Strategic Analysis and Effective Decision Making

Courses Syllabus

Introduction
This intensive 5-day programme equips participants with world-class strategic analysis tools and practical decision-making frameworks. Using real-world case studies, participants will learn to apply SWOT, PESTEL, competitive analysis, scenario planning,
and data-driven techniques to make informed strategic decisions.

Contents

Day One

Foundations of Strategic Thinking & Business Environment Analysis

Learning Objectives

• Understand the fundamentals of strategy and strategic thinking
• Explore internal and external factors influencing organisations
• Begin applying analytical thinking to business problems

Topics Covered

1. Introduction to Strategy

• What is strategy?
• Levels of strategy: corporate, business, functional
• Strategic vs. operational decisions

2. Principles of Strategic Thinking

• Systems thinking
• Critical thinking & logical reasoning
• Understanding uncertainty and complexity

3. Business Environment Overview

• Micro vs. macro environment
• Industry structure and competitive pressure

4. Workshop

• Identify strategic challenges in your organisation
• Group activity: mapping stakeholders

Practical Exercise

• Mini case study: “Why Strategies Fail”
• Participants diagnose strategic failures using environmental factors.

Day Two

PESTEL Analysis: Understanding the External Environment

Learning Objectives

• Use PESTEL to scan and interpret macro-environmental forces
• Understand how political, economic, social, technological, environmental,
  and legal factors shape strategy

Topics Covered

1. Deep Dive into PESTEL

• Political & regulatory risk
• Economic cycles & global trends
• Social & demographic shifts
• Technology disruptors
• Environmental sustainability factors
• Legal frameworks & compliance

2. Linking PESTEL to Strategic Decision Making

• Early warning systems
• Trend analysis
• Scenario building

3. Workshop

• Group PESTEL assessment for a selected industry
• Debrief on insights & strategic implications

Practical Exercise

• Create a comprehensive PESTEL analysis for your own organisation.

Day Three

SWOT Analysis & Internal Capability Assessment

Learning Objectives

• Apply SWOT analysis effectively
• Evaluate internal capabilities, strengths, weaknesses, resources, and
  competencies
• Use SWOT to identify strategic priorities

Topics Covered

1. What Makes SWOT Powerful

• Best practices (beyond basic lists)
• How to avoid common mistakes

2. Internal Analysis Tools

• VRIO (Value – Rarity – Imitability – Organisation)
• Resource-based view (RBV) of the firm
• Core competencies assessment

3. Integrating SWOT with PESTEL

• Matching external opportunities with internal strengths
• Identifying strategic threats and mitigation

4. Workshop

• Build a 4-quadrant SWOT
• Convert SWOT elements into strategic options

Practical Exercise

• Participants develop a structured SWOT for their department or organisation.

Day Four

Data-Driven Decision Making

Learning Objectives

• Understand the role of data in decision-making
• Use analytical techniques to improve decision quality
• Learn frameworks for evaluating and selecting strategic options

Topics Covered

1. Principles of Data-Driven Decision Making

• What is “good data”?
• Qualitative vs. quantitative data
• Data validation

2. Analytical Tools

• Decision trees
• Cost–benefit analysis
• Sensitivity and risk analysis
• Basic forecasting techniques

3. Decision-Making Models

• Rational decision model
• Bounded rationality
• Evidence-based management

4. Workshop

• Analyse a dataset and identify strategic insights

Practical Exercise

• Hands-on activity: Use sample data to make a strategic recommendation.

Day Five

Integrating Strategic Tools & Making Effective Decisions

Learning Objectives

• Integrate SWOT, PESTEL, and data analysis into a coherent strategy
• Present and defend strategic decisions
• Create action plans for real-world implementation

Topics Covered

1. Combining Analytical Tools

• Moving from analysis to strategy formulation
• Prioritising issues using decision matrices

2. Scenario Planning

• Building plausible alternative futures
• Evaluating strategy performance under different conditions

3. Communicating Strategic Recommendations

• Executive briefing techniques
• Visualising data for decision-makers

4. Workshop — Capstone Project

• Teams present a strategic decision proposal
• Facilitator & peer evaluation

Practical Exercise

• Group project: “Develop a Strategic Plan Using SWOT, PESTEL & Data
  Insights”
• Final presentations and feedback.