Question

Explain the first two steps in the process of Planning.

Discuss the steps involved in the process of planning.

“Defining organisational objectives is the first step in the process of planning”. Explain the other steps of the planning process.

What are the steps taken by management in the planning process.

Answer 1

1. Setting Objectives: Plans are made in order to accomplish specific goals or objectives. Thus, clearly defining and outlining the goals of the organisation as a whole as well as of each of its departments is the first stage in the planning process. The philosophy or master plan should be used to identify the enterprise’s primary goal, such as what industry we operate in and why. The main goals ought to be distinct, well-defined, and divided into departmental, sectional, and personal goals.
2. Developing the Planning Premises: Establishing the premises or presumptions about the future comes next, after the goals to be accomplished have been established. The setting or parameters in which plans will be carried out are provided by the planning premises. These are set up with the aid of predicting future circumstances and occurrences that are likely to affect the pursuit of goals.
3. Identifying Alternative Courses of Action: Finding the many approaches that can be taken to accomplish the goals is important after the planning assumptions and objectives have been determined. All pertinent data must be gathered and examined in order to determine every potential option. Data can be gathered from both primary and secondary sources. The information gathered in this way will form the foundation for creating a different plan of action.
4. Evaluating Alternatives and Choosing the Best Alternative: The predicted costs and benefits of each choice are assessed and contrasted. Common considerations like the risk involved, the anticipated return, the planning premises, the objectives to be met, etc., should be used to evaluate the various options.
5. Formulating Derivative Plans: The next natural step after deciding on a basic plan is to create comprehensive blueprints for carrying it out. The policies, processes, rules, programs, timetables, budgets, and so forth are all mentioned in these comprehensive or derived plans. When a business decides to create a new product, for example, plans must be made for the product’s design, funding, material acquisition, employee training, product advertising, etc. Plans should be timed and sequenced appropriately.
6. Securing Cooperation: All members of the organisation must understand and fully cooperate for plans to be implemented successfully. As a result, plans need to be shared and thoroughly described to staff members so they know what is being suggested to be done and why. Workers may offer some helpful ideas and suggestions when plans are shared with them. Workers should be inspired to carry out the ideas as effectively as possible.
7. Follow-up Actions: Periodically, current plans are examined to make sure they remain applicable and efficient. Certain facts that were not previously considered may come to light once plans are put into action. The plans must be updated as needed to reflect these realities and the evolving environment.