which comes first, the development of the long-term objectives, or the evaluation of organizational strengths and weaknesses? Please explain your choice.

It seems to me that you'd need to know the long-term objectives before you evaluate the organization's strengths and weaknesses. One set of objectives may require different strengths than another set of objectives. Consider, for instance, the differences between a profit-making and a non-profit organization.

To determine whether the development of long-term objectives or the evaluation of organizational strengths and weaknesses comes first, we need to understand the logical sequence in the strategic planning process.

Typically, the strategic planning process starts with an evaluation of the organization's internal and external environment. This involves analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the organization, as well as opportunities and threats in the external environment (such as market trends, competition, and regulatory factors).

This analysis helps provide insights into the current state of the organization and its capabilities. By understanding its strengths and weaknesses, the organization can identify areas for improvement or leverage existing strengths for sustainable competitive advantage.

Once the evaluation is complete, the next step is to develop long-term objectives. These objectives are the goals and aspirations the organization aims to achieve over a specific time period, typically ranging from three to ten years. Long-term objectives should be aligned with the organization's mission, vision, and values.

With this understanding, the logical sequence dictates that the evaluation of organizational strengths and weaknesses comes before the development of long-term objectives. By assessing these internal factors, the organization can better determine the realistic and achievable aspirations it can pursue.

In summary, understanding the organization's strengths and weaknesses is crucial for developing long-term objectives that align with its capabilities. Therefore, the evaluation of organizational strengths and weaknesses should precede the development of long-term objectives in the strategic planning process.