This intensive workshop empowers professionals to think strategically, analyze their business environment, and make informed decisions that drive long-term value. Participants will apply frameworks such as SWOT, PESTLE, Porter’s Five Forces, VRIO, and more in a highly practical setting culminating in a team-based strategy simulation.

Overview

Designed for professionals who influence or shape strategic direction, this course builds a shared understanding of strategy, strengthens analytical thinking, and bridges the gap between planning and execution. The course includes real-world case examples, tools, and a final strategy lab for experiential learning.

  Upon completion, participants will:

• Gain practical tools to assess industry forces, market opportunities, and internal strengths
• Learn to set strategic goals, build growth plans, and respond to uncertainty
• Apply frameworks like SWOT, PESTLE, VRIO, Ansoff, and OKRs to real-life scenarios

Who should attend

• Business unit heads, analysts, and mid-level leaders involved in strategic planning
• Professionals transitioning into strategy roles or participating in decision-making teams
• Teams seeking a shared language and process for structured strategic thinking

Methodology

The program blends interactive lectures, small-group analysis, hands-on exercises, and a full-day capstone simulation. Participants work in teams to develop and pitch a real-time strategy for a fictional company using the full range of taught frameworks.

Trainer

Facilitated by a strategy consultant and former corporate planner with over 20 years of experience in business design and strategic transformation. The trainer brings practical insights from consulting, in-house leadership roles, and teaching executive programs across Asia.

Module – 1

Foundations of Strategic Thinking and Business Advantage.

• The meaning of business strategy vs. operational planning
• Strategic thinking as a mindset for long-term success
• Business vs. corporate vs. functional strategy
• How strategy creates sustainable competitive advantage

Module – 2

Scanning the Business Environment with PESTLE & SWOT.

• PESTLE framework for assessing macro-environmental factors
• SWOT analysis: how to diagnose strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats
• Real-world example walkthrough
• Hands-on activity: build your first PESTLE & SWOT matrix

Module – 3

Understanding Industry Dynamics and Competitive Forces.

• Porter’s Five Forces for industry competitiveness
• Strategic Group Mapping: where your firm stands
• Blue Ocean thinking: how to break out of red oceans
• Discussion: Market leader vs. challenger vs. niche strategies

Module – 4

Analyzing Internal Capabilities – From VRIO to Value Chains.

• VRIO Framework: resources as drivers of competitive edge
• Value Chain analysis to identify cost or value drivers
• Introduction to Resource-Based View (RBV) of the firm
• Application: mini-case on Apple Inc. or a local company

Module – 5

Strategy Tools for Growth and Innovation.

• Ansoff Matrix: market and product growth strategies
• BCG Matrix: portfolio planning for cash cows and stars
• Innovation frameworks: product vs. process innovation
• Short activity: apply Ansoff to a familiar brand

Module – 6

Designing Strategic Goals and Scenario Plans.

• Writing effective vision, mission, and strategy goals
• SMART and stretch goals
• Scenario Planning basics: preparing for uncertainty
• Scenario activity: create two alternative paths for a business

Module – 7

From Strategy to Execution – Making Strategy Stick.

• OKRs: linking objectives to results
• Aligning structure and resources to strategy
• Budgeting and prioritization techniques
• Execution challenges and the role of leadership

Module – 8                                               

Lab – Group Simulation and Feedback.

• Teams receive a fictional company brief
• Use analysis tools (SWOT, PESTLE, VRIO, Ansoff) to craft a strategy
• Present strategic pitch to peers/instructors
• Feedback & reflections on decision-making and trade-offs