Essential Tools for Executive Strategic and Policy Planning Course (Self-Paced)

This course includes

6 hours of project-based training from experts
Answers from real instructors
Proprietary workbook included
Retake for free within 1 year
Verified digital certificate of completion
Accredited program
Credits: 6 CPEs

This course is self-paced. For live online or in-person instruction, take Essential Tools for Executive Strategic and Policy Planning.

Government agency leaders at all levels need to constantly define the mission direction, performance goals, and policies to reflect changing needs and expectations of the citizens they serve, as well as align functions and policies to efficiently and effectively achieve those objectives. This course provides several tools and approaches, including SWOT analysis, PESTEL analysis, and logic models, to engage stakeholders, assess the changing external environment for policy planning, and performance alignment.

This course has a prerequisite

Students must complete Federal Appropriations Law (FINC7100) before enrolling in this course.

Tuition

Full Tuition

$579
Due before the class starts

This course includes

6 hours of project-based training from experts
Answers from real instructors
Proprietary workbook included
Retake for free within 1 year
Verified digital certificate of completion
Accredited program
Credits: 6 CPEs

Learning Experience Highlights

Training from government‑experienced instructors

Receive instruction from subject‑matter experts who bring proven government experience.

Specialized for government & DoD

Courses that are regularly updated based on feedback and industry developments, ensuring versions are mapped to federal competencies.

The instructor was wonderful and so knowledgeable. The course materials were extremely relevant to what my job is. I feel like I can be better because of this class.
— 2025 student

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Real-world solutions

Directly addressing the day-to-day challenges of federal employees.

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24/7 access to our premium course videos and projects.
Industry experts are assigned as your course instructor. Message your instructor with any questions.
Participate in GSUSA online discussion forums — share ideas and receive additional support.
Hands-on quizzes and mini projects to test and reinforce concepts.

Earn a Certificate of Completion

Upon completion of this course, you’ll receive an official certificate testifying to your mastery of the curriculum. We’ll send you a link where you can download your certificate, share it online with your friends, post it to your professional network on LinkedIn, and view all your earned certificates. Congratulations on your achievement!

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Sample credential for completion of Essential Tools for Executive Strategic and Policy Planning Course (Self-Paced)

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Essential Tools for Executive Strategic and Policy Planning Course (Self-Paced) Curriculum

What You'll Learn at a Glance

Outline the basic components of a strategic plan.
Develop strategic customer value analysis.
Obtain input from internal and external stakeholders using SWOT analysis.
Develop and apply logic models to create implementation linkages, measures and policies for performance.
Perform PESTEL analysis to consider external force influences on stakeholders and policy direction.
Conduct cost benefit analysis and measures of return on investment.

Course Syllabus

Download Syllabus PDF

Module 1: Strategic Planning and Policy Structure

Define mission, vision, and values to guide strategic direction
Set SMART goals and cascade them into measurable performance actions
Apply Strategic Customer Value Analysis to link stakeholder expectations to strategy

Module 2: Defining Needs and Expectations

Differentiate between internal/external customers and stakeholders
Use SWOT analysis to gather broad-based input and insights
Identify service gaps and strategic opportunities

Module 3: Aligning Policies and Direction with the Changing Environment

Apply PESTEL analysis to evaluate external forces shaping agency policy
Explore the impact of political, economic, and technological change on agency success
Understand the value of proactive leadership in dynamic environments

Module 4: Aligning the Functions

Develop logic models to connect inputs, activities, and outcomes to agency mission
Map internal processes and assign performance measures
Link planning, budgeting, and program accountability using the GPRMA framework

Module 5: Measuring Cost Benefit and Return on Investment

Use cost-benefit analysis and present value concepts to support funding decisions
Rank competing initiatives by weighted value criteria and ROI
Measure mission success through input, output, and outcome indicators

Group Training

Since 1921, Graduate School USA has partnered with over 125 federal agencies and trained more than one million federal employees. Led by instructors with deep, real-world knowledge of federal regulations, policies, and practices, our private group programs are practical, mission-driven, and tailored to your agency’s objectives. We offer expertise across key federal domains—including human resources, financial management, acquisition and contracting, leadership, and more—to deliver training where and how your team needs it.

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Installments
	10% non-refundable deposit
$579.00	Total You Pay