1. Which of the following best describes the first phase of strategic

planning?

 a) Conducting a SWOT analysis

 b) Developing a vision statement

 c) Setting goals and objectives

 d) Evaluating performance metrics

 Answer: b) Developing a vision statement

 Rationale: The first phase of strategic planning involves creating a clear

and inspiring vision statement that outlines the organization's future

direction.

2. Which of the following is NOT a typical step in the strategic planning

process?

 a) Identifying key stakeholders

 b) Analyzing competitive positioning

 c) Implementing operational changes

 d) Evaluating external environmental factors

 Answer: c) Implementing operational changes

 Rationale: Strategic planning focuses on developing long-term goals and

objectives. The implementation of operational changes typically falls

under operational management.

3. Which tool is commonly used to analyze the external environment

during strategic planning?

 a) SWOT analysis

 b) PESTEL analysis

 c) Financial ratio analysis

 d) Balanced scorecard

 Answer: b) PESTEL analysis

 Rationale: PESTEL analysis is a framework used to analyze the

political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors

that may impact an organization's strategic planning