Demonstrate An Understanding Of The Planning Process At The Operational Level Training

Objectives:
• Define operational planning and its role in organisational success.
• Identify the key components of the operational planning process.
• Distinguish between strategic, tactical, and operational planning.
• Recognise the importance of alignment with organisational goals.

Topics:
• What is operational planning?
• The planning hierarchy: strategic, tactical, operational.
• Key elements of an operational plan.
• Linking operational plans to organisational objectives.
• Overview of the planning cycle.
• Roles and responsibilities in operational planning.

Objectives:
• Conduct a basic SWOT analysis for an operational context.
• Identify internal and external factors affecting operations.
• Use PESTLE analysis to assess the external environment.
• Gather and interpret relevant data for planning.

Topics:
• SWOT analysis: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats.
• PESTLE analysis: political, economic, social, technological, legal, environmental.
• Internal environment assessment: resources, capabilities, culture.
• External environment scanning: market trends, competition, regulations.
• Data collection methods for operational planning.
• Interpreting environmental data for decision-making.

Objectives:
• Formulate SMART goals for operational plans.
• Align operational objectives with strategic direction.
• Prioritise objectives based on organisational needs.
• Communicate goals effectively to the team.

Topics:
• SMART criteria: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound.
• Cascading goals from strategic to operational level.
• Balancing competing priorities.
• Key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational objectives.
• Techniques for goal setting: brainstorming, consensus building.
• Documenting and communicating objectives.

Objectives:
• Identify resources required for operational plans.
• Allocate resources efficiently to meet objectives.
• Develop a basic resource budget.
• Monitor resource utilisation.

Topics:
• Types of resources: human, financial, physical, technological.
• Resource planning techniques: workload analysis, capacity planning.
• Budgeting for operational activities.
• Resource allocation models: priority-based, zero-based.
• Tools for tracking resource usage.
• Managing resource constraints and trade-offs.

Objectives:
• Break down objectives into actionable tasks.
• Create realistic timelines using Gantt charts.
• Assign responsibilities and accountabilities.
• Sequence activities logically.

Topics:
• Work breakdown structure (WBS).
• Task dependencies and sequencing.
• Gantt charts for scheduling.
• Milestones and deliverables.
• Responsibility assignment matrix (RACI).
• Time estimation techniques: PERT, critical path.

Objectives:
• Identify potential risks to operational plans.
• Assess risk likelihood and impact.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies.
• Create a basic contingency plan.

Topics:
• Risk identification methods: brainstorming, checklists.
• Risk assessment matrix: likelihood vs. impact.
• Risk response strategies: avoid, reduce, transfer, accept.
• Contingency planning process.
• Monitoring and reviewing risks.
• Communicating risk plans to stakeholders.

Objectives:
• Establish monitoring mechanisms for operational plans.
• Use KPIs to track progress.
• Conduct variance analysis and corrective actions.
• Report on plan performance.

Topics:
• Setting up monitoring systems: dashboards, reports.
• Key performance indicators (KPIs) and targets.
• Variance analysis: actual vs. planned.
• Corrective action procedures.
• Performance review meetings.
• Reporting formats and frequency.

Objectives:
• Identify key stakeholders in operational planning.
• Develop a communication plan.
• Engage stakeholders effectively throughout the planning process.
• Manage feedback and expectations.

Topics:
• Stakeholder identification and analysis.
• Communication plan components: audience, message, channel, frequency.
• Techniques for effective stakeholder engagement.
• Handling resistance and conflict.
• Feedback mechanisms.
• Building buy-in and commitment.

Objectives:
• Align operational plans with organisational policies and procedures.
• Integrate planning with other management systems (quality, safety, environment).
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare for audits and reviews.

Topics:
• Linking operational plans to quality management systems (ISO).
• Health, safety, and environmental considerations.
• Legal and regulatory compliance in planning.
• Integration with performance management.
• Preparing for internal and external audits.
• Continuous improvement processes.

Objectives:
• Apply the full operational planning process to a case study.
• Present and defend an operational plan.
• Demonstrate understanding through summative assessment.
• Reflect on learning and plan for application in the workplace.

Topics:
• Case study: develop an operational plan from start to finish.
• Group presentations and peer feedback.
• Summative assessment: written test and practical demonstration.
• Review of key concepts and skills.
• Creating a personal action plan for workplace implementation.
• Course evaluation and certification.