Course in Strategy Formulation, Goal Setting, and Policy Development

In today’s dynamic and complex environment, organizations must adopt a structured and thoughtful approach to defining their strategic direction. Without a clear strategy, well-defined goals, and cohesive policies, institutions risk falling into disorganized operations and missed opportunities.
This is where Geneva Institute of Business Administration steps in, offering the specialized program “Strategy Formulation, Goal Setting, and Policy Development”. This course is designed to equip participants with the conceptual understanding and practical tools required to articulate effective strategies, establish aligned goals, and formulate guiding policies that support institutional vision and sustainable success.

Target Group

• Executive leaders responsible for shaping organizational direction.

• Strategic planning and performance development officers.

• Department heads and unit managers involved in policy and goal execution.

• Policy analysts and those tasked with creating organizational guidelines.

• Personnel engaged in updating strategic and operational plans.

• Professionals in quality, institutional development, and corporate planning.

Objectives

• Familiarize participants with strategic formulation principles and their practical applications.

• Enable the creation of structured and realistic institutional goals aligned with the broader vision.

• Provide tools for drafting coherent and actionable organizational policies.

• Build the ability to logically connect vision, strategy, goals, and policies into one unified framework.

• Strengthen skills in distinguishing between various types of goals and policy scopes.

• Guide participants in crafting structured strategic documents ready for implementation.

• Support participants in designing strategic maps that visualize planning elements.

• Encourage critical thinking in identifying and shaping viable strategic options.

Course Outline 

• Introduction to Strategic Thinking and Vision Formulation

  • The distinction between operational and strategic thinking.

  • The role of a compelling vision in organizational planning.

  • Steps to developing an inspiring and realistic future vision.

  • Key characteristics of an effective vision and methods of review.

• Crafting the Mission Statement and Defining Organizational Values

  • Building a mission that reflects the institution’s core purpose.

  • Aligning the mission with internal and external stakeholders.

  • The importance of values in guiding institutional behavior.

  • Embedding values into policies and daily operations.

• Analyzing Current Situation and Identifying Strategic Areas

  • Conducting internal and external environmental assessments.

  • Pinpointing gaps and performance challenges.

  • Using analysis outcomes to define strategic priorities.

  • Linking situational analysis to key performance indicators.

• Formulating Strategic Directions and Pillars

  • Understanding strategic directions as long-term commitments.

  • Identifying main pillars that support strategic execution.

  • Prioritizing strategic themes based on impact and urgency.

  • Writing clear and purpose-driven strategic statements.

• Setting Strategic and Operational Goals

  • Classifying goals into broad, measurable, and actionable levels.

  • Applying SMART criteria for goal formulation.

  • Aligning goals with expected institutional outcomes.

  • Establishing timelines and benchmarks for goal achievement.

• Aligning Goals with Vision and Mission

  • Reviewing goals in light of organizational aspirations.

  • Assessing coherence between long-term direction and goal content.

  • Adapting goals based on environmental or internal changes.

  • Ensuring inclusiveness and relevance across all departments.

• Developing Institutional Policies

  • Defining policies and their significance in structured governance.

  • Types of policies (financial, administrative, operational, behavioral).

  • Key elements of effective and consistent policy formulation.

  • Incorporating policies into operational manuals and systems.

• Linking Policies with Strategic Implementation

  • Policies as instruments of coordination and regulation.

  • Translating strategic goals into actionable steps through policies.

  • Ensuring resource alignment with policy requirements.

  • Reviewing and updating policies to ensure continued relevance.

• Structuring the Strategic Plan Document

  • Main components of a complete strategic plan.

  • Logical sequencing from vision to actions and performance measures.

  • Integrating KPIs, initiatives, and execution frameworks.

  • Drafting a professional strategic document ready for execution.

• Mechanisms for Approving and Activating the Strategy

  • Submitting the plan for institutional endorsement.

  • Converting strategic plans into executable work programs.

  • Delegating roles and assigning accountability structures.

  • Scheduling implementation phases and performance tracking.