“Management’s most fundamental responsibility is the appropriate allocation of scarce resources”

What is strategic planning?

CIS strategic planning focuses an organisation’s direction through a process of analysis and evaluation, addressing both external environment and internal constraints. The aim is to determine the most efficient allocation of resources to drive the organisation forward. Outcomes include the development of a Strategic Plan and supporting Implementation Plan.

Why use CIS?

Organisations typically engage CIS to assist them with strategic planning because:

• We provide an experienced outsider’s perspective on the organisation’s direction;
• We have a simple but effective methodology that provides clarity around decisions made and how they will be implemented;
• Through our process, management gain a better understanding of their business and its strategy;
• The process promotes innovation as new ideas are captured and screened; and
• Our involvement helps ensure the process is completed on time and in an efficient manner.

Our approach

CIS has a flexible five-stage, non-theoretical approach to strategic planning, with a focus on achieving outcomes. The key elements are:

1. Analyse: Background investigations are completed to understand the competitive environment, industry dynamics and internal constraints.
2. Assess: The team will work through background investigations to organise information and identify areas of focus
3. Plan: Information is used to guide decisions and commitments around improving performance with initiatives assigned to specific individuals. Usually conducted off-site with a team incorporating senior management and other key staff.
4. Do: Staff receive an internal Communication Plan which outlines the organisation’s broad direction and how staff activities are tied to the future direction of the company. Owners begin working and completing assigned initiatives.
5. Verify and Assess: The implemented initiatives are monitored to ensure desired outcomes are being met and areas for further development are identified. The plan is changed accordingly.