The correct answer is A. planning.
Planning is the process of setting goals and objectives, and developing strategies to achieve them. It is the first step in the systems development life cycle (SDLC), and it is essential for the success of any system study.
The executive vice-president and the other managers are responsible for planning the system study. They need to determine the goals of the study, the scope of the study, and the resources that will be needed. They also need to develop a timeline for the study and a plan for communicating the results of the study to the rest of the organization.
The other options are incorrect because they are not part of the planning process. Controlling is the process of monitoring the progress of the system study and making sure that it is on track. Directing is the process of providing guidance and direction to the people who are working on the system study. Organizing is the process of creating a structure for the system study and assigning tasks to the people who are working on it.