Define what is meant by strategic issues and why are they important in developing a strategic plan?

The strategic issue is first and foremost a problem—a question that has to be answered or that is waiting for a future occurrence that will provide more clarity. Second, it is strategically important and has a significant influence on the direction and course of the company. It most likely has a direct bearing on one or more of the core "Three Strategic Questions":

What will we be selling?
Who will we sell it to, exactly?
How can we defeat or avoid our rivals?
The business is centred on strategic issues. In accordance with this, the step of the process coping with Strategic Issues is at the core of Simple Strategic Planning.