Which term describes the long-term planning that provides direction to help a business accomplish its mission?

• A. Actions
• B. Tactical Planning
• C. Strategic Planning
• D. Operational Planning

Answer: (C)

Long-term planning that provides direction to help a business accomplish its mission is strategic planning. This type of planning looks at where the organization wants to go over several years, deciding the overall direction, priorities, and positions the company will pursue. It involves defining or reaffirming the mission and vision, setting broad goals, and determining the resources and capabilities needed to achieve them. Strategic planning guides decisions across the entire organization and aligns activities, investments, and initiatives with the mission so everything the company does moves in the same direction.

By contrast, tactical planning translates those broad strategic choices into specific actions for particular areas or functions over a shorter horizon, while operational planning focuses on the daily, routine activities required to run the business. Actions are concrete steps, but without the longer horizon and cross-functional alignment of strategic planning, they may miss the bigger destination.