Details
Strong operational planning is what turns strategy into results. Operational Planning Essentials for Managers equips managers with practical tools to develop clear operational strategies, create actionable plans, and monitor performance effectively. The course focuses on aligning daily activities with organisational goals, managing resources efficiently, and using performance measures to track progress and take corrective action. By mastering operational planning and execution, participants gain the confidence to improve efficiency, accountability, and consistent delivery within their teams and departments.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the role of operational planning within the broader organisational strategy
- Develop operational strategies that align with strategic and tactical goals
- Set clear goals and SMART objectives for a unit or department
- Develop detailed operational plans with tasks, timelines, resources, and KPIs
- Implement operational plans effectively through communication and integration into daily work
- Manage physical, human, and financial resources responsibly
- Monitor performance using KPIs and control systems
- Evaluate results and apply corrective actions to improve operational outcomes
Delivery Methods
| Delivery Method | Duration | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Days | Get a Quote | ||
| 3 Days | Get a Quote |
Discounts Available
Brochure:
Audience
- Aspiring and first-time managers
- Supervisors and team leaders
- Middle and operational managers
- Department and unit heads
- Project and operations managers
- Managers responsible for targets, resources, and performance
Pre-Requisites
Learners should have:
- Communication skills equivalent to NQF Level 4
- Mathematical literacy equivalent to NQF Level 4
- Basic computer literacy equivalent to NQF Level 4
Course Outline / Curriculum
Developing an Operational Strategy
- Planning as a core management function that links current performance to future goals
- Levels of planning:
- Strategic planning by senior management
- Tactical planning by middle management
- Operational planning by supervisors and unit managers
- Importance of aligning operational strategies with organisational strategy
- Defining goals as broad desired outcomes and objectives as SMART targets
- Involving stakeholders to build commitment and reduce resistance
Developing an Operational Plan
- Differences between strategic and operational plans in scope and timeframe
- Key components of an operational plan:
- Tasks and activities
- Responsible roles
- Timelines and deadlines
- Financial and other resource requirements
- Performance indicators
- Validating plan measures against customer requirements and performance standards
- Including monitoring systems to track progress and identify variances
Implementing the Operational Plan
Communicating the plan clearly through meetings, training, and leadership channels
Breaking the plan into work schedules and daily tasks
Managing physical, human, and financial resources effectively
Applying preventive and detective controls to maintain compliance and efficiency
Monitoring, Measuring, and Evaluating Results
- Using KPIs to track performance and identify trends
- Conducting objective performance reviews aligned with operational goals
- Implementing corrective actions when targets are not met
- Evaluating team and individual performance based on actual results
Schedule Dates and Booking
There are currently no scheduled dates.