This course explores key principles of strategic planning and decision‑making that apply to any type of organisation. You’ll learn how businesses work with stakeholders, manage risk and competition, and position their products effectively. Building on concepts from Strategy: Introduction, it focuses on practical application. It’s ideal for anyone working in - or aspiring to work in - business management.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Start Date:16 Oct 2026
End Date:23 Oct 2026
Fri (Daytime):10:30 - 16:30
Choose either online or in-person
Location: Hybrid (choose either online or in-person)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
In this course you will learn more principles of strategic planning and strategic decision-making processes which can be applied to any organisation (Private, Public, NFP, Start Up). Organisations need to understand how to work with key stakeholders, manage risk, competition and how to position their products. This interactive course builds on themes discussed in “Strategy: Introduction”- introducing more key concepts but with an application focus. The course suits anyone who works or would like to work in business management.
What will we cover?
Know your stakeholders • How to understand key people linked with your business and how to handle them effectively • Stakeholder analysis/Mendelow's matrix
Managing Risk • What is risk? • What is internal control and governance? • Key points and essential mitigation checklists for organisations
Managing Competition • How organisations navigate through fierce competition to enhance their competitive advantage • Porter's 5 forces • Cost leadership/ Differentiation/ Focus • Benchmarking • Ansoff model
Products and Pricing • How do organisations manage their product/service portfolio? How do organisations go about pricing effectively? • BCG Matrix and product lifecycle • How to price effectively - pricing strategies for products.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Run a strategic planning process • Analyse the market and define the strategic environment • Create focus to the organization efforts • Set the company direction • Compare tactical and strategic decisions • Establish priorities • Plan to avoid pitfalls.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This interactive course builds on “Strategy: Introduction” and will be delivered with theory and a chance to apply the models to your own organisation.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught through tutor demonstration and presentations, practical exercises, and applying the skills taught.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no other costs.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit offers a variety of progression courses in this subject area. Please click here to view our business skills courses. Disclaimer: Use of Third-Party Software This course might require you to either use your own personal account or create an account for the purposes of this course. City Lit cannot accept any responsibility for any failings of the third party or provide technical support. Whilst using the software you will be responsible for abiding by the providers terms and conditions and maintaining your own work.
Vina Theodorakopoulou is a passionate advocate at the intersection of technology, business and society. With a rich background including a PhD in behavioural economics and over 25 years in financial and professional services, she wears many hats: social entrepreneur, podcaster, multilingual educator and dedicated teacher at CityLit. Vina believes in shaping today’s workplace while paving the way for tomorrow’s. Her active allyship for accessible digital skills, financial literacy and lifelong learning fosters belonging and fuels collective progress. At CityLit, she teaches a range of thought-provoking subjects including Ethics in AI, Philosophy & Societal Purpose, History of Global Capitalism, Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies, Sustainability, as well as Modern Languages, encouraging learners to embrace communication as a tool for empowerment and cross-cultural connection. Beyond the classroom, Vina writes thought leadership articles exploring neurodiversity, the future of work, and the strength of individual purpose. In her spare time, she teaches dance and coaches Kids First rugby, embodying a values-driven life of polymathy, energy and community.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/master-strategic-planning-and-decision-making3031378Master strategic planning and decision-makinghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/an-introduction-to-project-management-cptpm03-1024.jpg259259GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Business & marketing/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Business & marketing/Business skills22851211122916351228512111229<p>This course explores key principles of strategic planning and decision‑making that apply to any type of organisation. You’ll learn how businesses work with stakeholders, manage risk and competition, and position their products effectively. Building on concepts from Strategy: Introduction, it focuses on practical application. It’s ideal for anyone working in - or aspiring to work in - business management.</p>003031273Master strategic planning and decision-making259259https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/an-introduction-to-project-management-cptpm03-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeFriHybrid (choose either online or in-person)Available courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-10-16T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceOct 2026Business, marketing & technologyCSTR05259259Master strategic planning and decision-making207168259Vina Theodorakopouloumaster-strategic-planning-and-decision-making/cstr05-2627<p>This course explores key principles of strategic planning and decision‑making that apply to any type of organisation. You’ll learn how businesses work with stakeholders, manage risk and competition, and position their products effectively. Building on concepts from Strategy: Introduction, it focuses on practical application. It’s ideal for anyone working in - or aspiring to work in - business management.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-16 00:00:00<p>In this course you will learn more principles of strategic planning and strategic decision-making processes which can be applied to any organisation (Private, Public, NFP, Start Up). Organisations need to understand how to work with key stakeholders, manage risk, competition and how to position their products. This interactive course builds on themes discussed in “Strategy: Introduction”- introducing more key concepts but with an application focus.<br>The course suits anyone who works or would like to work in business management.<br></p><p>This course explores key principles of strategic planning and decision‑making that apply to any type of organisation. You’ll learn how businesses work with stakeholders, manage risk and competition, and position their products effectively. Building on concepts from Strategy: Introduction, it focuses on practical application. It’s ideal for anyone working in - or aspiring to work in - business management.</p><p>Know your stakeholders<br>• How to understand key people linked with your business and how to handle them effectively<br>• Stakeholder analysis/Mendelow's matrix<br><br>Managing Risk<br>• What is risk?<br>• What is internal control and governance?<br>• Key points and essential mitigation checklists for organisations<br><br>Managing Competition<br>• How organisations navigate through fierce competition to enhance their competitive advantage<br>• Porter's 5 forces<br>• Cost leadership/ Differentiation/ Focus<br>• Benchmarking<br>• Ansoff model<br><br>Products and Pricing<br>• How do organisations manage their product/service portfolio? How do organisations go about pricing effectively?<br>• BCG Matrix and product lifecycle<br>• How to price effectively - pricing strategies for products.<br></p>• Run a strategic planning process<br>• Analyse the market and define the strategic environment<br>• Create focus to the organization efforts<br>• Set the company direction<br>• Compare tactical and strategic decisions<br>• Establish priorities<br>• Plan to avoid pitfalls.<p>This interactive course builds on “Strategy: Introduction” and will be delivered with theory and a chance to apply the models to your own organisation.</p>You will be taught through tutor demonstration and presentations, practical exercises, and applying the skills taught.There are no other costs.<p>City Lit offers a variety of progression courses in this subject area. Please click <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/wysiwyg/pdf/New_Business_Management_Courses.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> here</a> to view our business skills courses.<br>Disclaimer: Use of Third-Party Software<br>This course might require you to either use your own personal account or create an account for the purposes of this course. City Lit cannot accept any responsibility for any failings of the third party or provide technical support. Whilst using the software you will be responsible for abiding by the providers terms and conditions and maintaining your own work.</p>Business & marketingBusiness skillsvirtual3043705Master strategic planning and decision-making259259https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/an-introduction-to-project-management-cptpm03-1024.jpgInStockEveningThuHybrid (choose either online or in-person)Available courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2027-01-28T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceJan 2027Business, marketing & technologyCSTR02259259Master strategic planning and decision-making207168259Vina Theodorakopouloumaster-strategic-planning-and-decision-making/cstr02-2627<p>This course explores key principles of strategic planning and decision‑making that apply to any type of organisation. You’ll learn how businesses work with stakeholders, manage risk and competition, and position their products effectively. Building on concepts from Strategy: Introduction, it focuses on practical application. It’s ideal for anyone working in - or aspiring to work in - business management.</p>0000-Available|2027-01-28 00:00:00<p>In this course you will learn more principles of strategic planning and strategic decision-making processes which can be applied to any organisation (Private, Public, NFP, Start Up). Organisations need to understand how to work with key stakeholders, manage risk, competition and how to position their products. This interactive course builds on themes discussed in “Strategy: Introduction”- introducing more key concepts but with an application focus.<br>The course suits anyone who works or would like to work in business management.<br></p><p>This course explores key principles of strategic planning and decision‑making that apply to any type of organisation. You’ll learn how businesses work with stakeholders, manage risk and competition, and position their products effectively. Building on concepts from Strategy: Introduction, it focuses on practical application. It’s ideal for anyone working in - or aspiring to work in - business management.</p><p>Know your stakeholders<br>• How to understand key people linked with your business and how to handle them effectively<br>• Stakeholder analysis/Mendelow's matrix<br><br>Managing Risk<br>• What is risk?<br>• What is internal control and governance?<br>• Key points and essential mitigation checklists for organisations<br><br>Managing Competition<br>• How organisations navigate through fierce competition to enhance their competitive advantage<br>• Porter's 5 forces<br>• Cost leadership/ Differentiation/ Focus<br>• Benchmarking<br>• Ansoff model<br><br>Products and Pricing<br>• How do organisations manage their product/service portfolio? How do organisations go about pricing effectively?<br>• BCG Matrix and product lifecycle<br>• How to price effectively - pricing strategies for products.<br></p>• Run a strategic planning process<br>• Analyse the market and define the strategic environment<br>• Create focus to the organization efforts<br>• Set the company direction<br>• Compare tactical and strategic decisions<br>• Establish priorities<br>• Plan to avoid pitfalls.<p>This interactive course builds on “Strategy: Introduction” and will be delivered with theory and a chance to apply the models to your own organisation.</p>You will be taught through tutor demonstration and presentations, practical exercises, and applying the skills taught.There are no other costs.<p>City Lit offers a variety of progression courses in this subject area. Please click <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/wysiwyg/pdf/New_Business_Management_Courses.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> here</a> to view our business skills courses.<br>Disclaimer: Use of Third-Party Software<br>This course might require you to either use your own personal account or create an account for the purposes of this course. City Lit cannot accept any responsibility for any failings of the third party or provide technical support. Whilst using the software you will be responsible for abiding by the providers terms and conditions and maintaining your own work.</p>Business & marketingBusiness skillsvirtual207259168CSTR05,CSTR02NONEFri,Thu16/10/26 - 23/10/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:302 sessions (over 2 weeks)21 to 4 weeksDaytime,EveningWeekdayHybridHybrid (choose either online or in-person)Vina TheodorakopoulouBeginners, Some experienceAvailable courses2026-10-16T00:00:00+00:00,2027-01-28T00:00:00+00:00Oct 2026,Jan 2027Business, marketing & technology259259Master strategic planning and decision-makingmaster-strategic-planning-and-decision-making/cstr05-2627,master-strategic-planning-and-decision-making/cstr02-2627<p>This course explores key principles of strategic planning and decision‑making that apply to any type of organisation. You’ll learn how businesses work with stakeholders, manage risk and competition, and position their products effectively. Building on concepts from Strategy: Introduction, it focuses on practical application. It’s ideal for anyone working in - or aspiring to work in - business management.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-16 00:00:00<p>In this course you will learn more principles of strategic planning and strategic decision-making processes which can be applied to any organisation (Private, Public, NFP, Start Up). Organisations need to understand how to work with key stakeholders, manage risk, competition and how to position their products. This interactive course builds on themes discussed in “Strategy: Introduction”- introducing more key concepts but with an application focus.<br>The course suits anyone who works or would like to work in business management.<br></p><p>This course explores key principles of strategic planning and decision‑making that apply to any type of organisation. You’ll learn how businesses work with stakeholders, manage risk and competition, and position their products effectively. Building on concepts from Strategy: Introduction, it focuses on practical application. It’s ideal for anyone working in - or aspiring to work in - business management.</p><p>Know your stakeholders<br>• How to understand key people linked with your business and how to handle them effectively<br>• Stakeholder analysis/Mendelow's matrix<br><br>Managing Risk<br>• What is risk?<br>• What is internal control and governance?<br>• Key points and essential mitigation checklists for organisations<br><br>Managing Competition<br>• How organisations navigate through fierce competition to enhance their competitive advantage<br>• Porter's 5 forces<br>• Cost leadership/ Differentiation/ Focus<br>• Benchmarking<br>• Ansoff model<br><br>Products and Pricing<br>• How do organisations manage their product/service portfolio? How do organisations go about pricing effectively?<br>• BCG Matrix and product lifecycle<br>• How to price effectively - pricing strategies for products.<br></p>• Run a strategic planning process<br>• Analyse the market and define the strategic environment<br>• Create focus to the organization efforts<br>• Set the company direction<br>• Compare tactical and strategic decisions<br>• Establish priorities<br>• Plan to avoid pitfalls.<p>This interactive course builds on “Strategy: Introduction” and will be delivered with theory and a chance to apply the models to your own organisation.</p>You will be taught through tutor demonstration and presentations, practical exercises, and applying the skills taught.There are no other costs.<p>City Lit offers a variety of progression courses in this subject area. Please click <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/wysiwyg/pdf/New_Business_Management_Courses.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> here</a> to view our business skills courses.<br>Disclaimer: Use of Third-Party Software<br>This course might require you to either use your own personal account or create an account for the purposes of this course. City Lit cannot accept any responsibility for any failings of the third party or provide technical support. Whilst using the software you will be responsible for abiding by the providers terms and conditions and maintaining your own work.</p>Business & marketingBusiness skillsconfigurable
