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.

Syllabus

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

Qualifications

On completion of your course, you will receive the dual award:

Award 1 is issued by Stonebridge Associated Colleges: Planning and Decision Making Diploma

Planning and Decision Making Diploma issued by Stonebridge Associated Colleges, to view a sample of the college’s award, please click here.

Requirements for Entry

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

Study Options

In order to offer our students the most convenient and flexible distance learning courses, Stonebridge Associated College offers you the option to study for your course via two methods:

• 1. Via the traditional paper-based method.
• 2. Through the online method via ElearnUK.

If you do not have Internet access, or would prefer to study this course via the traditional paper/postal based study method, you can find more information on the course by clicking on the link below.

Stonebridge Prices

Studying by Post. If you would like to pay by instalments, we do offer an affordable interest free payment plan scheme which allows you to spread the cost of your course over a number of months. However, to use this option you will need to study for your course using the traditional paper-based method. For more information on our payment plans please visit our website at www.stonebridge.uk.com

The reason why the course fee is less if you choose to study online, is because with online study there are no costs associated with postage and printing etc. and thus we are able to offer the course at a reduced rate.

The total amount payable over the term's period, is no more than the total cash price of the course.
(APR = 0%). Written quotations are available on request.

Study Hours

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is: 180 hrs.