broad general course of action for the entire organization designed to accomplish strategic goals; long term usually (1-3 yrs); how to survive to compete, low to moderate detail, there is uncertainty and risk
tactical
specific courses of action designed to accomplish special strategic goals (how to); short to intermediate in duration (1 year or less), low risk, done by employees up to middle management, high detail
operational
specific courses of action identified by a manager in order to accomplish specific objectives that contribute to specific strategic goals; short term
single use plans
not likely to be repeated (UNCC football team)
standing plans
typically encounter like hiring and training
contingency plans
actions to be taken when a company's initial plans haven't worked or required sudden change- natural disasters