Which of the following is a step in strategic planning?

• A. Write a mission statement
• B. Develop a marketing plan
• C. Implement software upgrades
• D. Hire staff

Answer: (D)

Strategic planning connects long‑term goals with the people and processes needed to achieve them. Hiring staff is the action that builds the team to execute the plan; it translates strategy into capabilities. When a strategy is set, the next vital step is to determine the roles, skills, and numbers required, then recruit and onboard those people who will carry out the work. That staffing step turns planning into reality by ensuring the organization has the people necessary to implement projects, manage client work, and reach objectives. While defining the mission helps set direction and marketing plans or system upgrades can support various activities, they don’t by themselves secure the workforce needed to execute the strategy.