Planning and Decision Making

Planning and Decision Making

We all know that some people and organisations always succeed while others never seem to do quite so well. Many people put success down to 'luck', especially those unsuccessful individuals who persist in reflecting on their 'bad luck' rather than on their not too effective or non-existent plans.

Whether we are talking about a swimming gala, an international company, a newsagent's shop, a charity or a country, it could be argued that good planning is the single factor which makes one organisation, individual or project more successful than the next.

Planning is the most basic - and some would say the most important - of all management functions. If an organisation is to be effective, everyone involved must know where they are going and how they are expected to arrive there. Planning bridges the gap from where the organisation is now to where it wants to be.

It makes it possible for organisational development and change to occur and for businesses to achieve their desired goals. The development of an organisation and the quality of the work it produces also depend on effective decision making.

Modules

Unit 1: Effective Planning

Contents:

Why planning is important

Management styles

The features of effective plans

The planning cycle

The control loop

Unit 2: Types of plan

Contents:

Strategic plans

Operational plans

Budgets

Project plans

Unit 3: Ideas into action

Contents:

Keeping the organisation on course

Policies

Planning in large organisations

Planning in small businesses

Planning in the public sector

Unit 4: Planning for change

Contents:

The pressure for change

External influences

Internal influences

Analysing strengths and opportunities

Building a risk window

Unit 5: What decision making involves

Contents:

The importance of decision making

Types of decision

Styles of decision making

Key steps in decision making

Unit 6: Obtaining information for decisions

Contents:

The need for high quality information

Types of information

Sources of information

Information flow and organisational structure

Unit 7: Creative approaches

Contents:

The need for creativity

The creative organisation

Encouraging creativity

Techniques for creative decision making

Unit 8: Choosing between options

Contents:

Evaluating options

Choice and the individual

The choice process

Unit 9: Identifying contengencies

Contents:

Why is contingency planning important?

Approaches to contingency planning

Recognising contingencies

Unit 10: Coping with risk

Contents:

Risk analysis

Decision modelling

Dealing with contingencies

Resources

The pioneers who put people first

Fisons picks up the gauntlet

Entry Requirements

There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this course. It is available to all students, of all academic backgrounds.

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

Assessment Method

After each lesson there will be a question paper, which needs to be completed and submitted to your personal tutor for marking. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal tutor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course.

What's Included

• All study materials
• Study Guide
• Full Tutor and Admin support

On successful completion of your course you will receive the learndirect Certificate of Completion of Training in Planning and Decision Making.

Your course certificate will also state the number of CPD points/hours the course is eligible for.

View a sample of the certificate (opens in new window)

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