Final answer:
The stage where specific actions to achieve goals are defined in strategic planning is called action planning. It is part of the process that includes creating an actionable plan with clear steps and deadlines.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stage of strategic planning that entails deciding the specific actions required to achieve established goals and objectives is best termed as action planning. This phase comes after setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals and involves creating a tangible Action Plan that outlines actionable steps with target dates to monitor progress. It is critical in both business and politics, where strategic actions are necessary to successfully achieve political goals, taking into consideration the strategies and actions of opponents. The tactical planning, operational planning, and implementation planning stages also play crucial roles in strategic planning, but it is action planning that focuses on detailing the exact steps to reach the intended goals.