Course: Integrating Budgeting, Forecasting and Business Planning

The Course Content

Day One : Budgets and Strategy in Today’s International Environment

• Organizational planning framework
• The product / information / decision support cycle
• Strategic, tactical, and operational forecasts
• The strategic approach to business planning
• Various strategic and tactical approaches to business planning
• The international business environment

Day Two : The Business Plan and Budget Development

• Developing the business plan
• Identification of key value drivers
• Achieving objectives
• Zero base budgeting
• Activity based budgeting
• Developing the Cash Budget

Day Three : Analysing the Applicability of Historical Data Using Excel®

• Problems of forecasting
• Using historical data to help predict the future
• Forecasting
• Development of Time Series Models
• Using Regression Analysis as a predictor and estimator
• Mastering the use of Exponential Smoothing as a Data Analysis tool

Day Four : Using Activity-Based Budgeting and Cost Analysis Techniques

• Cost behaviour and breakeven analysis
• Activity based costing
• Budgeting for Processes rather than Departments
• Defining Key Cost Drivers
• Defining Key Activities
• Developing the Activity-Based Budget

Day Five : Capital Budgeting and Project Appraisal

• Identify the various types of capital projects
• Discuss the capital project evaluation process
• The impact time has on the value of money
• Using WACC and ROIC as benchmarks
• Development of the “Hurdle Rate” for capital projects
• Evaluate capital projects by applying NPV, IRR, ARR Payback model

The Scandinavian Academy for Training Center adopts the latest scientific and professional methodologies in training and human resource development, aiming to enhance the efficiency of individuals and organizations. Training programs are delivered through a comprehensive approach that includes:

• Theoretical lectures supported by PowerPoint presentations and visual materials (videos and short films).
• Scientific evaluation of participants before and after the program to measure progress and knowledge acquisition.
• Brainstorming sessions and practical role-playing to simulate real-life scenarios.
• Case studies tailored to align with the training content and participants work nature.
• Assessment tests conducted at the end of the program to evaluate the achievement of training objectives.

Each participant receives the training material (both theoretical and practical) in printed form and saved on a CD or flash drive. Detailed reports, including attendance records, final results, and overall program evaluations, are also provided.

Training materials are prepared professionally by a team of experts and specialists in various fields. At the end of the program, participants are awarded a professional attendance certificate, signed and accredited by the Scandinavian Academy for Training Center.

Program Timings:

• 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM 

The program includes:

• A daily buffet provided during the sessions to ensure participants comfort.
• A closing ceremony on the final day to distribute certificates and celebrate participants achievements.

Why Choose this Course?

This course will provide not only the theoretical background but also the necessary skills to build world class standards into your planning, budgeting, performance measurement and reporting system. The course will concentrate on imparting to delegates how to learn the concepts, processes, and techniques of budgeting and business planning in order to be better able to carry out their budgeting and business planning tasks and responsibilities.

By combining techniques analysis, problems and examples with real case studies the course provides delegates with key cost awareness and budgetary skills, which is essential in managing and controlling processes/projects in times of increasing global competition where the budgets are inextricably linked with both strategy formulation and cost analysis.

This course will feature:

• Budgets and Strategy in Today’s International Environment
• The Business Plan and Budget Development
• Analysing the Applicability of Historical Data Using Excel®
• Using Activity-Based Budgeting and Cost Analysis Techniques
• Capital Budgeting and Project Appraisal

What are the goals?

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Build an integrated planning, budgeting and reporting process
• Understand costs behaviour more accurately
• Deliver more timely and useful information to decision makers
• Improve you the budgeting/financial skills required for better decision-making
• Appreciate the need to link projects within budgets

Who is this course for?

The course is designed for anyone involved in the budget and business planning process within their organisation. Itis equally appropriate for those who manage projects and who wish to have a greater understanding of how budgets, business plans, and projects interlink.

This course is suitable to a wide range of professionals who have budgetary control and are involved in the business planning process, including, but not limited to:

• Professionals who require a more in-depth understanding of integrated planning & budgeting techniques
• Accountants responsible for budget preparation & management reporting
• Financial Planners and Cost Analysts
• Line heads with direct planning and budgeting responsibility
• Professional advisers, Account Personnel and Business Consultants

How will this be presented?

This course will utilise a variety of proven adult learning techniques to ensure maximum understanding, comprehension and retention of the information presented. This will include presentations delivered in a highly participative style with discussion, practical exercises and team-based case studies.

The course will provide the practical tools and techniques necessary for the development of budgets, forecasts and business plans. It will provide a real-world practical context by incorporating worked examples, case studies, and Excel© models so that you will see how theory applies in practice and discuss the various issues raised.