Mini Professional Master Degree in Strategic Planning |Smart

Overview

Why Attend

This course offers this comprehensive training program in Strategic Planning and Change Management, designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to build forward-looking strategies and manage change in dynamic organizational environments. In an era marked by volatility, uncertainty, and rapid technological transformation, the ability to think strategically and implement change effectively has become a vital leadership skill.

This course addresses the full cycle of strategic planning—from environmental analysis and goal setting to implementation and monitoring—while also exploring the human and operational dimensions of change management. Participants will gain practical insights into aligning organizational vision with operational capabilities and will learn proven models to lead people through transformation with minimal disruption and maximum engagement.

Course Objectives

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

Who Should Attend?

Senior managers and executives involved in organizational strategy.
Business unit leaders responsible for driving performance and innovation.
HR and OD professionals managing organizational transformation.
Project and program managers involved in strategic initiatives.
Professionals preparing for leadership roles requiring strategic foresight.

Knowledge and Benefits:

After completing the program, participants will be able to master the following:

Understand the core concepts and processes of strategic planning.
Apply tools for internal and external environmental analysis.
Design practical strategies aligned with organizational goals.
Learn change management frameworks to lead and sustain change.
Build leadership capability to manage resistance and gain stakeholder buy-in.

Course Outline

Defining Strategy and Strategic Planning
- The concept of strategy in modern organizations
- Differences between strategic, tactical, and operational planning
- The role of strategic thinking in leadership
Levels of Strategy in Organizations
- Corporate, business unit, and functional strategies
- Vertical and horizontal alignment
- Strategy ownership and delegation
Benefits and Barriers to Strategic Planning
- Enhancing clarity and direction
- Common pitfalls and misconceptions
- Overcoming organizational resistance to planning
External Environment Assessment
- PESTLE framework
- Industry trends and market dynamics
- Identifying opportunities and threats
Internal Environment Evaluation
- Resource and capability analysis
- Value chain assessment
- Cultural and structural considerations
SWOT Analysis and Strategic Fit
- Building the SWOT matrix
- Linking internal strengths to external opportunities
- Addressing weaknesses and threats strategically
Crafting a Clear Vision Statement
- Elements of an effective vision
- Communicating vision across the organization
- Vision as a leadership tool
Developing a Mission Statement
- Defining organizational purpose
- Aligning mission with stakeholder expectations
- Differentiating from competitors
Core Values and Organizational Identity
- Embedding values into behavior and policy
- Culture alignment with values
- Values-based decision making
Setting Strategic Objectives
- SMART and CLEAR goal frameworks
- Linking goals to vision and mission
- Prioritization and goal hierarchy
Defining Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Characteristics of effective KPIs
- KPIs for different functional areas
- Leading vs. lagging indicators
Translating Strategy into Action Plans
- Cascading goals through the organization
- Assigning accountability
- Resource and timeline planning
Porter's Five Forces Model
- Analyzing industry structure
- Assessing competition and profitability
- Strategic responses to external pressures
Blue Ocean Strategy
- Identifying uncontested market spaces
- Creating and capturing new demand
- Innovation beyond competition
Growth and Diversification Strategies
- Market penetration, development, and diversification
- Strategic alliances and M&A
- Balancing risk and growth potential
Translating Strategy into Organizational Design
- Aligning structure with strategy
- Delegation and communication flow
- Integrating cross-functional collaboration
Leadership’s Role in Implementation
- Driving execution from the top
- Empowering middle management
- Reinforcing strategic behavior
Monitoring and Adjusting the Strategy
- Milestone reviews and mid-course corrections
- Feedback mechanisms
- Dynamic planning and agility
Understanding Organizational Change
- Types and drivers of change
- Planned vs. emergent change
- Organizational responses to change
Change Management Models
- Lewin’s 3-step model
- Kotter’s 8-step process
- ADKAR model overview
The Psychology of Change
- Human reaction to uncertainty
- Emotional stages of change
- Supporting people through transition
Developing a Change Management Plan
- Setting objectives and metrics
- Identifying change agents and teams
- Building a roadmap for transition
Engaging and Communicating with Stakeholders
- Stakeholder mapping and influence analysis
- Communication channels and messaging strategies
- Feedback loops and engagement tracking
Anticipating and Managing Resistance
- Sources of resistance
- Techniques to reduce friction
- Empowerment and participation
The Role of Leadership in Change
- Inspiring vision and commitment
- Building credibility and trust
- Sustaining momentum
Shaping and Shifting Organizational Culture
- Diagnosing cultural misalignment
- Culture as an enabler of strategy
- Reinforcement through behavior and symbols
Change Agents and Champions
- Identifying influencers
- Supporting internal advocates
- Celebrating early wins
Embedding Change into Operations
- Aligning policies, processes, and systems
- Integration with performance management
- Continuous improvement mindset
Measuring Change Outcomes
- Post-implementation reviews
- ROI on change initiatives
- Adjusting based on results
Lessons Learned and Strategic Renewal
- Capturing learning for future projects
- Institutionalizing successful practices
- Strategic agility and resilience

Schedule & Fees

2026 Schedule & Fees

8 - 12 Nov, 2026

English

Per participant USD 2,900

8 - 12 Nov, 2026

Arabic

Per participant USD 2,900

6 - 10 Dec, 2026

English

Per participant USD 2,900

6 - 10 Dec, 2026

Arabic

Per participant USD 2,900

2027 Schedule & Fees

7 - 11 Feb, 2027

English

Per participant USD 2,900

7 - 11 Feb, 2027

Arabic

Per participant USD 2,900

7 - 11 Mar, 2027

English

Per participant USD 2,900

7 - 11 Mar, 2027

Arabic

Per participant USD 2,900

9 - 13 May, 2027

English

Per participant USD 2,900

9 - 13 May, 2027

Arabic

Per participant USD 2,900

6 - 10 Jun, 2027

English

Per participant USD 2,900

6 - 10 Jun, 2027

Arabic

Per participant USD 2,900

8 - 12 Aug, 2027

English

Per participant USD 2,900

8 - 12 Aug, 2027

Arabic

Per participant USD 2,900

5 - 9 Sep, 2027

English

Per participant USD 2,900

5 - 9 Sep, 2027

Arabic

Per participant USD 2,900

7 - 11 Nov, 2027

English

Per participant USD 2,900

7 - 11 Nov, 2027

Arabic

Per participant USD 2,900

5 - 9 Dec, 2027

English

Per participant USD 2,900

5 - 9 Dec, 2027

Arabic

Per participant USD 2,900

Mini Professional Master Degree in Strategic Planning and Change Management

Overview

Why Attend

Course Objectives

Course Outline

Schedule & Fees

2026 Schedule & Fees

2027 Schedule & Fees