Training on Strategic Planning in the Public Sector

Course Overview

This training on strategic planning in the public sector is designed to address the growing emphasis on project outcomes, value for money, and the evolving relationship between public and private institutions. The course equips public sector organizations with tools and techniques commonly developed in the private sector to strategically plan for their future. Participants will engage in a highly participative training environment, covering essential topics such as setting strategic objectives, planning programs and projects, evaluating strategic decisions, and integrating strategic and operational activities. This course aims to provide participants with a comprehensive "road map" to confidently shape the future of their organizations.

Target Audience

This course is ideal for:

• Programme Managers in Economic Development: Those responsible for overseeing economic growth initiatives.
• Urban Spatial Planners: Professionals involved in city and regional planning.
• Major Project Managers: Individuals managing large-scale public projects.
• Financial Planning and Forecasting Specialists: Experts in predicting and managing financial outcomes.
• Scientific and Technological Policymakers: Policymakers focused on science and technology advancements.
• Internal Auditors and Management Accountants: Those involved in financial oversight and strategic management.

Course Objectives 

By the end of this Strategic Planning in the Public Sector Training, participants will:

• Achieve Targets During Change: Learn to meet performance standards amid change.
• Apply Strategy Formulation Approaches: Utilize the most effective methods for creating strategies.
• Build Public-Private Relationships: Strengthen collaborations between public and private sectors.
• Leverage Analytical and Creative Thinking: Combine these skills for strategic development.
• Develop Project Specification Skills: Master the art of project specification and scheduling.
• Gain Team Commitment: Secure team buy-in for strategic development processes.
• Use Analytical Tools and Techniques: Apply key tools for strategic planning and assessment.
• Understand Strategic Thinking: Grasp the meaning and impact of strategic thinking on public sector initiatives.

Course Outline 

Day 1: Definition of Strategy in the Public Sector

• Understanding Strategy: Explore what strategy means and its importance.
• Strategic Approaches: Examine alternative approaches to strategic thinking.
• Public Sector Strategy: Understand the unique aspects of strategy within the public sector.
• Financial Dimensions: Learn about the financial and non-financial dimensions of public sector strategy.
• Building Strategic Teams: How to create an effective strategic planning team.
• Case Study: Analyze real-world examples to reinforce learning.

Day 2: Strategic Analysis in a Public Sector Context

• Learning from Best Practices: Draw insights from both private and public sectors.
• Strategic Mindset: Introduce strategic thinking into public sector activities.
• Risk Management: Identify the right risks to take and how to mitigate them.
• Cohesion of Strategic Programs: Secure alignment in strategic programs and projects.
• Case Study: Practical application of concepts through case analysis.

Day 3: Specifics of Strategy Formulation in the Public Sector

• Priority Setting: Focus on economic, social, and technological development strategies.
• Resource Leveraging: Use the public sector's unique capabilities effectively.
• Stakeholder Management: Identify and manage stakeholder expectations.
• Public-Private Collaboration: Foster strategic partnerships with private sector entities.
• Case Study: Explore collaborative success stories.

Day 4: Ensuring Sustainability of Strategic Initiatives

• Measuring Sustainability: Understand sustainability in public sector planning.
• Continuous Renewal: Practice continuous development and renewal.
• Creative Destruction: Learn its strategic importance.
• Governance and Accountability: Emphasize accountability in public sector strategy.
• Case Study: Examine sustainable public sector strategies.

Day 5: Producing a Strategic Plan that Gets Implemented

• Effective Planning Frameworks: Learn why many strategic plans fail and how to create successful ones.
• Aligning Activities: Connect strategic and operational activities effectively.
• Goal Setting and Performance: Set realistic yet ambitious goals.
• Planning and Review: Link planning with implementation and review processes.
• Course Overview and Follow-Up: Plan next steps for applying course insights.