A strategic planning process begins with which of the following?

A strategic planning process begins with a comprehensive needs assessment because it serves as the foundation for identifying the specific issues, strengths, and challenges that need to be addressed. By conducting a needs assessment, an organization can gather data on the current situation, stakeholder perspectives, community resources, and gaps in services. This information allows planners to prioritize goals and allocate resources effectively, ensuring that the subsequent strategic planning is tailored to meet the actual needs of the community or target population.

Without this initial step, any strategic plan formulated may lack relevance or be misaligned with the needs of those it aims to serve. The needs assessment informs the direction of the planning process, identifies key areas of focus, and helps establish measurable objectives, making it a crucial starting point for effective planning and programming.