Professional Skills: Strategic Planning

Ends soon! Keep adding new skills with 10,000+ programs for $239 (usually $399). Save now.

Professional Skills: Strategic Planning

This course is part of Professional Skills: Strategic Thinking Specialization

Instructor: Tyler Galarneau

Included with

Learn more

5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Plan for future possibilities using case studies and insights.
Anticipate and outthink potential problems by analyzing major issue factors.
Evaluate possible scenarios using strategic tools like SWOT analysis.
Develop robust strategies by forming them based on core values.

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Professional Skills: Strategic Thinking Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 5 modules in this course

Learn how to anticipate change, evaluate options, and develop high-impact strategies. This course helps professionals think critically and plan confidently for future scenarios using tested frameworks and data-informed insights.

This course empowers learners to prepare for uncertainty and make decisions with confidence. Through scenario planning, SWOT analysis, and logical modeling, this course teaches how to analyze data, challenge assumptions, and shape outcomes. Whether you're leading an organization, team, or personal project, this course gives you the tools to build resilient, actionable strategies for real-world problems.

In this module, you will delve into the foundational aspects of strategic thinking by exploring scenario planning through the lens of case studies. You will learn how to analyze past events and current trends to identify causes and resources, perform in-depth case studies to extract valuable insights, and practice applying these techniques to real-world situations. This module will equip you with the skills to understand complex scenarios and derive actionable intelligence for future planning.

What's included

1 assignment7 plugins

1 assignmentTotal 10 minutes

Quiz: Scenario planning via case studies10 minutes

7 pluginsTotal 56 minutes

Scenario planning via case studies: Causes and resources5 minutes
Scenario planning via case studies: Performing case studies for insights5 minutes
Practice the solution: Case studies and insights20 minutes
Job aid: Finding insights from case studies3 minutes
Reflect on the solution: Scenario planning via case studies10 minutes
A picture of the past: Key takeaways3 minutes
Apply the solution: Analyzing case studies10 minutes

This module focuses on developing your ability to anticipate and mitigate potential problems before they arise. You will learn to identify the causes and resources related to emerging issues, analyze major issue factors, and map axes of uncertainty. By understanding how to proactively identify and assess risks, you will be better prepared to navigate complex challenges and ensure more resilient strategic outcomes.

What's included

1 assignment7 plugins

1 assignmentTotal 10 minutes

Quiz: Outthinking potential problems10 minutes

7 pluginsTotal 46 minutes

Outthinking potential problems: Causes and resources5 minutes
Outthinking potential problems: Analyzing major issue factors5 minutes
Practice the solution: Mapping axes of uncertainty10 minutes
Job aid: Analyze trends to discover driving forces3 minutes
Reflect on the solution: Outthinking potential problems10 minutes
Come what may, you’re prepared: Key takeaways3 minutes
Apply the solution: Mapping out levels of uncertainty10 minutes

In this module, you will gain proficiency in evaluating various possible scenarios using strategic analytical tools. You will learn to conduct a comprehensive SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to assess the viability and implications of different future possibilities. This module will enhance your decision-making capabilities by providing a structured approach to scenario evaluation.

What's included

1 assignment7 plugins

1 assignmentTotal 10 minutes

Quiz: Evaluating possible scenarios10 minutes

7 pluginsTotal 45 minutes

Evaluating possible scenarios: Causes and resources5 minutes
Evaluating possible scenarios: Evaluating with a SWOT analysis4 minutes
Practice the solution: Conducting a strategic SWOT analysis10 minutes
Job aid: Using a SWOT analysis3 minutes
Reflect on the solution: Evaluating possible scenarios10 minutes
Using the good and the bad: Key takeaways3 minutes
Apply the solution: Using a SWOT analysis to evaluate a scenario10 minutes

This module focuses on the critical process of developing robust and effective strategies. You will learn how to form strategies based on core values, ensuring alignment with organizational principles and long-term goals. Through practical exercises, you will gain the skills to articulate and implement strategies that are not only innovative but also deeply rooted in a clear understanding of purpose and values.

What's included

1 assignment7 plugins

1 assignmentTotal 10 minutes

Quiz: Developing strategies10 minutes

7 pluginsTotal 48 minutes

Developing strategies: Causes and resources6 minutes
Developing strategies: Forming a strategy by its values3 minutes
Practice the solution: Forming a strategy by its values13 minutes
Job aid: Forming a strategy by its values3 minutes
Reflect on the solution: Developing strategies10 minutes
Thinking toward a goal: Key takeaways3 minutes
Apply the solution: Forming your own strategy10 minutes

This concluding module includes an end-of-course survey to gather your valuable feedback, ensuring continuous improvement of our educational offerings, and marking the successful culmination of your strategic thinking development.

What's included

1 reading1 plugin

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Tyler Galarneau

Arizona State University

35 Courses6,599 learners

Offered by

Arizona State University

Explore more from Business Strategy

Status: Free Trial
Arizona State University
Professional Skills: Strategic Thinking
Specialization
Status: Free Trial
John Wiley & Sons
Foundations of Strategic Planning for Public & Nonprofits
Course
Status: Preview
University of Michigan
High Stakes Leadership: Leading in Times of Crisis
Course
Status: Free Trial
Arizona State University
Strategic Thinking
Course

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018

"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020

"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.

Learner since 2021

"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Frequently asked questions

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.