How are strategic plans and operational plans related?

A) Strategic plans and operational plans are unrelated.
B) Strategic plans define what needs to be done to implement operational plans.
C) Strategic plans are developed to address long-term organizational objectives; operational plans implement strategic plans.
D) Operational plans are developed to meet long-term organizational objectives; strategic plans implement operational plans.
E) Strategic plans set operational objectives; operational plans carry out those objectives.

Strategic plans and operational plans are related in that strategic plans are developed to address long-term organizational objectives and provide the overall direction and guidance for the organization, while operational plans implement the strategies outlined in the strategic plan in order to achieve those objectives. Operational plans are more short-term in nature, outlining the specific actions and activities that need to be undertaken in order to execute the strategic plan. Therefore, strategic plans are the foundation for operational plans.