This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to lead the development of high-level strategic plans that serve the vision and mission of an organisation. It addresses analysing the environment, identifying risks and opportunities, planning staffing requirements, succession planning, and establishing and monitoring financial and non-financial performance indicators. Leadership skills are applied in order to engage people with the organisation’s vision and goals and in developing and implementing the plan.

The unit applies to senior managers and business owners who use cognitive and creative skills to review, critically analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge, in order to generate ideas and provide solutions to complex problems. They use communication skills to demonstrate their understanding of theoretical concepts and to transfer knowledge and ideas to others.