What is the primary focus of tactical planning in a business context?

The primary focus of tactical planning in a business context is indeed short-range planning of specific actions. Tactical planning serves as the bridge between the overarching long-term strategic goals of an organization and the day-to-day operations necessary to achieve those goals. It involves outlining the specific steps, resources, and timing required to implement the strategies laid out by upper management.

This form of planning is typically more immediate and action-oriented, often covering a timeframe of one year or less, distinguishing it from strategic planning, which looks at broader, long-term objectives. By concentrating on concrete actions and measurable outcomes, tactical planning allows businesses to respond agilely to changing circumstances while working towards their long-term vision.

The other choices reflect aspects that do not align with the main focus of tactical planning. Long-term strategic development pertains to broader, more visionary goals; financial forecasting is a specific analysis often dealing with longer time frames; and market analysis, while crucial, focuses more on understanding the business environment than on immediate action planning. Thus, focusing on short-range specific actions accurately captures the essence of tactical planning.