Supervision in the Hospitality Industry- AHLEI Practice Test

Which of the following bridges strategic and operational planning activities by indicating how an organization will move forward in the upcoming year toward attaining long-range goals?

1. A vision statement

2. A mission statement

3. A business plan

4. A long-range plan

The correct answer is: A business plan

The business plan is a comprehensive document that outlines an organization's strategy for the upcoming year, detailing how it will achieve its long-term goals. This plan serves as a bridge between strategic and operational planning by laying out specific actions and resources required to meet the long-term objectives set by the organization. It includes elements such as financial forecasts, operational plans, market analysis, and performance metrics, which are essential for tracking progress and ensuring accountability. By explicitly connecting the day-to-day operations with the strategic vision, the business plan helps to structure and guide the organization’s efforts toward achieving its long-range goals effectively. In contrast, the vision statement primarily reflects the desired future of the organization and serves to inspire and provide direction, but it does not outline specific actions for the short term. The mission statement defines the organization’s purpose and core values, focusing on its role in the community or market but lacks the actionable components found in a business plan. A long-range plan often provides a broader overview without the immediate action steps necessary for the upcoming year, making it less focused on bridging strategic and operational activities in the near term.