Integrated Budgeting, Forecasting, and Business Planning Masterclass

The programme

Programme overview

Ratomac Integrated Budgeting, Forecasting, and Business Planning Masterclass provides both the theoretical foundation and practical skills necessary to implement world-class standards in planning, budgeting, performance measurement, and reporting systems. Participants will learn concepts, processes, and techniques essential for effective budgeting and business planning, enabling them to excel in their roles and responsibilities.

Through a blend of technical analysis, problem-solving, and real case studies, this course equips delegates with critical cost awareness and budgetary skills. These skills are vital for managing and controlling processes and projects amidst increasing global competition, where budgets are closely linked with strategy formulation and cost analysis.

Who should attend

Who is this programme for?

• Professionals Seeking a Deeper Understanding of Integrated Planning and Budgeting Techniques
• Accountants Responsible for Budget Preparation and Management Reporting
• Financial Planners and Cost Analysts
• Line Managers with Direct Planning and Budgeting Responsibilities
• Professional Advisers, Account Personnel, and Business Consultants

Learning outcomes

What you will learn

• Build an integrated planning, budgeting, and reporting process
• Understand cost behaviour more accurately
• Deliver more timely and useful information to decision-makers, including how AI-embedded forecasting is now reducing planning cycle times
• Enhance budgeting/financial skills for better decision-making
• Appreciate the importance of linking projects within budgets

Explore the programme

Detailed programme outline

• Organisational planning framework
• Product/information/decision support cycle
• Strategic, tactical, and operational forecasts
• Strategic approach to business planning
• Various strategic and tactical approaches to business planning
• International business environment
• Developing the business plan
• Identification of key value drivers
• Achieving objectives
• Zero base budgeting
• Activity-based budgeting
• Developing the cash budget
• Problems of forecasting
• Using historical data to predict the future
• Forecasting, including how AI-embedded forecasting tools are now reducing planning cycle times by up to 50% in organisations that have adopted them, and shifting planning from a periodic exercise into a continuous, real-time capability
• Development of time series models
• Using regression analysis as a predictor and estimator
• Mastering the use of exponential smoothing as a data analysis tool
• 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
• Identifying various types of capital projects
• Discussing the capital project evaluation process
• Understanding the impact of time on the value of money
• Using WACC and ROIC as benchmarks
• Developing the ‘hurdle rate’ for capital projects
• Evaluating capital projects using NPV, IRR, ARR, and payback model

Learning approach

How you will learn

Our diverse instructional approaches ensure effective learning:

– Lectures & Presentations: Engage with expert-driven, stimulating content.– Course Material: Access well-crafted supporting resources.– Group Work: Collaborate on discussions and case studies for practical insights.– Workshops & Role-Play: Participate in immersive, scenario-based activities.– Practical Application: Focus on applying theoretical knowledge in real situations.– Post-Training Support: Receive extensive support after training for skill implementation.

Discuss your requirements

Dates, duration & arrangements

Contact Ratomac to confirm dates, duration, delivery format, entry requirements and any applicable assessment or certification before booking.