The Need for Organizations to Think Strategically
In this complex time, full of constant changes and challenges, organizations need effective leaders with the capacity to plan for the future. Leaders need to plan in a strategic way that so that their institutions will be able to adapt to changes and meet the needs of their target populations. In order to support managers and their teams throughout the process of creating strategic plans, the Leadership, Management, and Sustainability Program (LMS) in Management for Sciences Health (MSH) has designed the Virtual Strategic Planning Program (VSPP).
Program Objectives and Overview
The goal of the VSPP is to lead management teams of participating organizations through the four stages of strategic planning while enriching the experience of participants through sharing information with other teams and the facilitators. At the end of the program, each team will have a complete strategic plan. Each module is structured with a theoretical framework, individual readings, exercises, group work, and exchange between participants and the facilitators through the website’s virtual classroom and email. The intended result of the VSPP is that each participating team will develop a strategic plan. The facilitators will support the teams in the creation of their strategic plans, answering questions, and giving suggestions.
Teams should consist of six to ten representative members including the executive directors and other senior managers from different areas of the organization or program. Teams should consider the possibility of including representatives from diverse management levels and members of the board of directors.
How will participants benefit?
During the program, the organization’s mission and vision will be reviewed, teams will analyze their current situation, and they will define strategic objectives and strategies to achieve their organizational vision. They will determine the mechanisms necessary to meet their objectives and implement new strategies, as well as how to link the strategic plan to their operational plan. Additionally, the participants will strengthen their ability to plan and to think strategically.
