Advanced Lab Management

Strategic Planning for the Lab

Course overview
A well-defined strategy is the foundation of a successful laboratory. Strategic Planning for the Lab equips lab managers and leadership teams with the skills to develop, communicate, and execute a comprehensive strategic plan. This course provides a structured framework to help you define your lab’s vision, align goals, and make data-driven decisions—ensuring long-term success in an evolving industry.
  • Area of Study

    Advanced Lab Management

  • Course Duration

    1 hour

  • CEUs

    0.1

    This course is part of the Advanced Lab Management Certificate. Looking to enroll in the full certificate?
    Advanced Lab Management Certificate | Lab Manager Academy

    What is this course about?

    Strategic planning provides the structure lab leaders need to set clear goals, make informed decisions, and drive operational efficiency. This course guides you through the essential steps of building an actionable strategic plan for your lab — from balancing long-term vision with day-to-day execution, to conducting a SWOT analysis that identifies strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. You’ll also learn how to communicate strategy effectively to engage your team and ensure alignment, while using RACI and OKR frameworks to define roles, responsibilities, and accountability across your organization.

    What are the benefits of this course?

    • Clarity and Direction: Establish a strong vision and mission to align your team and stakeholders
    • Improved Decision-Making: Make strategic, data-driven choices to position your lab for growth
    • Operational Efficiency: Optimize resources, streamline processes, and eliminate inefficiencies
    • Stronger Team Alignment: Clearly define roles and responsibilities to ensure accountability and collaboration
    • Leadership Development: Gain the confidence to lead with purpose and long-term focus

    What are the learning outcomes of this course?

    By the end of this course, engaged learners should be able to:

    • Distinguish strategy from tactics and understand their roles in lab success
    • Describe the benefits of a strong strategic plan and its impact on lab operations
    • List and apply the key steps of strategic planning to develop an effective framework
    • Conduct a SWOT analysis to evaluate current lab performance and future opportunities
    • Define and implement a RACI chart to clarify team responsibilities
    • Use OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) to track progress and ensure continuous improvement

    Ready to lead your lab with purpose and clarity?

    Enroll now to create a strategy that drives results!

    Meet The Instructor

    Scott Hanton

    PhD

    Years of Experience
    Scott Hanton is the editorial director at Lab Manager and the leader of the Lab Manager Academy. He spent 30 years working in industrial chemistry labs, with 20 years as a lab manager. He had roles of general manager, laboratory operations manager and chief scientist for Intertek Allentown. Previously, he had roles of research scientist, laboratory supervisor, and section manager at Air Products & Chemicals. Through these different roles, Scott developed expertise in polymer mass spectrometry, analytical characterization, people leadership, and business management. He earned a BS in Chemistry from Michigan State University and a PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Scott is an active member of ACS, ASMS, and ALMA.

    Course Content

    Write your awesome label here.

    What are the unique features of this course?

    Our Advanced Lab Management courses are designed to support existing and potential lab managers with training in a wide variety of leadership and management skills.

    Self-paced Courses

    Each lecture video features supporting slides, skill-testing activities, interactive elements, and a short quiz.

    IACET Accreditation

    Each Advanced Lab Management course is accredited by IACET and is worth 0.1 CEUs.

    Comprehensive Content

    We offer a variety of Advanced Lab Management courses designed to empower learners to navigate the intricacies of laboratory operations, from regulatory compliance to operational efficiency.
    Lab Manager Academy is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training.