Introducing Anaplan's Connected Planning Curriculum on Coursera

Anaplan recently launched a three-course specialization, Connected Planning for Business Transformation, for professionals and students who are building business strategy and planning skills. The specialization is ideal for senior leaders who need insight beyond basic business modeling and scenario planning to capture value from their strategic planning and budgeting processes.

Through these courses, learners will understand the principles and benefits of Connected Planning, review case studies from a wide range of industries and functions, and learn the organizational imperatives critical to successful Connected Planning adoption. These courses will prepare participants to drive an impactful Connected Planning implementation in their own organizations.

Connected Planning for Business Transformation helps learners understand the history of Connected Planning and its roots in business modeling and scenario planning. It also highlights Connected Planning as the pivotal link between strategic planning and operational execution through case studies in the finance, sales, supply chain, and human resources functions. Learners will examine their own organization’s readiness to undertake the Connected Planning journey.

The courses will benefit everyone from Connected Planning beginners to experienced model builders. The following courses are intended to be taken in order but don’t require any prior experience. Here is an overview of each course:

Overview of Connected Planning

Connected Planning is a technology-enabled approach to business planning that transforms the way organizations use their data, people, and plans. Decision-makers, and ultimately the entire organization, plan and pivot with confidence when faced with changes, whether in an organization, the marketplace, or even the global economy. From this introduction to Connected Planning, you’ll understand its history in business modeling and scenario planning, the trends that make it essential to business success today, and the measurable impact that Connected Planning has had on organizations.

Connected Planning in Action

Effective planning isn’t just an annual top-down strategic planning and budgeting exercise. To adapt in the turbulent global economy, successful organizations plan in real-time, across the organization, at all times. By leveraging a Connected Planning approach and technology, organizations around the world are finding ways to not only survive but thrive. In this course, you’ll explore examples of how Connected Planning transforms the way organizations do business. Using real-life case studies from the finance, sales, supply chain, and human resources functions, you’ll see a wide range of Connected Planning examples and benefits.

Implementing Connected Planning

From this course, you’ll understand how to make Connected Planning a reality in an organization. Organizations need a vision supported by a focused effort to move from traditional planning and static business modeling to a Connected Planning approach--where data, people, and plans are linked throughout the organization. Creating a digital ecosystem using a Connected Planning technology platform is a big part of the process, but it’s not the only thing needed. In this course, we’ll explore the role of corporate culture and sponsorship, process redesign, master data management, and change management to successfully implement Connected Planning. You’ll be challenged to examine your own organization’s readiness to undertake the Connected Planning journey. If you’re not ready yet, you’ll identify areas where you need to focus your efforts. If you are ready, you’ll have the framework you need to get started on the path to make Connected Planning a reality in your organization.

Capstone: Connected Planning for Business Transformation

This is the capstone project for learners completing the Connected Planning for Business Transformation specialization. In this project, you will develop a rationale and roadmap for a Connected Planning implementation in your own organization. By examining the current state of planning in the organization, identifying specific areas where Connected Planning will deliver significant benefits, and addressing organizational obstacles, you’ll prepare yourself to advocate for Connected Planning, drive its adoption in your organization, and help transform your business.

If you have questions about these courses, comment below!