Policy Design, Strategic Planning & Governance
From framing the problem to a sound, governed and actionable decision
Many strategies are written as broad goals and parallel initiatives, with indicators added late. The gap is not ambition but design discipline: precise problem framing, genuinely distinct options, and choosing between them on criteria you can defend.
You deconstruct the problem, separate symptoms from causes, map stakeholders, generate intervention options, weigh them in a criteria matrix, design a limited pilot before scaling, and conclude with a concise policy memo in the format decision-makers expect.
The module also anchors decisions in organizational governance: who holds authority, who is accountable, and how transparency and policy compliance are assured.
A strategy is executable when its basis for choice is clear: why this option, by which criterion, and at what cost.
What you will learn
- Frame a problem and separate its symptoms from root causes.
- Map stakeholders and analyze their positions and influence.
- Generate distinct options and choose between them on declared criteria.
- Design a limited-scope pilot before scaling up.
- Anchor decisions in a clear governance framework: roles, authority, accountability and policy compliance.
- Write a concise policy memo for decision-makers.
Within its governance, risk and compliance topics, the program draws on recognized international standards and frameworks, including ISO 31000 (risk management), ISO 37000 (governance of organizations) and the COSO framework for internal control and enterprise risk management.
Modules
Problem framing
From symptom to root cause.
Stakeholders
Positions, interests and influence.
Option tree
Real, competing intervention options.
Decision matrix
A choice you can defend.
Organizational governance
Roles, decision rights and accountability.
Policy memo
Concise writing for decision-makers.
What you will produce
- A tightly written problem statement.
- A stakeholder map with position analysis.
- A decision matrix and a roles & responsibilities (RACI) matrix.
- A two-page policy memo ready to submit.
Who this program is for
- Strategy, planning, policy and corporate governance staff.
- Employees preparing for supervisory and leadership roles.
- Leadership advisors and decision-paper writers.
- Students of public administration, policy and economics.
Other program modules
Seats are limited to 30 participants
Reserve your place at Leadership Training Program 2026 — 9 to 13 November at ICESCO, Sharjah.