This online course, Business Succession Planning for HR Professionals, is designed to equip HR practitioners with practical strategies and tools aligned with Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) exam outlines to identify, develop, and transition future organizational leaders. By focusing on real-world applications of succession planning‚Äîincluding assessing talent needs, ensuring leadership continuity, and addressing legal and financial complexities‚ participants will learn to define fundamental principles of succession planning; describe methods for identifying and assessing high-potential employees; explain key legal, financial, and ethical considerations in leadership transitions; apply best practices for talent development, mentoring, and coaching; analyze communication strategies that foster transparency among stakeholders; implement frameworks for ongoing evaluation and refinement; and evaluate practical case studies to enhance decision-making and leadership continuity. Through targeted lectures, case studies, and interactive knowledge checks, learners will develop the knowledge, skills, and practical changes needed to maintain organizational resilience and sustain growth.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Business Succession Planning
5 Topics
1 Quiz
Introduction to Business Succession Planning
What is Business Succession Planning?
Importance of Succession Planning
Succession Planning Statistics
Course Objectives
Module 1: Introduction to Business Succession Planning
Module 2: Creating a Succession Planning Strategy
5 Topics
1 Quiz
Introduction to Creating a Succession Planning Strategy
Key Elements of a Strategy
Identifying Business Needs
Setting Clear Goals
Developing a Timeline
Module 2: Creating a Succession Planning Strategy
Module 3: Identifying Successor Candidates
5 Topics
1 Quiz
Introduction to Identifying Successor Candidates
Internal vs External Candidates
Leadership Qualities to Look For
Tools for Identifying Candidates
Discussing Potential Candidates
Module 3: Identifying Successor Candidates
Module 4: Developing Successor Talent
5 Topics
1 Quiz
Introduction to Developing Successor Talent
Importance of Development Programs
Training Plans and Resources
Mentoring and Coaching
Continuous Learning & Development
Module 4: Developing Successor Talent
Module 5: Legal Considerations in Succession Planning
5 Topics
1 Quiz
Introduction to Legal Considerations in Succession Planning
Key Legal Aspects
Employment Laws
Contracts and Agreements
Legal Risks and Mitigation
Module 5: Legal Considerations in Succession Planning
Module 6: Financial Planning for Succession
5 Topics
1 Quiz
Introduction to Financial Planning for Succession
Assessing Financial Resources
Funding Succession Decisions
Valuation of Business
Tax Implications
Module 6: Financial Planning for Succession
Module 7: Communication Strategies
5 Topics
1 Quiz
Introduction to Communication Strategies
Importance of Communication
Stakeholder Engagement
Preparing Communication Plans
Managing Expectations
Module 7: Communication Strategies
Module 8: Managing Talent Transition
5 Topics
1 Quiz
Introduction to Managing Talent Transition
Transition Timelines
Onboarding Successors
Knowledge Transfer Methods
Monitoring Progress
Module 8: Managing Talent Transition
Module 9: Crisis Management and Succession Planning
5 Topics
1 Quiz
Introduction to Crisis Management and Succession Planning
Importance of Contingency Plans
Developing a Crisis Management Plan
Succession Planning in Crisis
Case Studies
Module 9: Crisis Management and Succession Planning
Module 10: Family-Owned Business Considerations
5 Topics
1 Quiz
Introduction to Family-Owned Business Considerations
Unique Challenges
Balancing Family Dynamics
Preparing the Next Generation
Governance Structures
Module 10: Family-Owned Business Considerations
Module 11: Technology in Succession Planning
5 Topics
1 Quiz
Introduction to Technology in Succession Planning
Role of Technology
Tools and Software
Data Analytics in Planning
Future Trends
Module 11: Technology in Succession Planning
Module 12: Evaluating and Updating Succession Plans
5 Topics
1 Quiz
Introduction to Evaluating and Updating Succession Plans
Importance of Ongoing Reviews
Methods for Evaluation
Updating Plans Based on Feedback
Continuous Improvement
Module 12: Evaluating and Updating Succession Plans