Managers must have the tools and resources necessary to "steer" the organization through future unknown conditions and often through "uncharted waters." Having a well-thought-out plan with a subsequent strategy provides the manager with some direction in these uncertain conditions.
This activity is important because the planning and strategic management processes are critical to an organization’s survival and success. The goal of this exercise is to challenge your knowledge of the strategic planning process.
Place each of the steps in the planning and strategic management process below in the correct order. Rank the options below.

a. Establish the mission and vision
b. Establish the mission and vision
c. Formulate the grand strategy & strategic, tactical & operational plans
d. Formulate the grand strategy & strategic, tactical & operational plans
e. Assess the current reality
f. Open choices for matching
g. Maintain strategic control

Great leaders know that managers have to assess the current reality of the company, the competitors, and the economic situation of the company, as well as microeconomic and macroeconomic factors. Then, the strategic planning has to begin with the definitions of the mission and vision, as well as the values that will represent the moral "pillars" of the company. Then, it comes the formulating of goals, the strategies to reach the goals, followed by the tactics that will show the details on how to accomplish those goals.