PLANNING

PLANNING

• A plan – This refers to a predetermined course of action for achieving objectives. It’s a frame work that details the methods and tasks that are to be implemented in order to achieve organizational goals. Plans may be tailored to a specific project or they may be established as standing plans for future activities / actions.
• Planning – can be defined as the process of selection and sequential ordering of tasks that are required to achieve organizational goals. It’s the process of identifying the task to be achieved, methods/means to be use and time horizons of the implementation of tasks in the organization.

It’s a process of systematic thought that precedes action.  It’s a process of deciding in the present what to do in the future. The planning process involves setting objectives and the means for achieving them.  Planning is therefore a process of developing plans.

Characteristics of Planning

1. Planning is goal oriented.  A plan is not a goal by itself but a means towards accomplishing objectives.  Planning has no meaning unless it is directed towards achievement of desired goals.
2. Planning is forward looking or futuristic. Planning is done with an eye in the future and it involves looking ahead and preparing for the future.
3. Planning involves making choices among alternative courses of action.  The manager identifies the various alternatives, evaluates each one of them and selects the best
4. Planning is an intellectual process.  It involves imagination.
5. Planning is a continuous process.  This means that old plans should be continuously reviewed in light of the planning assumptions.  Those that are no longer valid are replaced or modified.
6. Planning is an integrated process.  Planning will involve assimilating the long-term medium and short-term goals.  It also involves integrating the sub unit goals in order to achieve the overall organization goals
7. Planning is pervasive.  (Affects all the areas of the organization.) Managers at all levels are involved in planning for their various areas.
8. Planning precedes the execution of all other managerial functions
9. Planning is directed towards efficiency.  Planning has no relevance if it does not facilitate achievement of objectives efficiently and economically.

Importance of Planning

1. Planning provides direction for the organization. Without planning people would not know what is expected of them.
2. Planning reduces uncertainty and risk. This is because the managers will predict the circumstances in the future and not leave anything to chance and hence will prepare well for any eventuality.
3. It guides decision making; sound planning avoids hasty decisions and the plans established are used as a point of reference for future decision making
4. It facilitates control as the activities and the actual performance will be checked or measured against the plans and the objectives they are in.
5. It focuses attention on objectives. Plans facilitate the accomplishment of the organizations goals.
6. Planning facilitates co-ordination. Through planning it is possible to divide labour and allocate resources and ensure there is harmony between the various interrelated parts of the organization.
7. Planning enhances efficiency in operations i.e. planned effort is always more efficient than unplanned action and there is less wastage of time.
8. It facilitates optimal allocation of resources. Through the planning process the resources that are available and those that will be available are considered in the light of the various competing needs.  These resources are then allocated in such a way that will ensure maximum benefit for the organization.
9. Planning precedes the execution of all other activities. Without planning other management functions would not be possible.
10. It facilitates decentralization/delegation; The plans set will guide the subordinates who will receive the delegated authority

Douglas B Gehram provided the following answers to the question ‘why plan?’

1. It increases chances of success by focusing on results and not activities
2. It forces analytical thinking
3. It establishes a framework for decision making
4. orients people to action instead of reaction
5. Modifies style from day to day management to future based managing
6. Helps avoid crisis management and provides decision making flexibility
7. Provides a basis for measuring performance
8. Increases employee involvement and improves communication