The VeriSM model positions the Management Mesh as the framework for creating a target operating model. This model must be aligned with the organization's overall goals and direction. Strategic plans articulate these high-level objectives and the intended course of action for the organization. Therefore, before the Management Mesh can be built to define how services will be managed and delivered, the organization must first establish its strategic plans to define what it aims to achieve. The Mesh is then tailored to support the execution of this strategy.

A. Design specifications are detailed plans for a specific product or service. They are an output developed using the principles and practices established within the Management Mesh, not a prerequisite for it.

B. Operational plans concern the day-to-day activities of service delivery. These plans are formulated after the Management Mesh has defined the overall operating model and management practices.

D. Tactical plans translate strategy into more specific, medium-term actions. While they influence the configuration of the Mesh, the overarching strategic plan is the foundational prerequisite that must be established first.

1. Agutter, C., England, R., et al. (2017). VeriSM™: A Service Management Approach for the Digital Age. Van Haren Publishing.

Section 2.1, 'Governance': This section explains that governance "overarches every activity" and includes setting the strategic direction for the organization. This establishes strategy as the highest-level driver. (p. 31).

Section 2.3, 'The Management Mesh': This section describes the Mesh as being "unique to an organization" and "tailored to the product or service being developed or provided." This tailoring process is directly informed by the strategic goals that the product or service must meet. (p. 41).

2. IFDC (International Foundation for Digital Competences). (2017). VeriSM™ Foundation Body of Knowledge (BoK).

Chapter 2, 'The VeriSM model': The diagram and description of the model clearly show Governance (which includes strategy) as the starting point, which then informs the Service Management Principles and the subsequent construction of the Management Mesh. This flow demonstrates that strategy precedes the Mesh.