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Overview of Connected Planning

Connected Planning is a technology-enabled approach to business planning that transforms the way organizations use their data, people, and plans. Decision makers, and ultimately the entire organization, plan and pivot with confidence when faced with changes, whether in an organization, the marketplace, or even the global economy.

From this Introduction to Connected Planning, you’ll understand its history in business modeling and scenario planning, the trends that make it essential to business success today, and the measurable impact that Connected Planning has had on organizations.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

• Describe the key characteristics of Connected Planning

• Understand the history of Connected Planning and its roots in business modeling and scenario planning

• Explain why current events and trends are leading many organizations to adopt Connected Planning

• Articulate the benefits of Connected Planning

This course is presented by Anaplan, provider of a leading technology platform that is purpose-built for Connected Planning.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Overview of Connected Planning

The world in which we live and work is full of change, uncertainty, and opportunity. By leveraging a Connected Planning approach and technology, organizations around the world are finding ways to not only survive, but thrive. In this short lesson, we'll introduce you to the course and reflect on what it takes for business to plan and adapt in disruptive times to meet the needs of the moment while continuing to work towards long-term goals.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops planning skills, which are core skills for roles like the Chief Planning Officer

Explores Connected Planning, which is standard in the business modeling and scenario planning industry

Taught by Linda Scott and LA Foster, who are recognized for their work in business planning and modeling

Teaches Connected Planning, which helps learners bridge the gap between strategic plans and operational execution

Provides hands-on labs and interactive materials, making it a practical learning experience

Presented by Anaplan, a leading technology platform for Connected Planning

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Reviews summary

Strategic insights into connected planning

According to students, this course offers a clear and concise overview of Connected Planning, providing strategic insights and a strong foundational understanding for business and finance professionals. Learners found the content highly relevant to current business trends and appreciated the exploration of its measurable impact and benefits. While praised for its well-structured modules and knowledgeable instructor, some students noted it remains a high-level, conceptual introduction rather than providing deep practical implementation details or software-specific training, making it ideal for those seeking a strategic understanding of the 'why' behind Connected Planning.

Course content prominently features Anaplan's platform.

"Some parts felt a bit like a sales pitch for Anaplan, but it's understandable given who publishes it."

"It's an Anaplan course, so expect it to promote Anaplan. The information is high-level and serves as a good marketing tool."

A final project allows for real-world application of concepts.

"The project, though requiring external info, was a great way to apply the concepts to my own organization."

"The project was thought-provoking and helped consolidate learning."

Highly relevant for business and finance professionals.

"As a finance professional, I found the explanation of how it integrates data, people, and plans to be highly relevant."

"The focus on real-world application and current business trends was excellent. I appreciated the practical insights..."

"I'd say it's essential for anyone involved in business strategy."

Focuses on theory and concepts, not deep implementation.

"I felt it lacked practical examples beyond the theoretical. It heavily emphasizes the 'why' but less of the 'how'."

"If you're looking for specifics on implementing Connected Planning or using Anaplan, this isn't it. It's very high-level."

"It won't teach you specific planning models or software usage. It's more about the general idea."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Overview of Connected Planning with these activities:

Understand basic overview of business planning

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Review basic overview of business planning to prepare for this course by understanding the scope and fundamentals of business planning.

Browse courses on Business Planning

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Read an article or blog post about the importance of business planning.
Watch a video about the different types of business plans.
Talk to a business owner or manager about their planning process.

Follow a guide to business data architecture

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Guided tutorials can help you build a strong foundation in data modeling, a crucial component of Connected Planning.

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Choose a reputable tutorial provider
Follow the tutorial step-by-step
Complete all exercises and assignments
Apply what you've learned to a project of your own

Create a glossary of Connected Planning terms

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Creating a glossary will help you solidify your understanding of the key concepts in Connected Planning.

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Review the course materials
Identify and define key terms
Organize the terms alphabetically or by category

One other activity

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all four activities

Practice scenario planning

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Practice drills can help you improve your ability to develop and execute scenario plans.

Browse courses on Scenario Planning

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Choose a scenario you want to plan for
Identify the key variables that could affect the scenario
Develop a plan for each possible outcome
Test your plan by simulating the scenario
Revise your plan based on the results of the simulation

Career center

Learners who complete Overview of Connected Planning will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Project Manager

Project Managers plan and execute projects to achieve specific goals. The Overview of Connected Planning course can help Project Managers develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role. The course provides an overview of the key characteristics of Connected Planning, its history, and its benefits. It also covers the three pillars of Connected Planning: data, people, and plans. This knowledge can help Project Managers to better understand the needs of their clients and to develop effective solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Technology Manager

Technology Managers plan and implement technology solutions to meet the needs of an organization. The Overview of Connected Planning course can help Technology Managers develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role. The course provides an overview of the key characteristics of Connected Planning, its history, and its benefits. It also covers the three pillars of Connected Planning: data, people, and plans. This knowledge can help Technology Managers to better understand the needs of their clients and to develop effective solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technology Manager

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts help organizations to make informed decisions about their financial future. The Overview of Connected Planning course can help Financial Analysts develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role. The course provides an overview of the key characteristics of Connected Planning, its history, and its benefits. It also covers the three pillars of Connected Planning: data, people, and plans. This knowledge can help Financial Analysts to better understand the needs of their clients and to develop effective solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Sales Manager

Sales Managers plan and execute sales strategies to achieve revenue goals. The Overview of Connected Planning course can help Sales Managers develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role. The course provides an overview of the key characteristics of Connected Planning, its history, and its benefits. It also covers the three pillars of Connected Planning: data, people, and plans. This knowledge can help Sales Managers to better understand the needs of their clients and to develop effective solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Operations Manager

Operations Managers plan and oversee the day-to-day operations of an organization. The Overview of Connected Planning course can help Operations Managers develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role. The course provides an overview of the key characteristics of Connected Planning, its history, and its benefits. It also covers the three pillars of Connected Planning: data, people, and plans. This knowledge can help Operations Managers to better understand the needs of their clients and to develop effective solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Strategy Consultant

Strategy Consultants help organizations to develop and execute strategies to achieve their goals. The Overview of Connected Planning course can help Strategy Consultants develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role. The course provides an overview of the key characteristics of Connected Planning, its history, and its benefits. It also covers the three pillars of Connected Planning: data, people, and plans. This knowledge can help Strategy Consultants to better understand the needs of their clients and to develop effective solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Strategy Consultant

Business Analyst

Business Analysts help organizations to improve their performance by identifying and solving business problems. The Overview of Connected Planning course can help Business Analysts develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role. The course provides an overview of the key characteristics of Connected Planning, its history, and its benefits. It also covers the three pillars of Connected Planning: data, people, and plans. This knowledge can help Business Analysts to better understand the needs of their clients and to develop effective solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Risk Manager

Risk Managers identify, assess, and manage risks to an organization. The Overview of Connected Planning course can help Risk Managers develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role. The course provides an overview of the key characteristics of Connected Planning, its history, and its benefits. It also covers the three pillars of Connected Planning: data, people, and plans. This knowledge can help Risk Managers to better understand the needs of their clients and to develop effective solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make better decisions. The Overview of Connected Planning course can help Data Analysts develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role. The course provides an overview of the key characteristics of Connected Planning, its history, and its benefits. It also covers the three pillars of Connected Planning: data, people, and plans. This knowledge can help Data Analysts to better understand the needs of their clients and to develop effective solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers plan and develop products to meet the needs of customers. The Overview of Connected Planning course can help Product Managers develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role. The course provides an overview of the key characteristics of Connected Planning, its history, and its benefits. It also covers the three pillars of Connected Planning: data, people, and plans. This knowledge can help Product Managers to better understand the needs of their clients and to develop effective solutions.

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Consultant

Consultants advise organizations on a wide range of issues, including business planning. The Overview of Connected Planning course can help Consultants develop the skills and knowledge needed to provide effective advice on this topic. The course provides an overview of the key characteristics of Connected Planning, its history, and its benefits. It also covers the three pillars of Connected Planning: data, people, and plans. This knowledge can help Consultants to better understand the needs of their clients and to develop effective solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

CIO

CIOs are responsible for the technology infrastructure of an organization. The Overview of Connected Planning course may be useful to CIOs who want to gain a better understanding of how they can use data, people, and plans to achieve their goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for CIO

CFO

CFOs are responsible for the financial performance of an organization. The Overview of Connected Planning course may be useful to CFOs who want to gain a better understanding of how they can use data, people, and plans to achieve their goals.

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Board Member

Board Members oversee the governance of an organization. The Overview of Connected Planning course may be useful to Board Members who want to gain a better understanding of how organizations can use data, people, and plans to achieve their goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Board Member

CEO

CEOs are responsible for the overall performance of an organization. The Overview of Connected Planning course may be useful to CEOs who want to gain a better understanding of how they can use data, people, and plans to achieve their goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for CEO

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Overview of Connected Planning.

Judgement and Choice: Perspectives on the Work of...

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Explores the cognitive biases that can lead to poor planning. It valuable read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges of planning and how to overcome them.

Overview of Connected Planning

Two deals to help you save

What's inside

Syllabus

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Save this course

Reviews summary

Strategic insights into connected planning

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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