Bok SPP Spa Level I 2010

ASSOCIATION FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
THINK—PLAN—ACT
Self Assessment Workbook: Level I
The Association for Strategic Planning’s
Body of Knowledge
For Certifying
Strategic Planning Professionals (SPP)
and
Strategic Planning Apprentices (SPA)
BEST PRACTICES
THINK—PLAN—ACT
Copyright ©2010 by
Association for Strategic Planning’s Body of Knowledge Component for Certifying

Strategic Planning Professionals and Strategic Management Professionals
Library of Congress Control Number: xxxxxxxxxxxxx

ISBN: xxxxxxxxxx
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from
The Association for Strategic Planning. 12021 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 286, Los Angeles, CA 90025-1200. Phone: 877-816-2080 Fax:
323-954-0507 Email: [email protected].
Professionalism
“Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.”
—Lord Chesterfield
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Association for Strategic Planning—All Rights Reserved, March 24, 2010 2
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This Body of Knowledge Level I workbook was designed by the Association for Strategic Planning Core and
Extended Core Program Teams.
This Body of Knowledge Level I workbook was designed and produced by Joyce Evans, Manager of Products and
Services of the Haines Centre for Strategic Management.
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Program Introduction
A vision and mission were the starting point for the Association for Strategic Planning’s development of this Body of Knowledge to guide the
professional certification of planning professionals in the United States as well as internationally. We hope that this becomes the world-wide
industry standard.
This document was developed by a Core Team of eight highly skilled ASP senior level professionals (names below) who were supported by an
Extended Team of 14 other senior level professionals.
Leanna Blackmon’s critical skills helped us in making it all come together.
We also are indebted to our corporate sponsors for their support for this vital project:
Delta Community Credit Union—Sundt Corporation
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission
Haines Centre for Strategic Management—Balanced Scorecard Institute
However, the data and opinions used in developing this document came from interviews we conducted with over 20 other planning certificate or
certification programs in both the private and academic sectors in keeping with the ASP overall mission of whom we serve. In addition we asked
for the ideal future vision from the ASP Chapters as well as the ASP Board of Directors and members of both our Core and Extended Teams. We
were pleased to have the opportunity at the ASP 2009 Annual Conference in San Diego for further critique and views on the details of this Body of
Knowledge.
Signed:
Terry Schmidt
Frank Mruk
Steve Haines
Sara Brann
Richard Condit
Jim McComb
Gail Aller-Stead
Tom Carter
Howard Rohm
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Table of Contents
“The Body of Knowledge leading to the competencies of the planning field”
I. Certification Program Process IV. Expectations and Model of the Strategic Planning Apprentice
II. Vision and Mission of this Certification Program V. Body of Knowledge Framework
III. Expectations and Model of the Level I Certification: Strategic Planning Professional
Level I Level II
Business Acumen Strategic Business Acumen
1. Lead 1. Strategic Leader
1.1 Personal Credibility 1.3 Planning Teamwork Note: The terminology
1.2 Interpersonal skills 1.4 Cross-Functional Teams used here applies to all
1.5 Organization-Wide kinds of organizations—
2. Think 2. Strategic Thinking private, public, military,
2.1 Content 2.4 Content and not-for-profit, as
2.2 Processes 2.5 Processes well as internal and
2.3 Infrastructures 2.6 Infrastructures external roles within
3. Plan 3. Strategic Planning those organizations.
3.1 Content 3.1 Content However, when terms
3.2 Processes 3.2 Processes such as “corporate” are
3.3 Infrastructures 3.3 Infrastructures used in this document,
4. Act 4. Strategic Action they are meant to apply
4.1 Content 4.4 Content to all these kinds of
4.2 Processes 4.5 Processes organizations.
4.3 Infrastructures 4.6 Infrastructures
5. Strategic Planning Professional Foundation 5. Strategic Management Professional Foundation
5.1 Professional Roles 5.2 Professional Roles
VI. Think—Plan—Act Bibliography

• Strategic Thinking • Strategic Planning • Strategic Action and Change
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Certification Program Process

Based on the vision and mission, the Strategic Planning Certification Credentials were developed with a number of components:
1. Market Needs—an extensive survey was conducted with ASP members regarding their wants, desires, and benefits of planning
certification. The results included a resounding “yes” to this need.
2. Best Practices Research—a detailed set of interviews were conducted with over 20 firms and universities to ensure a best
practice Body of Knowledge for the 21st Century. Also the certification development process itself included interviews and
process reviews with over 10 other excellent associations such as PMI, SHRM, ASTD, etc. so as not to reinvent the wheel.
3. Phase I—to develop a best practice Body of Knowledge in the Strategic Planning Field (embodying ASP’s Think—Plan—Act
mantra) for both Levels I and II below.
4. Phase II—to develop an ongoing certification process that would include these components
♦ Body of Knowledge exams with an ethics consideration
♦ Registered Educational Providers (REPs) to provide the education
♦ Independent governance structure
♦ An application process and criteria that take into account an applicant’s life, jobs, experiences and education
♦ Administrative support to run the day-day certification program for ASP
♦ Independent Testing Service
5. This project has been supported by extensive outreach and inclusiveness to everyone interested in this project, soliciting their
feedback, critiques, and recommendations to improve the result.
Results—Credentialing at these Levels of Professionalism
1. Strategic Planning Professionals (SPP)—Level I
2. Strategic Management Professionals (SMP)—Level II
3. Strategic Planning Apprentice (SPA) Designation
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Our Body of Knowledge represents current best practices in the field of Strategic Planning and is the result of
interviewing the best 20+ firms and advanced educational institutions we could collectively identify that teach
Strategic Planning in some form. In addition, we reviewed their course purposes, benefits, and agendas where
these existed.
These organizations were identified collectively by our seven Core Project Team Members and our roughly 20
Extended Team Members. We were able to identify everything that was being taught in 2008-09 that is relevant in
the 21st Century. This Body of Knowledge is what these many organizations, senior level professionals and faculty
members collectively believe represents a set of reasonable, common sense, and important knowledge about
Strategic Planning that if properly applied, would lead to significantly improved organizational results.
It is organized under the rubric of Think—Plan—Act that is the identity of our Association.
Since the first draft, this Body of Knowledge has undergone extensive review, critique, and revisions to represent a
consensus version of the desired knowledge required by successful practitioners, both within and outside of ASP.
Our final review will be with an Advisory Board of Pioneers consisting of the most distinguished professionals in
the field who are members of ASP. This will be the final check on our work and is part of the Pioneers developing
the two testing exams (questions and answers).
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Year 2012 Vision of this Certification Program

We have a rigorous and prestigious global level ASP Strategic Planning Body of Knowledge, and certification for individual planning
professionals (both ASP members and non-members).
This certification is recognized as the best in the Strategic Planning and Strategic Management Field, and is clearly distinguishable
from any other certification or certificate program.
Year 2010 Certification Program Vision Details

♦ This certification and its Body of Knowledge establish best practices and clear professional standards.
♦ The certification program is based upon objective criteria that covers the full set of knowledge associated with the Body of
Knowledge (BOK) of Think—Plan—Act in Strategic Planning.
♦ This certification recognizes expertise gained from appropriate life and work experiences.
♦ ASP’s BOK and certification process will be established using rigorous criteria, which include in keeping with the standards of the
national organizations that offer certification programs.
Year 2009-2012 Mission of this Certification Program

This certification program enables ASP members and non-members to become highly knowledgeable and skilled professionals in
Strategic Planning (Think-Plan-Act), and to be recognized as such.
2009-2012 Mission details
♦ To improve the quality of Strategic Planning as a profession. The field has a mixed reputation because many old traditional
practices are still followed that do not work well.
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Expectations and Rough Profiles for the Levels of ASP Certifications
I. LEVEL I—Strategic Planning Professional (SPP)
1. At least two years experience in a planning role or as a junior external consultant with a college degree.
2. Ethical, has integrity and knows how to keep things confidential.
3. Manager of themselves first, then able to collaborate with others.
4. Interpersonal leadership skills with executives on a one-one basis such as coaching, advising, etc.
5. An accomplished analyst in future environmental scanning and current state assessment (SWOT).
6. Excellent critical thinking skills and a basic understanding of strategic and systems thinking.
7. Frequently works with executives and their organizational units such as business unit heads or
managers/leaders of major staff units and their teams
8. Facilitates actions, execution, and implementation of the strategic and annual plans.
9. Has a working knowledge of change management and the processes and infra-structures that successful
change requires.
10. Demonstrated mastery of selected parts of this Body of Knowledge those REP Courses/PDUs.
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Strategic Planning Apprentice Designation
Expectations and Rough Profile for the designation of an ASP Strategic Planning Apprentice
(No Level/Certification)
1. No years experience necessary in a planning role or as a junior external consultant.
2. Someone just starting out in planning or transferring their career into planning from another discipline such as marketing,
finance, HR, or OD.
3. If a student, then in their last year of school (Undergraduate or Graduate degree) with the prospects of graduating within 12
months.
4. Does not need, and is not required to have Business Acumen yet.
5. Demonstrated mastery of the same selected parts of this Body of Knowledge as the current Level I (SPP) Strategic
Planning ProfessionalSM through passing the SPP Level Test Examination (ASP may grant scholarships for those in need).
6. Ethical, has integrity and knows how to keep things confidential based on two Character/Professional References.
7. Academic Transcripts to show their academic background and degrees obtained or expected in the next 12 months
8. Willingness and ability to be mentored and form an Apprentice with a more senior level Planner specifically identified and
provides them with a Letter of Reference.
9. Manager of themselves first, then able to collaborate with others.
10. Knowledge of interpersonal leadership skills with executives/managers on a one-one basis such as coaching, advising, etc.
11. Excellent critical thinking skills and a basic understanding of strategic thinking and systems thinking.
12. Understands how to facilitate actions, execution, and implementation of strategic and annual plans.
13. Expected to be come a Strategic Planning Professional within three years by submitting an application and has six
CEUs/90 PDUs from REPs/ASP (and re-taking exam) and paying the application and examination fees.
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BUSINESS ACUMEN
As we said in the Introduction, professional planners must also have a high degree of business acumen and technical/content
knowledge about the industry and sector in which they are working. However, this business acumen is not a simple and universal set of
Standards common to every organization.
Therefore, we have elected NOT to attempt to build a common set of business acumen standards, but rather have the Certification
Process include the applicant’s demonstration of this important factor in their life and career experiences.
Some of these business acumen areas might include, but are not limited to the following (illustrative only):
HOW DO YOU EVALUATE YOURSELF?

I. Executive Presence (L)ow (M)ed (H)igh Comments
Professionalism
Confidence with CEOs
Communication Skills—oral and written
HIGH TOTALS: /out of 3
II. Customer (L)ow (M)ed (H)igh Comments
Sales/Pricing
Marketing
Merchandising/Placement
Advertising/Promotion
Customer Service/Complaints
Information/Data
Branding
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III. Finances (L)ow (M)ed (H)igh Comments

Financial Analysis/reading Financial Statements
Accounting
Budgeting
Treasury/Cash Management
Capital Financing
Regulatory Compliance
Global Finance
Consumer Finance
Mortgage Banking
Insurance
Investment Banking
IV. Technology (L)ow (M)ed (H)igh Comments
Computers and IT
Telecommunications
Other Technology
Knowledge Management
Information Management
Research and Development
V. Products and Services (L)ow (M)ed (H)igh Comments
Engineering
Design of Products/Life Cycle
Product and Service Knowledge
Manufacturing
Innovation and New Product Service/Development
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VI. Delivery/Logistics/Process (L)ow (M)ed (H)igh Comments

Supply-Chain Management
Purchasing
Distribution/Warehousing
Delivery Channels
Process Management
Operations
Outsourcing
Benchmarking
VII. Administration (L)ow (M)ed (H)igh Comments
Legal Matters
Safety
Administration
Facilities
VIII. Human Resources (L)ow (M)ed (H)igh Comments
Talent Management
Recruiting/Selection
High Performance Development/Improvement
Compensation/Benefits
Labor/Union Relations
Cultural Influence/Issues
Development and Succession/Training
Ethics Management
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IX. Environmental Scanning (L)ow (M)ed (H)igh Comments

Business and Competitor Scanning and Intelligence
Global Marketplace
Suppliers/Venders
Sector Dynamics
Competition/Substitutes
Customers
Industry Dynamics
Strategic Alliances
Trend Tracking/Research
X. Research Methods (L)ow (M)ed (H)igh Comments
Knowledge about Databases
Internet Research
Source Evaluation and Verification
Use of Competitor Intelligence
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XI. Society Acumen (L)ow (M)ed (H)igh Comments

Citizenship and Governance
Community Actions/Leadership
Political Campaigns
Government Agencies
Social Responsibility
Peacemaking
Environmentalist
Special Interest Groups
Government Planning
Content Production
Course Development
XII. Thought Leadership (L)ow (M)ed (H)igh Comments
Use of Competitor Intelligence
Think Tank Activity
XIII. Cross-Cultural Communications (L)ow (M)ed (H)igh Comments
Second Language Fluency
Multi-year Residence in more than one country
Multi-Country Business Experience
Implementation of Cross-Cultural Change
Management
Sensitivity and Knowledge of Cultural Custom
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XIV. Strategic Management (L)ow (M)ed (H)igh Comments

Strategic Thinking
Strategic Planning
Strategic Change
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Business Acumen Summary

Total
Section # Of Highs Out Of Comments
Percentage
I. Executive Presence / possible 4 = %
II. Customer / possible 7 = %
III. Finances / possible 11 = %
IV. Technology / possible 6 = %
V. Products and Services / possible 5 = %
VI. Delivery/Logistics/Process / possible 8 = %
VII. Administration / possible 5 = %
VIII. Human Resources / possible 9 = %
IX. Environmental Scanning / possible 9 = %
X. Research Methods / possible 4 = %
XI. Society Acumen / possible 11 = %
XII. Thought Leadership / possible 2 = %
XIII. Cross-Cultural Communications / possible 5 = %
XIV. Strategic Management / possible 3 = %
Grand Total / possible 89 %
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Our Body of Knowledge Framework

There are five fundamental components that together make up this BOK Framework. They represent the standards
that planning professionals must know in order to be credentialed by the Association for Strategic Planning and
warrant the use of our certification credential and designation.
These “Components” include
1. Think-Plan-Act—ASP has adopted “Think-Plan-Act” as its mantra and framework for strategic planning.
This then becomes our framework for the Body of Knowledge in this Certification Program because planning in
the 21st Century is now recognized for what it is: PLANNING FOR CHANGE. Our goal is that there are no more
planning functions contributing to the SPOTS Syndrome—the Strategic Plan on the Top Shelf…gathering dust.
2. Lead—Planning and change are the primary jobs of leaders in all organizations; including the planning
profession to which this certification is aimed. For this reason, leadership is required for good planning/change
professionals. Staff leaders do not lead organizations. They provide leadership, support, coaching, advice,
guidance, facilitation, logistics, and staff functional expertise to the line executives who lead the organization.
3. Strategic Planning Reality—In addition, the Field of Systems Thinking and Organization Effectiveness and
Change view that every situation in life has three components occurring at the same time. This is the reality of life
and sometimes called The Iceberg Theory (see next page).
1). The content of the Think-Plan-Act discussions
2). The processes themselves that are going on during the Think-Plan-Act discussions
3). The infrastructures or context within which the Think-Plan-Act occurs
4. Business Acumen—Professional planners must also have a high degree of Business Acumen and
technical/content knowledge about the industry and sector in which their organizations compete. However, this
business acumen is not a simple and universal set of standards common to every organization and sector.
Therefore, we have elected NOT to attempt to build a common set of business acumen standards in our BOK, but
rather have the certification process assess the applicant’s knowledge of this important factor through their life and
career experiences.
5. Foundation—A key fundamental, often overlooked, that is crucial to a successful professional is being an
expert on their role. This is especially confusing in many organizations between roles of Board of Directors, CEO,
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Collective Senior Management Team, Line and Division Management. Failure to know and follow this
Foundation and clarity of the respective roles “builds in failure up front.” Setting the roles clearly and properly
“engineers success up front.”
Body of Knowledge Terminology

Final Exam Issues And Terminology:
Please note the below items which, after working through the SPP exam Questions and Answers, some important
clarifications should be kept in mind.
1) Terminology. Please utilize non-bias terminology as follows:
a. Profit/Nonprofit Neutral: Replace the term "Corporation" “Company”, “Firm” or "Nonprofit" with
"Institution" or “Organization” or “Enterprise” whenever possible.
b. Western/Eastern Neutral: Please keep references appropriate for a global audience.
c. Gender Neutral: Please keep references gender neutral.
d. The term “chief executive” is preferred to CEO which is private sector usage. The public sector and not-for-
profits have terms like Executive Director, Superintendent, etc. so we think chief executive is the most generic
term (no capitals either).
2) Strategic Planning Terminology: We are trying to create a clear and concise use of standard terms in the
Strategic Planning Field and believe the below to be a consensus of the final Exam Team’s understanding:
a. Emphasize Strategic: Replace the terms "Management" or "Planning" with "Strategic Management" or
"Strategic Planning" whenever possible as this is a Strategic Planning Association and Certification.
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b. The term Strategic Plan is preferred rather than just Strategic Direction unless there is no Strategic Plan.
c. The term “Strategy” is defined as the high level, more strategic Content in the Strategic Plan rather than the
Strategic Planning Process, so be careful of the frequent misuse of this “Strategy” term.
d. The term “Strategy”(singular) is also used by some to define the primary means , or the “strategies (plural)
to achieve the Vision”.
e. Strategy is also used as defining the end or result as in THE STRATEGY (Singular). Preferably here as an
end would be terms such as “Competitive Advantage/Edge” or “Positioning” instead.
3) It is important to note that Test Question Typologies include "Case Studies" and "Diagram Interpretation"
Questions. All Questions are then placed in a "four Multiple Choice" framework. No True/False Questions and
Answers.
4) It is also very important on where and how Strategic planning and Strategic Management is located in the
organization. The Roles section of the BOK is very important and its clarity should be emphasized in your
preparation. It was agreed that:
a. The "Strategic Planning Function" is generally housed in the "Strategic Management Department/Office" of
an Organization with responsibilities for Lead-Think-Plan-Act as per the BOK. (remember Lead is a staff
leadership or advisory role—not chief executive leadership.
b. The Strategic Management Department/Office is generally led by the "Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)".
This CSO is a term we would like to make a standard in the Field just like CFO, CAO, CLO, CIO, etc. so it gets
the same respect.
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The Resulting Credentials: Education

Level #1: Strategic Planning Professionals (SPP)—requires the Think-Plan-Act and our first two levels of leadership in our BOK
(1.1 and 1.2) as well as some level of business acumen.
Level #2: Strategic Management Professionals (SMP)—requires knowledge in our entire BOK (Think-Plan-Act), be a strategic
leader, and have more extensive and strategic business acumen.
Strategic Planning Apprentice (SPA) Designation—requires the same knowledge as our SPP above but not the Business Acumen.
The SPA is required to pass the SPP BOK examination. Any Business Acumen is a plus.
The Iceberg Theory
Used with permission from the Haines Centre for Strategic Management
© Stephen Haines, Haines Centre for Strategic Management, 2010
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The Iceberg Theory reflects the natural reality of everyday life. Present in every interpersonal situation in life are
three elements: Content, Processes, and Structure. Creating high performance organizations requires a balance in
how organizations spend their time and energy on these three elements.
CONTENT—ELEMENT #1
Task, goal, and focus of the business are its content—or what the strategic plans and change projects are all about.
This is the easiest element to see and understand.
However, below the surface of the water, an iceberg has 87 percent of its mass. So, too, it is with action and change.
It is what is not visible and out of balance of missing that will kill successful change—namely, the processes and
structures of our interactions.
Content myopia (focusing on content alone) is the failure by leaders to focus on the strategic planning processes
and structures. This is naive since action and change are dependent on them both.
PROCESSES—ELEMENT #2
Capabilities involved in our planning interactions are the “how to’s” of behavior while working on our tasks/content
above. For example, if bubble gum is the content, chewing is the process by which we extract the juices that make
it enjoyable. In other words, chewing is the process and gum is the content. The “process” is how we implement
the strategic plan. This is demonstrated by the rollercoaster of change later in this BOK.
This rollercoaster is “natural, normal, and highly predictable”— and all the fundamentals you need to know about
the process of change.
STRUCTURES—ELEMENT #3
Infrastructures for thinking—planning—actions and change are the least understood as they are the deepest part of
the iceberg and are often taken for granted. We rarely even acknowledge their existence despite the fact that the
structures are the context, vessels, or arrangements within which all process and content operate. These are the
biggest leverage place for actions and change to occur successfully.
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Planning for Change: The Rollercoaster

Strategic Planning is “planning for change” in an entire organization. Hence the other construct needed here—the
five levels that exist in any organization:
Level 1: Personal Creditability
Level 2: Interpersonal Relationships
Level 3: Functional Teams
Level 4: Cross-functional Teams
Level 5: Organization-wide
Since strategic planning is “planning for change” that takes action to be different and better than the present state,
the Think—Plan—Act process will unleash the Rollercoaster of Change. Life is full of cycles and cycles of change
and is the reality of life for us all; not just planners and executives. If you understand the Rollercoaster, then the
actions and change are “natural, normal, and highly predictable.” This allows the planner and executive to be
proactive in successfully executing their strategic plan.
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Change is an individual, emotional, and psychological matter for each of us. The bigger the organization, the more
difficult it is apt to be to get everyone to change and focus on the customer. Instead, the focus may be on oneself.
Thus, productivity, quality, and other results take a nose dive. Things will almost always get worse before they get
better is a fact!
The “Rollercoaster of Change” is a term coined a number of years ago for the phenomenon that occurs and is
written about in many fields and disciplines, including mental health (Virginia Satir, William Bridges, Harry
Levinson, Stephen Haines, and Ken Blanchard).
This Rollercoaster is a simple way of understanding the dynamics of how to effect successful strategic planning
and its implementation (action and change). Cycles of “stability—change—instability—new stability—and change
all over again” are normal and natural.
Basically, you must manage and lead yourself first, and only then, help others through the stages of the
rollercoaster. Keep in mind, though, that everyone goes through these stages at different rates, depths, and times.
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Used with permission from the Haines Centre for Strategic Management
© Stephen Haines, Haines Centre for Strategic Management, 2010
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LEAD – LEVEL I
1.1 Lead in Personal Credibility (Think-Plan-Act)
Level I
The Candidate should know and/or understand how to: (L)ow (M)ed (H)igh Comments
Set goals and opportunities for his/her own lifelong learning and
1.1.1
continuing education in the field
1.1.2 Strive to develop and maintain a balanced life (body-mind-spirit)
Act with conscious intent by deliberately guiding his/her

1.1.3
behavior in accordance with a personal vision and values
Commit to ethical practices and high professional standards by
1.1.4 acting with consistency, honesty, high integrity, and civility in all
aspects of life
Take inventory of themselves by knowing their style, strengths,
1.1.5 weaknesses and having flexibility to change as circumstances
permit
Develop a personal vision, goals, and personal strategies for
1.1.6
his/her life and career
Develop personal credibility through having the courage of their
1.1.7
convictions to confront dysfunctional behavior
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1.2 Lead in Interpersonal Relationships (Think-Plan-Act)

Level I
The candidate should know and/or understand how to (L)ow (M)ed (H)igh Comments
Show empathy, caring and respect by respecting the feelings,
1.2.1
emotions, and perspectives of others
Communicate effectively and actively through active listening,
1.2.2 questioning others and giving and receiving honest and effective
feedback
Mentor and coach others by helping them be accountable and
1.2.3
achieve better results
Manage conflict by influencing and persuading others and myself
1.2.4
towards a "win-win" solution
Be innovative and creative in strategic thinking; strategic and
1.2.5 annual planning; and strategic implementing of change as well as
continuous improvement. Support creativity in others
Build and adhere to a reputation for integrity, ethical behavior,
1.2.6
and fairness to others
Facilitate better problem-solving and decision-making between
1.2.7 individuals, seeking consensus where possible, yet not allowing
compromises on strategic direction
Seek and act upon constructive feedback from others to further
1.2.8
their personal growth and development
Give critical, yet constructive feedback to others, including
1.2.9
executives
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2. THINK—Level I
2.1 Think Content—Level I
The Candidate should know and/or understand how to (L)ow (M)ed (H)igh Comments
Design a future global environmental scanning system and
2.1.1 process utilizing accepted methodologies for today’s global
competition
Ensure that enterprise-wide risk management, scenario planning,
2.1.2 portfolio analysis, and futuring are part of the strategic planning
process
Support full economic and portfolio analysis of
2.1.3 tentative/alternative strategic directions to ensure their viability,
growth, and sustainability
Assist senior management with industry and organizational
2.1.4
structural analysis in search of a better business model
Gather customer satisfaction information and intelligence,
2.1.5
especially regarding their wants, needs, loyalty, and retention
Offer a full range of organizational growth strategies; from
2.1.6 organic to development, to mergers/acquisitions, to strategic
alliances, etc
Assist the collective management team in developing and using a
common framework and language to become a strategy-oriented
2.1.7
organization attuned to the frequency of the business’ dynamic
nature and processes
Provide benchmarking and best practices research on what works
2.1.8
or does not work
Focus the organization on strategic goals and measurements for
2.1.9
its short and long term success
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2.2 Think Processes – Level I

Promote ethical considerations as part of the strategic thinking
2.2.1
process
Draw quiet people out safely and ensure open and frank
2.2.2
communications in strategic thinking sessions
2.2.3 Lead virtual teams to openly discuss strategic thinking topics
Foster a culture of creativity and innovation as part of the

2.2.4
strategic thinking process
Focus on keeping things simple (simplicity wines the game every
2.2.5 time) as it is a way to make an organization more strategic, and yet
faster and cheaper
Guide near term trend and competitive/industry analysis to be

2.2.6
able to strategize in dynamic and evolving global markets
Utilize proactive pre-work and pre-meetings to tailor and

sequence the organization’s Think—Plan—Act framework to
2.2.7
ensure senior and middle management all understand and use the
same process
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2.3 Think Infrastructures—Level I

Provide the necessary and specific holistic strategic thinking
2.3.1
framework to ensure better strategic decision-making
Provide the needed strategic thinking infrastructure to keep it
2.3.2 separate from the day-to-day tactical and pressured world of
business
Organize meetings with a single agenda on difficult and chronic
2.3.3
strategic issues affecting the organization
Involve a broader array of middle management and others in the
2.3.4 strategic thinking process as a learning experience while ensuring
there is no “dumbing down” result
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3. Plan
3.1 Plan Content—Level I
Guide the design and implementation of a good corporate strategic
3.1.1 plan and understand best practices as to why good ones work and bad
ones do not work
Advise on identification and evaluation of different options to grow
3.1.2
the top line (Sales/Revenues)
Advise on different methods to lower costs, increase profit margins,
3.1.3
and improve cash flow and the balance sheet
Conduct a future environmental scan and ensure it is global in scope
3.1.4
to capture the worldwide dynamic trends of strategic significance
Use quantitative tools to conduct decision analysis, modeling, and
3.1.5
risk management to support executive decision-making
Explain the concepts and principles of the premier theorists and
practitioners in the field of strategic planning, both in history and the
current field of planning, including the major schools of strategy as
3.1.6
well as the newer emerging ones such as Balanced Scorecard, Blue
Ocean Strategy, the Knowledge Economy, The Systems Thinking
Approach, etc
Leverage, align, and cascade the corporate direction into three-year
3.1.7 business plans for all strategic business units and major functional
Use goal setting and metrics extensively with targeted goals to track
3.1.8
and measure “smart” outcomes
Articulate the importance of the organization’s distinctive core
3.1.9 competencies and strategies that result in a competitive advantage vs.
MOS (more of the same)
Assess the degree to which the corporate culture will obstruct or
3.1.10
enable implementation of the strategic plan and adjust accordingly
©
THINK—PLAN—ACT
3.2 Plan Processes—Level I

Integrate, communicate, and cascade all the strategic planning
3.2.1 components into an Annual Planning and Budgeting process
across and down the entire organization
Identify and explain at least two of the different methodologies
3.2.2
for strategic planning that follow the Think—Plan—Act process
Conduct an effective current state assessment (such as a SWOT
3.2.3 analysis), including status of the organization with respect to its
competitors
Understanding the strategic planning process that starts with the
desired outcomes such as the ideal future vision, mission, core
3.2.4
values, and desired competitive advantage/positioning to set a
future direction for the organization
Understand how to use scenario planning and modeling to
3.2.5 anticipate and make sense of changes happening in the world and
their impact on the organization
3.2.6 Support, communicate, and audit the organization’s core values
Facilitate formulation of the vision and mission statements to be

clear in defining “why the organization exists” (its purpose)
3.2.7
including who its future customers/clients are and what products
and services it will provide them
Provide an annual department planning process that is in a line of
3.2.8
sight linked to the corporate strategic plan
Articulate numerous ways to involve all key internal and external
3.2.9 stakeholders to the process; since people are willing to change
when they are involved; not when it is imposed on them
©
THINK—PLAN—ACT
3.3 Plan Infrastructures—Level I

Guide relevant research and required data collection required in
3.3.1
a timely fashion
Utilize online and computer technologies to facilitate and speed
3.3.2
the strategic planning process
Designate a corporate “support team and functional cadre” to
ensure that the knowledge, timing, outcomes, processes and
3.3.3 infrastructures of planning and strategic management achieve the
corporate-wide integration and leverage they require to ensure
business success
Implement an annual strategic planning review and update
3.3.4 system to ensure the continued improvement of the strategic
planning process
Assist the organization in keeping simple, clear, and well
3.3.5 understood language and terminology of the entire strategic
management system
Work towards continuously evolving continuous improvement
3.3.6 processes that are in synch with rapidly changing global systems
and events
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THINK—PLAN—ACT
4. Act—Level I
4.1 Action Content—Level I
Leverage the fact that “people support what they help create” in
4.1.1
supporting change across the entire organization
Ensure teamwork and project management skills are taught to
4.1.2 those in the organization needing to effectively implement strategic
plan projects and initiatives
Take into account the importance of the organization’s culture
4.1.3
when planning/implementing organizational change
Break down long-term strategic plans into annual and project
4.1.4
plans
Keep the organization abreast of new emerging theories and
4.1.5 methods of creating customer value, including listening to and
involving customers to create such value
Ensure the application of quality management and customer
4.1.6 service best practices in support of the organization’s strategic
direction and core values
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THINK—PLAN—ACT
4.2 Action Processes—Level I

Foster ongoing communications processes and involvement of all
4.2.1 key internal and external stakeholders so they “buy-in” and
“stay-in” over time with the new strategic direction
Set up a monitoring and accountability process and information
4.2.2 systems to track key success factors—“smart” goals and
implementation of the change
Review progress and coordinate the modification of the
4.2.3
implementation plan as needed
Provide mechanisms, including lessons learned, that ensure the
4.2.4
process is improved over time
Serve as the trusted advisor to project teams and continuous
4.2.5 improvement teams as they implement the strategic initiatives
throughout the year
©
THINK—PLAN—ACT
4.3 Action Infrastructures—Level I

Identify and engage the key stakeholders that will drive the
4.3.1
change and the best practice structures
Work with the CEO and CFO to ensure that adequate funding and
4.3.2 resources for the required change initiatives and infrastructures
are in place
Guide the development of regular change leadership teams at all
4.3.3
unit levels as appropriate
Establish an effective portfolio management system to support
4.3.4
the strategic plan initiatives and projects
Assist senior management in developing and executing an annual
4.3.5
implementation schedule (corporate yearly calendar)
Convey the concept that an organization is a system wherein all
4.3.6
components of the system are interrelated
Support ideas to ensure employee engagement and attunement of
4.3.7
their hearts and minds in support of the strategic direction
©
THINK—PLAN—ACT
5.1 Strategic Planning Professional Roles—Level I

Define the role of the Strategic Planning & Strategic Management
5.1.1
Professionals in Strategic Planning (Lead-Think-Plan-Act)
Explain the roles of the key others the Strategic Planning
Professionals and Strategic Management Professionals will interact
5.1.2
with, including the Board of Directors, CEO, Sr. Management
Team, Line Managers and SBUs
Explain the terminology, definitions and framework of the different
5.1.3 components of the field of Strategic Planning (Lead-Think-Plan-
Act)
Ensure the clarity, roles and relationships of Strategic Planning
5.1.4 Professionals and Strategic Management Professionals and their
internal and external clients
Ensure the keys to engineer success “up front” are met in
5.1.5
successful strategic planning and implementation
©
THINK—PLAN—ACT
SUMMARY
# of Highs Out of Total Percentage
1.1 Lead in Personal Creditability (Think-Plan-Act) / possible 7 = %

1.2 Lead in Interpersonal Relationships (Think-Plan-Act) / possible 9 = %
2.1 Think Content—Level I / possible 9 = %
2.2 Think Processes—Level I / possible 7 = %
2.3 Think Infrastructures – Level I / possible 4 = %
3.1 Plan Content—Level I / possible 10 = %
3.2 Plan Processes—Level I / possible 9 = %
3.3 Plan Infrastructures—Level I / possible 6 = %
4.1 Action Content—Level I / possible 6 = %
4.2 Action Processes—Level I / possible 5 = %
4.3 Action Infrastructures—Level I / possible 7 = %
5.1 Strategic Planning Professional Roles – Level I / possible 5 = %
Grand Total: / possible 84 = %
©
THINK—PLAN—ACT
Acknowledgment of Participation -
For
The ASP Certification Project: 2008-2009
The Association of Strategic Planning (ASP) would like to acknowledge its gratitude and “Thank You” for the individuals, teams and
organizations participating and supporting the development of our ASP Certification Program, especially including the following:
I. Sponsors for the ASP National Standards and Certification Program include:
Delta Community Credit Union
Sundt Corporation
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission
Haines Centre for Strategic Management
Balanced Scorecard Institute/A Strategic Management Group Company
©
THINK—PLAN—ACT
RECOMMENDED BIBLIOGRAPHY
FOR EXAM PREPARATION:
(Depending on your needed areas of improvement)
Current Literature
• Strategic Leadership
• Strategic Thinking
• Strategic Planning
• Strategic Action and Change
Classic Literature
Three Recommended Simple Steps To Taking Your Exam
1. Do a self-assessment versus the Body of Knowledge for your desired Strategic Management Professional, Strategic Planning
Professional, or Strategic Planning Apprentice Exam.
2. Based on your self-assessment and your strengths and weaknesses, we recommend:
a. Reading books from the attached list that eliminate your weaknesses
b. Attending Qualified Registered Educational Providers (REPs) courses listed on the Association for Strategic Planning’s
website to eliminate your weaknesses as well.
3. Apply for, be approved, take your exam, and become certified.
THINK—PLAN—ACT
Current Recommended Bibliography

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP
Bennis, W. (1994). An Invented Life, Reflections on Leadership and Change.
Covey, S. (1991). Principle-Centered Leadership. NY: Summit Books.
Haines, S.G., Editor (2006). Strategic Thinking for Leaders. San Diego, CA: Systems Thinking Press.
Hanna, David P. (2001). Leadership for the Ages. Provo, Utah: Executive Excellence Publishing.
Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (Completely Updated 3rd Edition -2002). The Leadership Challenge, How to Get Extraordinary Things Done in
Organizations. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers.
Oshry, B. (1999). Leading Systems; Lessons from the Power Lab. San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
Welch, J. F., Jr. & Byrne, J. A. (2001). Jack: Straight from the Gut. NY: Warner Business Books.

STRATEGIC THINKING
Ackoff, R. (1999). Ackoff’s Best: His Classical Writings on Management. Chichester, England: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Drucker, P. (2001). The Essential Drucker: The Best of Sixty Years of Peter Drucker’s Essential Writings on Management . NY: HarperCollins
Publishers.
Haines, S. G. (2007). Strategic and Systems Thinking: The Winning Formula. San Diego, CA: Systems Thinking Press.
Schwartz, P. (1996). The Art of the Long View. NY: Doubleday Dell.
von Bertalanffy, L. (1998). [Revised Edition]. General Systems Theory: Foundations, Development, Applications. NY: George Braziller, Inc.
Wheatley, M. J. & Kellner-Rogers, M. (1996). A Simpler Way. San Francisco, CA: Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc.
THINK—PLAN—ACT

STRATEGIC PLANNING
Abraham, C. Stanley. (2006). Strategic Planning: A Practical Guide for Competitive Success, with CD-ROM. Thomson South-Western.
Carver, J. (1990). Boards That Make a Difference. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers.
Collins, J. C. & Porras, J. I. (1997). Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies. NY: Harper Collins Publishers, Inc.
Collins, Jim. (2001). Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...and Others Don’t. NY: Harper Collins Publishers, Inc.
Drucker, F. Peter with Collins, Jim et al. (2008). The Five Most Important Questions Your Organization Will Ever Ask. NY: Jossey-
Bass/Wiley.
Haines, S. G. (2007). Reinventing Strategic Planning: The Systems Thinking Approach. San Diego, CA: Systems Thinking Press.
Hamel, G. and Prahalad, C. K. (1994). Competing for the Future. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press.
Jensen, W. D. (2000). Simplicity: The New Competitive Advantage in a World of More, Better, Faster. NY: Perseus.
Kaplan, S. Robert and Norton, P. David. (2001). The Strategy Focused Organization, or How Balanced Scorecard Companies Thrive in the
New Business Environment. Harvard Business School Press.
Kim, W. Chan and Mauborgne, R. (2005). Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition
Irrelevant. Boston, Massachusetts: Harvard Business Press.
Mintzberg, H. Ahlstrand, B. & Lampel, J. (1998). Strategy Safari: A Guided Tour Through the Wilds of Strategic Management. NY: The Free
Press.
Prahalad, C. K. and Ramaswamy, Venkat. (2004). The Future of Competition: Co-Creating Unique Value with Customers. Cambridge, MA:
HBS Press.
Ries, A. & Trout, J. (2001). Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind (20th Anniversary Edition). NY: McGraw-Hill Books.
Rollinson, R. & Young, E. (2009). Strategy in the 21st Century: A Practical Strategic Management Process. Chicago, IL: Looking Glass
Publishing.
©
THINK—PLAN—ACT

STRATEGIC ACTION AND CHANGE
Bossidy, L. & Charan, R. (2002). The Discipline of Getting Things Done. NY: Crown Publishers.
Bridges, W. (1991). Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change. Reading, MA: Addison Wesley Publishing Company.
Conner, D.R. (1992). Managing At The Speed of Change. New York: Villard Books.
Cooperrider, D. L., Sorensen, P. F., Whitney, D. & Yaeger, T. F. (2000). Appreciative Inquiry: Rethinking Human Organization Toward a
Positive Theory of Change. Champaign, IL: Stipes Publishing.
Galbraith, J. R. (1995). Designing Organizations: An Executive Briefing on Strategy, Structure and Process. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass
Publishers.
Haines, S. G., Aller-Stead, Gail, McKinlay, James. (2005). Enterprise-Wide Change: Superior Results Through Systems Thinking. San
Francisco, CA: Pfeiffer.
Hammer, M. (2001). The Agenda: What Every Business Must Do to Dominate the Decade. NY: Crown Books
Kotter, J. P. & Cohen, D. S. (2002). The Heart of Change. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press.
Nadler, D. A. & Tushman, M. L. (1997). Competing by Design: The Power of Organizational Architecture. NY: Oxford University Press.
Russell, A. Leland and Warden III, A. John. (2001). Winning in Fast Time. GeoGroup Press.
Schein, E. H. (1999). The Corporate Culture Survival Guide: Sense and Nonsense About Culture Change. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass
Publishers.
Schmidt, Terry. (2009). Strategic Project Management Made Simple: Practical Tools for Leaders and Teams. NYC: John Wiley & Sons.
©
THINK—PLAN—ACT
Classic Recommended Bibliography

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP
Covey, S. (1990). Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. NY: Fireside.
Juran. (1989). Juran on Leadership for Quality. NY: The Free Press.
Peters, T. & Waterman, R., Jr. (1982). In Search of Excellence: Lessons from America’s Best-Run Companies. NY: Harper & Row.

STRATEGIC THINKING
Davidson, M. (1983). Uncommon Sense, the Life and Times of Ludwig Von Bertalanffy. Los Angeles, CA: J. P. Tarcher, Inc.
Senge, P. M. (1990). The Fifth Discipline - The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization. NY: Doubleday/Currency.
©
THINK—PLAN—ACT

STRATEGIC PLANNING
Ackoff, R. (1981). Creating the Corporate Future. NY: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
Ansoff, I. (1988). New Corporate Strategy. NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Chandler, A., Jr. (1962). Strategy and Structure: Chapters in the History of the American Industrial Enterprise. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
Drucker, P. (1973). Management: Tasks, Responsibilities, Practices. NY: Harper & Row Publishers.
Mintzberg, H. (1994). The Rise and Fall of Strategic Planning. NY: The Free Press.
Osborne, D., and Gaebler, T. (1992). Reinventing Government: How the Entrepreneurial Spirit is Transforming the Public Sector. Reading,
MA: Addison-Wesley.
Porter, M. (1980). Competitive Strategy. NY: The Free Press.
Porter, M. (1985). Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance. NY: The Free Press.
Porter, M. (1990). The Competitive Advantage of Nations. NY: The Free Press.

STRATEGIC ACTION AND CHANGE
Beckhard, R., & Harris, R. (1977) and (1987 New Edition). Organization Transitions: Managing Complex Change. Reading, MA: Addison-
Wesley Publishing Company.
Block, P. (1981). Flawless Consulting: A Guide to Getting Your Expertise Used. San Diego, CA: Pfeiffer & Company.
Schein, E. H. (1987). Process Consultation Volume II. Lessons for Managers and Consultants. Reading, MA: Addison Wesley Publishing
Company.
Tichy, N. M. (1983). Managing Strategic Change—Technical Political and Cultural Dynamics. NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
©
THINK—PLAN—ACT
ASP Body of Knowledge Statements Summary
Level I Level II
Point # of Statements Point # of Statements
LEAD – 15% (24 questions) LEAD – 25% (40 questions)
1.1 Lead in Personal Credibility 7 1.3 Strategic Leader 6
1.2 Lead in Interpersonal Relationships 9 1.4 Cross-Functional Strategic Leader 6
1.5 Organization-wide Strategic Leader 10
THINK – 25% (40 questions) THINK – 15% (24 questions)
2.1 Think Content 9 2.4 Strategic Thinking Content 6
2.2 Think Processes 7 2.5 Strategic Thinking Processes 7
2.3 Think Infrastructures 4 2.6 Strategic Thinking Infrastructures 2
PLAN – 25% (40 questions) PLAN – 25% (40 questions)
3.1 Plan Content 10 3.4 Strategic Planning Content 9
3.2 Plan Processes 9 3.5 Strategic Planning Processes 5
3.3 Plan Infrastructures 6 3.6 Strategic Planning Infrastructures 6
ACT – 25% (40 questions) ACT – 25% (40 questions)
4.1 Action Content 6 4.4 Strategic Action Content 7
4.2 Action Processes 5 4.5 Strategic Action Processes 6
4.3 Action Infrastructures 7 4.6 Strategic Action Infrastructures 5
ROLES – 10% (16 questions) ROLES – 10% (16 questions)
5.1 Strategic Planning Professional Roles 5 5.2 Strategic Management Professional Roles 5
Total 160 questions 84 Total 160 questions 80
©

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ASSOCIATION FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Self Assessment Workbook: Level I

The Association for Strategic Planning’s

Association for Strategic Planning’s Body of Knowledge Component for Certifying

Library of Congress Control Number: xxxxxxxxxxxxx

VI. Think—Plan—Act Bibliography

Certification Program Process

Year 2012 Vision of this Certification Program

Year 2010 Certification Program Vision Details

Year 2009-2012 Mission of this Certification Program

2009-2012 Mission details

Expectations and Rough Profiles for the Levels of ASP Certifications

I. LEVEL I—Strategic Planning Professional (SPP)

Strategic Planning Apprentice Designation

HOW DO YOU EVALUATE YOURSELF?

III. Finances (L)ow (M)ed (H)igh Comments

VI. Delivery/Logistics/Process (L)ow (M)ed (H)igh Comments

IX. Environmental Scanning (L)ow (M)ed (H)igh Comments

XI. Society Acumen (L)ow (M)ed (H)igh Comments

XIV. Strategic Management (L)ow (M)ed (H)igh Comments

Business Acumen Summary

Our Body of Knowledge Framework

Body of Knowledge Terminology

1) Terminology. Please utilize non-bias terminology as follows:

b. Western/Eastern Neutral: Please keep references appropriate for a global audience.

c. Gender Neutral: Please keep references gender neutral.

The Resulting Credentials: Education

The Iceberg Theory

Planning for Change: The Rollercoaster

1.1.2 Strive to develop and maintain a balanced life (body-mind-spirit)

Act with conscious intent by deliberately guiding his/her

1.2 Lead in Interpersonal Relationships (Think-Plan-Act)

2.2 Think Processes – Level I

2.2.3 Lead virtual teams to openly discuss strategic thinking topics

Foster a culture of creativity and innovation as part of the

Guide near term trend and competitive/industry analysis to be

Utilize proactive pre-work and pre-meetings to tailor and

2.3 Think Infrastructures—Level I

3.2 Plan Processes—Level I

3.2.6 Support, communicate, and audit the organization’s core values

Facilitate formulation of the vision and mission statements to be

3.3 Plan Infrastructures—Level I

4.2 Action Processes—Level I

4.3 Action Infrastructures—Level I

5.1 Strategic Planning Professional Roles—Level I

1.1 Lead in Personal Creditability (Think-Plan-Act) / possible 7 = %

Delta Community Credit Union

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission

Haines Centre for Strategic Management

Balanced Scorecard Institute/A Strategic Management Group Company

Three Recommended Simple Steps To Taking Your Exam

Current Recommended Bibliography

Covey, S. (1991). Principle-Centered Leadership. NY: Summit Books.

Current Recommended Bibliography

Current Recommended Bibliography

Current Recommended Bibliography

Classic Recommended Bibliography

Covey, S. (1990). Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. NY: Fireside.

Classic Recommended Bibliography