Question

Answer the following question:
In 2015, Naveen left his luxurious life in Mumbai, where he worked as a manager for Blue Birds Ltd. He shifted to Begampur, Chhattisgarh to fulfill his grandmother's dream of converting their 25-acre ancestral land into a fertile farm. For this, he set out specific goals along with the activities to be performed to achieve the goals.
Every activity was a challenge since he was clueless about farming. He learned every activity from filling the land to sowing the seeds. To aid farmers he launched his own company 'Innovative Agriculture Solutions Pvt. Ltd.’
It was difficult initially as no one trusted an urban youth telling farmers about farming. But when everything was discussed in detail the farmers started taking an interest. He wanted to ensure that future events meet effectively the best interests of the company. Through sales forecasting, he prepared an annual plan for production and sales.
He also found that the farmers grew the only paddy, which was an activity of 3 - 4 months and land remained idle for the rest 8-9 months of the year. He not only identified but evaluated various alternatives through which the farms could be utilised for the remaining months of the year. Through correct foresight and logical and systematic thinking based on analysis of all facts, all alternative was examined and evaluated. He promoted a plan to the farmers, where after harvesting paddy, vegetables could be grown.
The above case highlights the features of one of the functions of management. By quoting lines from the above identify and explain these features.

Answer 1

The given case highlights the planning function of management.

The features of planning discussed in the given case:

1. Planning focuses on achieving objectives: Planning starts when an objective is set and proper planning gives a boost to a well-organized and goal-oriented management. Plans ensure that the desired objective is attained economically and quickly, if possible.
   Quote 1: He shifted to Begampur, Chhattisgarh, to fulfill his grandmother's dream of converting their 25-acre ancestral land into a fertile farm
2. Planning is futuristic: Being an intellectual process, planning seeks to bridge the gap between where we are and where we want to go; it is a trap to capture the future, i.e. it is futuristic in nature.
   Quote 2: He wanted to ensure that future events meet effectively the best interests of the company. Through sales forecasting, he prepared an annual plan for production and sales.
3. Planning involves decision making: After coming up with all possible alternatives and its outcome, the managers need to evaluate them. This evaluation is based on the utility and consequences of the options and the performance study of various actions.
   Quote 3: He not only identified but evaluated various alternatives through which the farms could be utilised for the remaining months of the year.
4. Planning is a mental exercise: Planning is a mental activity, in which the manager uses his mind for logical and systematic thinking.
   Quote 4: Through correct foresight and logical and systematic thinking based on analysis of all facts, all alternatives were examined and evaluated.