Optimizing information systems
- Measuring results
Financial strategies
- Keeping cash as king
  - Reducing inventory
  - Reducing receivables
  - Increasing payables
- Balancing debt and equity
External forces strategies
- Managing suppliers
- Managing people
- The effect of the economy
- Dealing with competitors
- The industry as a playing field
- Dealing with auditors
- Understanding legislation
- Using technology

Schedule & Fees

2026 Schedule & Fees

20 - 24 Sep, 2026

English
Virtual Learning

Per participant USD 1,300

20 - 24 Sep, 2026

Arabic
Virtual Learning

Per participant USD 1,300

29 Nov - 3 Dec, 2026

English
Virtual Learning

Per participant USD 1,300

29 Nov - 3 Dec, 2026

Arabic
Virtual Learning

Per participant USD 1,300

20 - 24 Dec, 2026

Arabic
Virtual Learning

Per participant USD 1,300

20 - 24 Dec, 2026

English
Virtual Learning

Per participant USD 1,300

2027 Schedule & Fees

28 Feb - 4 Mar, 2027

English
Virtual Learning

Per participant USD 1,300

28 Feb - 4 Mar, 2027

Arabic
Virtual Learning

Per participant USD 1,300

21 - 25 Mar, 2027

English
Virtual Learning

Per participant USD 1,300

21 - 25 Mar, 2027

Arabic
Virtual Learning

Per participant USD 1,300

30 May - 3 Jun, 2027

Arabic
Virtual Learning

Per participant USD 1,300

30 May - 3 Jun, 2027

English
Virtual Learning

Per participant USD 1,300

20 - 24 Jun, 2027

Arabic
Virtual Learning

Per participant USD 1,300

20 - 24 Jun, 2027

English
Virtual Learning

Per participant USD 1,300

29 Aug - 2 Sep, 2027

English
Virtual Learning

Per participant USD 1,300

29 Aug - 2 Sep, 2027

Arabic
Virtual Learning

Per participant USD 1,300

19 - 23 Sep, 2027

English
Virtual Learning

Per participant USD 1,300

19 - 23 Sep, 2027

Arabic
Virtual Learning

Per participant USD 1,300

28 Nov - 2 Dec, 2027

Arabic
Virtual Learning

Per participant USD 1,300

28 Nov - 2 Dec, 2027

English
Virtual Learning

Per participant USD 1,300

19 - 23 Dec, 2027

English
Virtual Learning

Per participant USD 1,300

19 - 23 Dec, 2027

Arabic
Virtual Learning

Per participant USD 1,300