Strategic, tactical, and operational planning must be accompanied by controls. Monitoring progress or providing for follow-up is intended to assure that plans are carried out properly and on time. A competitive advantage can be gained by adapting to the challenges. Tactical Plans Top level managers set very general, long-term goals that require more than one year to achieve. Middle managers interpret these goals and develop tactical plans for their departments that can be accomplished within one year or less.
Tactical plans have shorter time frames and narrower scopes than strategic plans.
Tactical planning provides the specific ideas for implementing the strategic plan. It is the process of making detailed decisions about what to do, who will do it, and how to do it. Supervisors set standards, form schedules, secure resources, and report progress. They need very detailed reports about operations, personnel, materials, and equipment. The supervisor interprets higher management plans as they apply to his or her unit.