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Linda Scott and LA Foster

Effective planning isn’t just an annual top-down strategic planning and budgeting exercise. To adapt in the turbulent global economy, successful organizations plan in real-time, across the organization, at all times. By leveraging a Connected Planning approach and technology, organizations around the world are finding ways to not only survive, but thrive.

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Effective planning isn’t just an annual top-down strategic planning and budgeting exercise. To adapt in the turbulent global economy, successful organizations plan in real-time, across the organization, at all times. By leveraging a Connected Planning approach and technology, organizations around the world are finding ways to not only survive, but thrive.

In this course, you’ll explore examples of how Connected Planning transforms the way organizations do business. Using real-life case studies from the Finance, Sales, Supply Chain, and Human Resources functions, you’ll see a wide range of Connected Planning examples and benefits. Most significantly, Connected Planning is cross-functional, which generates even greater impact for an organization.

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

• Explain how Connected Planning provides the link between strategic planning and operational execution

• Describe a range of ways that organizations apply Connected Planning within and across functions

• 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 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.
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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

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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
Refresh knowledge of core project management concepts to set a strong foundation for the Connected Planning course.
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  • Review project management cycle
  • Go over various types of project plans
  • Recall concepts of project feasibility
Attend webinars on best practices in Connected Planning
Enhance knowledge by attending webinars from industry experts, gaining insights into best practices and success stories in Connected Planning implementation.
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  • 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
Organize and document available tools and technologies for Connected Planning, enhancing awareness and providing a reference for future use.
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  • Research and identify relevant tools and technologies
  • Create a central repository or documentation
  • Categorize and annotate the resources
Five other activities
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Develop a Connected Planning implementation plan
Create a comprehensive plan to implement Connected Planning within an organization, solidifying understanding of the approach and its benefits.
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  • 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
Engage in peer discussions to explore and understand real-world applications of Connected Planning in various functional areas.
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  • Prepare discussion topics and questions
  • Lead the discussion and facilitate participation
  • Summarize key insights and takeaways
Run simulations using Connected Planning software
Practice using Connected Planning software through simulations, fostering familiarity with its functionality and capabilities.
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  • Set up scenarios for simulation
  • Run simulations to test different assumptions
  • Analyze results and make adjustments
Design a Connected Planning dashboard
Develop a dashboard to visualize and monitor Connected Planning metrics, enhancing understanding of performance and progress.
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  • Identify relevant metrics for tracking
  • Select appropriate visualization types
  • Create a user-friendly interface
Contribute to open-source Connected Planning projects
Collaborate on open-source projects related to Connected Planning, gaining practical experience and deepening understanding of the technology.
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  • 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Reading list

We've selected seven 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 Connected Planning in Action.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the concepts and practices of corporate performance management, with a focus on the alignment of strategy, measurement, and improvement. It offers a valuable framework for understanding how organizations can use connected planning to improve their performance.
This classic book provides a comprehensive overview of the planning and control process in organizations. It offers a practical framework for understanding how organizations can use connected planning to improve their decision-making and performance.
Provides a quick reference guide to 100 tools for improving quality and speed. It offers valuable insights into how organizations can use connected planning to improve their processes and performance.
Provides a practical guide to using the lean startup methodology to build and launch successful businesses. It offers a valuable framework for understanding how organizations can use connected planning to iterate and improve their products and services.
Provides a practical guide to using the HR scorecard to measure and manage HR performance. It offers valuable insights into how organizations can use connected planning to align their HR goals and objectives with their business strategy.
Provides a classic framework for understanding how organizations can avoid the innovator's dilemma and successfully launch new products and services. It offers a valuable perspective on the challenges of connected planning in a rapidly changing business environment.
This popular book provides a practical guide to leadership. It offers valuable insights into how leaders can use connected planning to build strong teams and achieve their goals.

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