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Description

Performance Reviews: Preparing the Analysis, Leading the Discussion and Driving Action

Turning the monthly numbers meeting into a session that ends with decisions

  • 1 day — 7 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • Intermediate
  • Up to 6 participants

The performance review repeats itself every month in the same way: the management controller comments on variances, operational managers justify them, and the meeting closes without a clear decision. The reports are accurate but far too numerous, and the actions agreed the previous month were never followed up. The meeting loses its purpose.

This one-day programme focuses on preparing and leading that meeting. Participants learn to select the analyses that genuinely inform a decision, to build a readable pack, to lead the discussion with reluctant operational managers and to formalise actions that will actually be tracked through to the following review.

Learning objectives

  • Select the variance analyses that genuinely inform an operational decision
  • Build a readable and clearly prioritised review pack
  • Frame an analytical message that a non-financial audience understands
  • Lead the discussion when figures are challenged or objections are raised
  • Turn decisions into actions with a named owner and a deadline
  • Organise action follow-up between two review meetings

What makes this programme different

An existing review pack is reworked during the session and reviewed by the other participants
Objection scenarios are role-played with an observer providing structured feedback
A decision log template is built and tested on a real case

Programme

1Preparing the Review

Choosing the analyses that matter

  • Defining the purpose of the review and the level of detail expected
  • Selecting indicators and prioritising variances
  • Investigating causes ahead of the meeting and holding preliminary discussions
  • Building a readable pack and setting the distribution schedule

2Leading the Discussion

Running the meeting rather than enduring it

  • Opening the meeting, setting the frame and managing speaking time
  • Presenting a figure-based finding to a non-financial audience
  • Questioning techniques that surface causes rather than justifications
  • Handling objections and challenges to the figures
  • The business partner stance versus the controller stance

3Deciding and Following Up

Keeping commitments alive

  • Moving from analysis to action: what makes an action workable
  • Assigning ownership and setting deadlines
  • Drafting and circulating the decision log
  • Follow-up and reminders between two reviews
  • Measuring the effect of the actions taken

Who is it for

Management controllers and performance management officers, as well as finance managers required to lead review meetings with operational teams.

Prerequisites

Practical experience of management control and budget variance analysis.

Dates & locations

36 scheduled dates between November 2026 and December 2027. Seats are confirmed in the order enquiries are received.

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

September 2027

October 2027

November 2027

December 2027

None of these dates suit you? We open additional sessions on request, and any programme can be run privately for your team.

Practical details

Before the programme
Online positioning questionnaire. Your development objectives are shared with the trainer, who tailors the practical case studies to your context.
Teaching methods
Theoretical input, workshops and practical case studies. Digital course materials and method sheets provided.
Assessment
Multiple-choice tests and role-play exercises. Assessment of learning at the start and end of the programme, with immediate and 60-day follow-up evaluations.
After the programme
One year of access to the e-learning platform. Self-assessment of the skills acquired and a 30-day follow-up session with your trainer.
How to register
Registration online or on the basis of a quotation.
Lead time
11 working days after confirmation of registration.
Accessibility
Accessible to people of determination. Contact our accessibility coordinator to design a suitable solution: contact@mpf-academy.ae
Start dates
Rolling intake: in addition to the scheduled sessions, this programme can start on request.