Final answer:
The statement is partially true as design decisions are typically strategic and long-term while planning decisions tend to be more tactical and medium-term. However, the exact timeframes can vary and intertemporal decision making can often blur the lines between strategic and tactical considerations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that design decisions are usually strategic and long term, while planning decisions are tactical and medium term, can be considered partially true. While it is often the case that design decisions involve a longer-term, strategic outlook as they define the underlying architecture of a system or process, and planning decisions are generally more about how to implement those designs within a certain time frame, the actual time horizons can vary greatly depending on the context of the organization and the specific situation. In some cases, planning decisions can also be long-term if they involve significant capital investment or changes in strategic direction.
It's important to consider that both strategic design and tactical planning are essential for the successful operation and growth of a business or organization. Strategic design sets the long-term vision, while tactical planning addresses the path to achieving that vision. Intertemporal decision making comes into play here, as decisions made now will affect the organization's future. Therefore, the leaning towards whether a decision is considered strategic or tactical can blend based on how the decisions are made and the scope they are meant to address.