Guide to Business Planning

Business Planning Process Map

Stakeholder Analysis

Identify the relative power and influence of key stakeholders This may be an input into or an output of the business planning process

The business planning process outlined here is suitable for small and large businesses or projects within a large business. What varies is the level of detail. For example with a small single business, you would not carry out a portfolio analysis because there is only on product or service

Vision, Mission and Goals

Analysis of the Firm

Environmental Analysis

The firm and the environment in which it operates are analysed

The industry value chain is defined and the competitors identified and analysed The products, the portfolio and the product life cycle are considered

Strategic

Industry & Competitor Analysis

Market & Customer Analysis

Product & Portfolio Analysis

Strengths Weaknesses

Opportunities Threats

The analytical phases populate the classic SWOT matrix

Generate Strategic Options

Marketing

A range of strategy formulation models can be deployed to highlight options

Market Planning

Market Forecasting

The options are translated into a provisional marketing plan and forecast
To generate financial plans the operational plan is also developed The marketing and operational plans are combined in a financial model Evaluation criteria are applied to each option The preferred options are subject to risk analysis

Operational & Financial

Operational Plan

Model the Business

Evaluate and Select Strategy

Risk Analysis Guide to Business Planning