A one-day programme
This course is designed to empower participants with the knowledge and practical skills to select, interpret, and apply strategic management tools and models in real business contexts. Participants will also learn how to translate analytical outputs into persuasive, audience-ready strategic reports and presentations.
learning objectives
- Select and apply core strategic management tools
- Interpret tool outputs to identify strategic issues and options
- Structure and write clear, compelling strategic reports
- Create concise, executive-ready strategic presentation content
Expert trainer
Dr Ray Carter runs his own international training and development consultancy, specialising in procurement. A prolific author, his fourth book, Practical Contract Management, with Steve Kirby and Alan Oxenbury, was published in 2012. He has also had numerous articles and papers published in journals such as Supply Management and the Centre for Advanced Procurement’s Praxis publication.
Session outline
(9.30 – 16.00)
1. Introduction & strategy communication
- What strategy is and isn’t
- Why strategic tools matter
- The principles of strategic storytelling and report writing
- How to turn analysis into clear decision-ready insights
2. Writing strategic reports
- Identify the key strategic issues
- Provide evidence-based insights
- Recommend a course of action
- Justify the recommendation
- Present clear implementation steps
3. Core strategic tools (PESTLE, 5 Forces, SWOT)
- How to apply, interpret, and use these tools in strategic reporting and presentations
4. Internal analysis & options generation (VRIO, TOWS)
- Analyse internal strengths and weaknesses using VRIO
- Convert insights into strategic options using the TOWS matrix, turning analysis into actionable strategy
5. Appreciate the key negotiation skills of persuading and influencing to work with stakeholders and contractors to improve outcomes
- Compare, evaluate, and justify strategic options using the SAF model (Suitability, Acceptability, Feasibility) and simple risk assessment tools, enabling clear and defensible recommendations
6. Building strategic presentations
- Translate strategic reports into clear, concise, and persuasive executive presentations
