Which of the following is NOT a key element of strategic planning?

In strategic planning, the primary focus is on creating a roadmap for an organization to achieve its long-term goals effectively. Establishing a mission, setting objectives, and conducting a SWOT analysis are essential elements of this process.

Establishing a mission is fundamental because it defines the organization's purpose and helps guide decision-making. It acts as the foundation upon which strategies are built. Setting objectives is crucial as it provides specific, measurable targets that the organization aims to achieve, ensuring that everyone is working towards common goals. Conducting a SWOT analysis allows for a thorough evaluation of the organization’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, which informs strategic decisions and helps in identifying the best path forward.

In contrast, implementing a set policy without assessment is not a key element of strategic planning. This approach neglects the important step of evaluating the effectiveness of policies and strategies once they are in place. Continuous assessment and feedback are critical in strategic planning, enabling organizations to adapt and refine their strategies based on performance and changing circumstances. Hence, this option is correctly identified as not aligning with the principles of effective strategic planning.