Question

Explain any three features of ‘Planning.’

Explain the features of planning.

Explain the features of planning as a function of management.

Explain any six features of planning.

What are the main features to be considered by the management while planning?

Answer 1

1. Attainment of goals: Planning lays a foundation for the key goals of an organisation to be achieved. It makes sure that the organisation uses all its available resources to achieve the desired level of output in a given time. It ensures that the organisation follows a particular strategy in routine to achieve the desired results ultimately. For example, if an organisation expects to increase its turnover by 30% in one year, then plans are formulated in accordance with that desired expectation of results.
2. Basis of subsequent functions: Planning serves as a basis or foundation for subsequent functions of management, i.e. directing, controlling, staffing and organising. When the desired performance/output level is planned, the other functions come into play. Without a plan, all other functions of management would serve no purpose at all.
3. Broad scope: Plans are made and followed by all levels of a particular organisation to achieve their certain standards of performance. Top level managers make plans to initiate and implement different policies. Middle level managers make plans to get the workers to understand and follow the policies. Lower level managers plan to supervise and guide workers to achieve their targets.

Answer 2

1. Planning is Goal-oriented: Planning aims to accomplish certain goals, and all plans are connected to the organization's objectives. Should planning fail to positively impact the achievement of targeted goals, it will be a pointless endeavour. Planning determines the course of action that will swiftly and affordably produce the intended outcomes.
2. Planning is Future-oriented: In essence, planning is anticipating and getting ready for the future. The adage “look before you leap” serves as its foundation. The goal of planning is to maximise the organization's benefit from future occurrences. As a result, forecasting or anticipating the future becomes crucial.
3. Planning is an Intellectual Process: Planning is an intellectual activity that calls for imagination and creative thinking. Only when a manager possesses good discernment, vision, and foresight can he create excellent strategies. Planning is more than just speculating; it requires methodical, rational thought. It necessitates consciously choosing actions based on objectives, information, and well-considered projections.
4. Planning is a Primary Function: Every other management function is built upon planning. It comes before planning, hiring, leading, and managing. All of these tasks are carried out within the parameters of plans. Planning lays the groundwork for managerial activities by outlining the goals and the means to achieve them. Planning is therefore the most fundamental task.
5. Planning is Pervasive: At every level of management and in every kind of organisation, planning is essential. Plans are made by each department. Nonetheless, the extent of planning may vary depending on the degree. Top management plans for the entire organisation, for instance. Departmental plans are created by middle management. Supervisors create daily operating plans at the lowest level.
6. Planning is a Continuous Process: The process of planning is continuous. Forecasts serve as the foundation for the creation of plans. The initial plan needs to be updated in light of evolving circumstances when future projections prove to be inaccurate.
7. Planning Involves Choice: In essence, planning is the process of selecting one course of action from among several options. Planning is unnecessary when there is just one viable option because there is no other option. Because there are multiple goals and approaches to achieving them, planning becomes necessary.
8. Planning Aims at Efficiency: Plans are made to accomplish the goals as effectively as possible. Effective planning enables the achievement of desired goals at the lowest feasible expense. It aids in resource optimisation. If a plan is not worth the money spent on it, it is useless. Unwanted outcomes are likely to arise from unplanned behaviours.