Discuss how to integrate the planning process entirely and how it can move from long-range thinking through medium-term planning, through the annual budget, and to the monthly cash-flow forecast. Learn how to avoid many political pitfalls that end up causing a lack of accountability and often cause the planning process to be demotivating to the staff. This isn't just a strategic planning or a budgeting course - it looks at the entire planning process from beginning to end and shows how much smoother it can be when integrated. While it is a technical course discussing many of the technical tricks and tips for producing a good plan, it is also a management course that will discuss the political aspects of planning.

Did 2020 show us that planning doesn't work? It might seem that way. However, some organizations survived far better than others due to their ability to handle unexpected changes. Many organizations spend vast amounts of money and effort on planning, forecasting, and budgeting, and all too often, the three disciplines are separated and not connected throughout the company. It appears that people who are doing the strategic planning aren't talking with the people who are doing the budgeting or forecasting. Also, there is a lack of uniform accountability throughout the organization. The pandemic has shown us that our planning process must be far nimbler, allowing our organization to shift rapidly.