Which term describes an error in planning that leads to an ineffective outcome?

The term that best describes an error in planning leading to an ineffective outcome is commonly referred to as an "Error of planning." This concept encapsulates the mistakes made during the planning phase that result in unfavorable results or failure to meet objectives. Effective planning is essential for success, and when there are flaws in this process—whether it due to misalignment of goals, lack of resources, or incorrect forecasting—these errors can cause the entire project or strategy to underperform.

In contrast, while "strategic error," "operational failure," and "implementation mistake" may stem from planning mishaps, they are more specific in terms of the context in which they occur. A strategic error relates to broader, long-term planning decisions affecting overall direction, while operational failure pertains to the execution of plans at an operational level, and an implementation mistake reflects errors made when putting a plan into action. These terms highlight specific aspects of planning errors, rather than encompassing the broader category of planning mistakes as effectively as the term "Error of planning" does.