CGM assists it clients in defining their strategic direction, and making decisions on allocating its resources to pursue this strategy, including its capital and people.

Various business analysis techniques can be used in strategic planning, including SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) and PEST analysis (Political, Economic, Social, and Technological analysis).

CGM integrates the output from core management systems (performance management, business process improvement and risk management) as input into the strategic plan.

The outcome is a more robust strategic plan which is used as guidance to define functional and divisional plans, including Technology, Marketing, Program Development, Program Implementation, etc.