The planning process is a six-step process that involves 1) analyzing the current situation, 2) generating, 3) evaluating, and 4) selecting among the alternative goals and plans, 5) implementing the chosen plan, and finally 6) monitoring performance and adjusting as necessary. The types of situations managers find themselves in, and therefore, the types of plans that they will generate based on their situational analysis, will depend on the level of the organization at which managers are operating. For example, the CEO of Chipotle is thinking about how to increase market share and win the food fight against rivals like Moes and Qdoba. Manager in charge of the supply chain for Chipotle (tactical managers), however, are thinking about how they can make sure there isnt a Carnitas shortage again and how to acquire enough avocados for their delicious, yet extra guacamole. Managers of the individual restaurants (frontline managers) are concerned with making sure theyre staffed adequately during the lunch and dinner rush-hours.

All of these issues are important and will ultimately affect Chipotles well-being. In fact, for organizations to be successful, they must make sure their strategic, tactical, and operational plans are aligned with one another as well as with a common purpose/goal (i.e., vision). Nonetheless, while strategic, tactical, and operational plans should all be aligned with one another, they will differ based on the individuals involved, the level of detail, time horizon, and scope.

Review the following statements and answer the corresponding questions.

1. Bob wants to open 20 new locations over the next 5 years. Bob is most likely a _______ manager.

(Click to select) Team-level Tactical Front-line Operational Strategic

2. Sherry wants to increase gross revenues by 10%. Sherry is most likely a _______ manager.

(Click to select) Middle-level Top-level Front-line Tactical Operational

3. The HR department plans to roll out a new performance management system that will allow people to keep electronic records of their performance reviews. This system was likely put in place by a ____________.

(Click to select) Top-level Middle-level Team-level Front-line Operational-level

4. Todd makes sure to schedule extra servers during the Sunday-Funday brunch hour. Todd is most likely a _______ manager.

(Click to select) Operational Strategic Tactical Middle Team-level

5. Sarah realizes that she is assigned to work during Frappy Hour today. Frappy Hour is when Starbucks offers Buy One, Get One free frappucinos to all of its rewards members. The store manager, Jenn, knows that Sarah is an experienced shift-manager who works well under pressure. Much like Jenn expected, Sarah rallies her Frappy Hour team, gives them a pep talk, and starts pulling extra supplies from the cooler so everyone is ready to go when the promotion starts. Sarah is a _______ manager.

(Click to select) Operational Strategic Tactical Middle Team-level

6. Google announced that all of its employees will be allowed to continue working remotely until July 2021. This decision was made by a ___________ manager.

(Click to select) Team-level Strategic Tactical Middle Operational

7. The Chick-fil-A drive-thru line in the Town Center is always wrapped around the block and spills out onto the street. It is the ___________ managers job at Chick-fil-A to make sure that his/her drive-thru employees are highly trained so they can move the customers through as quickly as possible.

(Click to select) Strategic Top Front-line Team-level Tactical

8. In a meeting among managers, Michelle was overheard saying: I think our queso leaves a little something to be desired. It just seems like its missing a little something. Before we roll it out to all the stores, lets put our heads together and see if we can improve the recipe a bit. Michelle is most likely a _______ manager.

(Click to select) Front-line Strategic-level Operational-level Middle-level Team-level

9. In a meeting among managers, Brian was overheard saying that Chipotle needed to start focusing their attention on the growing population of "carb-conscious" consumers. The focus on the "Keto-consumer" for the last few years had been more successful than they could have ever imagined. The keto-menu offerings really encouraged a new type of consumer to start choosing Chipotle for their fast-casual meals out. Over the next few years, they want to do the same thing but for their "carb-conscious" consumers. Brian is most likely a ______ manager.

(Click to select) Tactical Operational Strategic Front-line Team-level

10. In a meeting among managers, Matt was overheard saying: If were going to be the fastest car manufacturer in the world, we are going to have to make sure we have a steady supply of resources and parts. Lets connect with our regional shipping partners and local suppliers to make sure we have priority access to the necessary parts. Matt realizes that the company vision to be the fastest car manufacturer in the world hinges on the supply chain that he coordinates. In his role, Matt is most likely a _______ manager.

(Click to select) Front-line Operational Tactical-level Team-level Strategic-level