Connected Planning in Action from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Connected Planning in Action

Planning is not just an annual top-down strategy and budgeting exercise. To adapt in a fast-paced world, successful organizations realize that real-time planning activities must happen throughout the organization on an ongoing basis. 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 to some examples of how Connected Planning is changing the way companies do business.

A Framework for Connected Planning

In this module, we start with an exploration of how Connected Planning bridges the critical gap that organizations so often face between strategic planning and day-to-day execution of the business. We then cover some key Connected Planning terminology for the course and use it to present a framework for understanding how Connected Planning can be put into action across different functions and planning processes within an organization.

Connected Planning in the Finance Function

This week, you'll explore ways in which Connected Planning is being implemented within the Finance function of an organization. After an overview of Finance's current and emerging role, we'll cover five key Connected Planning use cases for Finance. For each one, we'll explain the use case, who is involved in executing its planning processes, the value Connected Planning offers, and one or more real-life case studies.

Connected Planning in the Sales Function

In this module, you'll explores ways in which Connected Planning is being implemented within the Sales function of an organization. After an overview of the role of Sales, we'll cover six key Connected Planning use cases for Sales. For each one, we'll explain the use case, who is involved in executing its planning processes, the value Connected Planning offers, and one or more real-life case studies.

Connected Planning in the Supply Chain Function

In this module, you'll explores ways in which Connected Planning is being implemented within the Supply Chain function of an organization. After an overview of the role of Supply Chain, we'll cover four key Connected Planning use cases for Supply Chain. For each one, we'll explain the use case, who is involved in executing its planning processes, the value Connected Planning offers, and one or more real-life case studies.

Connected Planning in the Human Resources Function

In this module, you'll explores ways in which Connected Planning is being implemented within the Human Resources function of an organization. After an overview of the role of Human Resources, we'll cover three key Connected Planning use cases for Human Resources. For each one, we'll explain the use case, who is involved in executing its planning processes, the value Connected Planning offers, and one or more real-life case studies.

Value Chain View

In this module, we'll take a step back from individual functional groups within an organization and look at how Connected Planning helps deliver organizational value by linking use cases within and across functions. A Value Chain captures a series of planning processes that are commonly linked in support of a strategic imperative. We'll explore some common Connected Planning Value Chains and the strategic imperatives that they support.

Connected Planning and You Project

Each organization's Connected Planning journey is customized to their business model and their unique needs. While an organization can start with any use case, there should be a logical order to their journey. The final requirements for this course are to complete and submit a project and to complete a peer review for two other learners' projects. In this project you will design a customized implementation journey or Value Chain for the organization where you currently work (or most recently worked). If you do not have experience working in an organization, you will need to interview someone about their organization to complete the project.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores Connected Planning, a growing standard in the business and finance space

Instructed by Linda Scott and LA Foster, both recognized business thought leaders

Covers a wide range of Connected Planning applications for Finance, Sales, Supply Chain, and Human Resources

Delves into real-life case studies, offering practical insights

Highlights the cross-functional nature of Connected Planning, emphasizing its broad impact

Requires a project and peer review for completion, enhancing practical application

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 Connected Planning in Action with these activities:

Review project management fundamentals

Show steps

Refresh knowledge of core project management concepts to set a strong foundation for the Connected Planning course.

Browse courses on Planning

Show steps

Review project management cycle
Go over various types of project plans
Recall concepts of project feasibility

Attend webinars on best practices in Connected Planning

Show steps

Enhance knowledge by attending webinars from industry experts, gaining insights into best practices and success stories in Connected Planning implementation.

Browse courses on Connected Planning

Show steps

Identify relevant webinars and register
Attend webinars and take notes
Apply lessons learned to improve planning processes

Create a resource compilation on Connected Planning tools and technologies

Show steps

Organize and document available tools and technologies for Connected Planning, enhancing awareness and providing a reference for future use.

Browse courses on Connected Planning

Show steps

Research and identify relevant tools and technologies
Create a central repository or documentation
Categorize and annotate the resources

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Develop a Connected Planning implementation plan

Show steps

Create a comprehensive plan to implement Connected Planning within an organization, solidifying understanding of the approach and its benefits.

Browse courses on Connected Planning

Show steps

Identify key stakeholders and their roles
Document the current planning processes
Develop a roadmap for implementation
Create a communication plan

Facilitate a discussion group on Connected Planning use cases

Show steps

Engage in peer discussions to explore and understand real-world applications of Connected Planning in various functional areas.

Browse courses on Connected Planning

Show steps

Prepare discussion topics and questions
Lead the discussion and facilitate participation
Summarize key insights and takeaways

Run simulations using Connected Planning software

Show steps

Practice using Connected Planning software through simulations, fostering familiarity with its functionality and capabilities.

Browse courses on Connected Planning

Show steps

Set up scenarios for simulation
Run simulations to test different assumptions
Analyze results and make adjustments

Design a Connected Planning dashboard

Show steps

Develop a dashboard to visualize and monitor Connected Planning metrics, enhancing understanding of performance and progress.

Browse courses on Connected Planning

Show steps

Identify relevant metrics for tracking
Select appropriate visualization types
Create a user-friendly interface

Contribute to open-source Connected Planning projects

Show steps

Collaborate on open-source projects related to Connected Planning, gaining practical experience and deepening understanding of the technology.

Browse courses on Connected Planning

Show steps

Identify open-source projects to contribute to
Review codebase and identify areas for improvement
Submit pull requests and provide documentation

Career center

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

Management Consultant

Management Consultants advise clients on how to improve their management practices. They analyze organizational structures and processes. This course explores the ways in which organizations plan and execute management strategies. It may help a Management Consultant provide more insightful advice to clients as they consider the long-term ramifications of their management decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Operations Manager

Operations Managers plan and direct the operational activities of an organization. They must understand how to optimize resources and improve efficiency. This course explores the ways in which organizations plan and execute operational activities. It may help an Operations Manager identify and plan for areas of operational improvement.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Strategy Consultant

Strategy Consultants help companies develop and implement long-term strategies. They analyze industry trends and develop business plans. This course provides insight into the strategic planning process. It may help a Strategy Consultant provide more thoughtful advice to clients on strategic matters.

See salaries and explore the career path for Strategy Consultant

Business Consultant

Business Consultants advise clients on how to improve their businesses. They analyze business operations and identify areas for improvement. This course explores how organizations plan for and execute business strategies. It may help a Business Consultant provide more insightful advice to clients as they consider the long-term ramifications of their business decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Consultant

Supply Chain Manager

Supply Chain Managers oversee the flow and storage of goods and services. They ensure that goods are produced and delivered to customers efficiently. This course studies the ways in which companies plan and execute supply chain activities. It may help a Supply Chain Manager improve the efficiency of their own operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Supply Chain Manager

Executive

Executives are responsible for the overall success of an organization. They make strategic decisions and set the direction of the company. This course provides insight into the planning process at the executive level. It may help an Executive consider the long-term ramifications of their decisions as they make strategic and operational plans for their organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Executive

Project Manager

Project Managers lead and supervise projects. They work with individuals and teams to accomplish a goal. This course explains how to plan and execute projects across multiple teams. This is an essential skill for Project Managers to learn.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Sales Manager

Sales Managers lead teams that sell a company's products and services. They must understand how customers buy, plan sales strategies, and predict future sales. This course teaches about planning within a sales organization. It may be useful for a Sales Manager who wishes to improve the efficiency of their sales process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts evaluate and forecast the financial performance of companies. They study financial statements, economic conditions, and industry trends. This course provides an overview of planning in the finance function of organizations. It may help a Financial Analyst create more accurate financial forecasts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers plan and execute marketing campaigns. They study consumer behavior and market trends. This course provides real-life examples of how organizations plan and implement marketing strategies. It may help a Marketing Manager plan smarter, more effective marketing campaigns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business processes and identify areas for improvement. They use data to make recommendations to management. This course helps learners develop the skills needed to analyze business processes. It may help a Business Analyst make more insightful recommendations to management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data. They use data to identify trends and make predictions. This course provides an overview of data planning within an organization. It may help a Data Analyst plan and execute data analysis projects more effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers oversee all aspects of human resources and labor relations in an organization. They must understand how to plan for the future workforce. This course explores how companies plan human resource related activities. It may be useful for a Human Resources Manager as they consider their organization's long-term human resource goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Product Manager

Product Managers plan and develop new products. They research market needs and conduct user testing. This course provides insight into how organizations plan and execute product development activities. It may help a Product Manager create better products that meet the needs of the market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Financial Planner

Financial Planners advise their clients on planning for financial goals. They must understand how finance affects businesses and individuals. This course provides insight into how businesses strategically manage their finances. It may help a Financial Planner consider their clients' business finances in addition to personal finances.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Planner

Connected Planning in Action

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses