STEPS OF PLANNING PROCESS- STEP 8: FOLLOW UP THE PLAN

Planning is considered as a perpetual process which goes on till the organization is in existence. The planning process does not ends merely by implementing the plan. Managers need to constantly monitor the plan and its efficiency, in order to keep a check on any irregularity in the process.

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STEPS OF PLANNING PROCESS- STEP 7: IMPLEMENTING THE PLAN

In the previous steps, the main plan, alternatives are selected, supportive plans are prepared, etc. However, all these activities take place on paper, plans are discussed in meetings, and managers make assumptions about future. None of these involve practical implementation of the plan, i.e. everything is on paper and in minds of the manager. So to make the whole plan come into real business world, the next step of planning process involves implementing the plan.

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STEPS OF PLANNING PROCESS- STEP 6:PREPARING SUPPORTIVE PLANS

Once the main plan is selected at the previous step, the managers move forward and perform all the activities required to implement the selected plan. Accordingly, after plan selection the next step of planning process involves preparation of supportive plans.

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STEPS OF PLANNING PROCESS- STEP 5:SELECTING THE BEST ALTERNATIVE

While the earlier steps of planning process are concerned with listing and evaluating alternatives, this step is more about decision making, i.e. selecting the best among the alternatives available. In the previous step alternatives are evaluated, those having maximum positive aspects are listed and the ones with negative points are eliminated. In this step, the managers decide or finalize the one or a combination of plan with which they want to move forward and put in operation.

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STEPS OF PLANNING PROCESS- STEP 4:EVALUATING THE AVAILABLE ALTERNATIVES

After listing various available alternatives managers move to the next step of planning process which is to evaluate each alternative in the light of stipulated guidelines and benchmarks. Each of the alternatives are evaluated to know how well each one can help the organization in meeting its goal. All available options are assessed based on the cost and risk involved, merits as well as shortcomings. Once the critical point of each alternative is known a comparison is made among all the available alternatives. Further, alternatives unveiling maximum positive aspects are listed and the ones with negative points are eliminated.

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STEPS OF PLANNING PROCESS- STEP 3: DETERMINING ALTERNATIVE COURSES OF ACTION

Generally, every task in our lives can be completed with various alternative ways. We choose the alternative which is best suited in our situation and guarantees effective and efficient completion of the task. Say for example, ‘Mr. M wants to eat breakfast, now he has various alternatives. Option one - he can cook himself, option two – he can order from a food delivery outlet, option three – he can ask someone to cook for him.’

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STEPS OF PLANNING PROCESS - STEP 2: ESTABLISHING PLANNING PREMISES

After setting up the objectives, the next step in planning is making planning premises. It is well known that planning is a forecasting activity which deals about the future and forecasting is based on past data as well as future assumptions. These assumptions are termed as ‘premises’.

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STEPS OF PLANNING PROCESS - STEP 1: DETERMINING THE ORGANIZATIONAL OBJECTIVES

Planning is the process of deciding in advance ‘what the organization wants to do’ then deciding ‘how it is to be done’ and finally ‘getting it done’. In simple words, it is setting the goals and deciding and performing various activities to achieve that goal.

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PLANNING PROCESS

Planning is a process of deciding in advance a plan of action which aids the organization to reach its pre-determined goal. Planning states the objectives of the organization and guides the organization through various procedures towards achievement of the objectives. When the goals are clearly defined, the chances of ambiguity are low and every department and employee knows what he is responsible for thus acts accordingly which makes the whole process smooth and hassle-free.

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Limitations or Criticism of Planning Part II

This is in continuation to my earlier Blog Post on “Limitations/ Criticism of Planning”. Some of the remaining points are explained below:-

Delay in Implementation/ Action: Planning process involves numerous activities like gathering information, planning for resources, hiring professionals, finding alternatives, analyzing and evaluating alternatives, selecting the best alternative, etc. All these activities consume a lot of time thus delaying actual action. Such kind of delay in implementation and action makes it unfitting to adopt planning where swift actions are needed.

Limited Flexibility: One of the major drawbacks of planning is its inflexible nature. Once the plans are made and are implemented in the organization all the processes start working accordingly so do the employees. In case any need arises due to certain circumstances, it becomes problematic for the management to make changes in the plan, as any change would mean starting everything afresh. Such inflexibility may be categorized further in two forms i.e. ‘Internal or Organizational inflexibility’ and ‘External or Environmental inflexibility’.

Internal inflexibility is because of the fact that the plans are being followed and processed by the organization and employees, and making changes would cause loss of time and efforts with additional cost and delayed goal achievement.

Likewise, external inflexibility arises because of the changes in government policies and regulations, technological advancements, competition, etc. Once there are changes in the external environment of the business it becomes necessary to modify the plans to suit the prevailing business conditions, however it is not as easy as it may sound.

Psychological Barriers: Whole planning process is prepared by managers and implemented by employees, where all are human beings. Wherever, humans are involved there exists psychology, emotions, mindsets, etc. Planning needs the cooperative and whole hearted determinations of the managers and employees for it to be a success. However, in general managers do not get proper feedback, suggestions and co-operation from their subordinates likewise subordinates feel lack of trust and appreciation from their superiors. With this kind of mindset it becomes challenging to make planning a success.

Limited Practicability: Planning is an intellectual process which involves lot and lots of deliberations and discussions before forming any concrete solution or plan. However, there are only a few plans that are implemented successfully in the business organization. Thus, many of the scholars are of the view that instead of investing more efforts on planning managers should invest time and efforts on making its implementation practically successful.

Limited Creativity/ Initiative: Another drawback of planning includes the lack of creativity and initiative among employees. As is known, planning once implemented is to be followed by the employees in order to achieve the organizational objectives. This makes the employees a blind followers of the pre-determined plans, which hinders their capability of initiative ideas and suggestions. This also discourages any creativity on part of the employees, which can possibly be beneficial for the organization.

Conclusion:

The above discussed points substantiate the facts that ‘planning is not a substitute to success’ as it suffers from certain drawbacks. However, it does not mean that mangers should circumvent planning, rather they should try to plan considering the limitation of planning and should try to overcome it with creative ideas.

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Limitations or Criticism of Planning Part I

Just like any other technique in the world planning also attracted lot of criticism by various scholars for various reasons. Although planning is beneficial for the business as it guides the management and employees to achieve the objectives of the organization however, in many cases it lacks in certain aspects which makes it a skeptical process. Many a times its expediency and effectiveness is questioned for it is based on just uncertain facts, figures and circumstances which in itself is questionable. Most important criticism comes from the complications arising in the planning process. Some of the major issues with planning are discussed here:

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Essentials of Good Planning Part - I

As is evident from different theories of business management, that planning is the fundamental and inseparable aspect of any business thus its significance cannot be undervalued. All objectives are achievable only after an effective and efficient planning.

Every organization tries to make its planning comprehensive and operational. Its top management devotes a considerable time and effort in order to intellectualize an effective plan. A plan is considered as effective based on certain criteria. However, in simple terms an effective plan is one which is capable of accomplishing the pre-determined objectives of the business with given time and resources.

Some of the essential traits that make planning effective are discussed under:

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PLANNING: Importance of Planning Part - II

PLANNING: Importance of Planning  Part - II

This is in continuation to my earlier Blog on “Importance of Planning”. Some of the remaining points are explained below:-

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PLANNING: Importance of Planning Part - I

PLANNING: Importance of Planning  Part - I

Success of any business or industrial unit depends upon the time and experience invested during the formulation of its planning. Planning is very important for an organization irrespective of its field, scale of operation and geographical location. 

All objectives are achievable only after an effective and efficient planning. It is only, this planning which decides the procedures and describes the general rules for the activities for achievement of defined goals.

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PLANNING: Elements of Planning Part - II

PLANNING: Elements of Planning Part - II

This is the second part in continuation to the above topic, “Elements of Planning”.

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PLANNING: Elements of Planning Part - I

PLANNING: Elements of Planning Part - I

Planning is anticipating the future course of action which helps us to accomplish the pre decided goals or objectives. Following below given are some of the main fundamental elements of planning and are as:-

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PLANNING: Characteristics of Planning Part - II

PLANNING: Nature / Characteristics of Planning Part - II

This is in continuation to the earlier Blog on characteristics or nature of Planning. Few remaining points are discussed below:-

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PLANNING: Characteristics of Planning Part - I

PLANNING: Nature / Characteristics of Planning Part - I

Planning is a management process and has some significant characteristics or nature which are described as given;-

Planning is a Continuous Process:

The planning is a continuous process or we may say that it is never ending process. First leading job is to do systematic planning prior to establishment of any unit. So it is the beginning and at times ending process.

In the daily activity, different levels of management are in a process of continuous decisions making, all are active according to the present & future requirements, not only this, as per the needs, changes are made according to the changing environment.

Different strategies are taken in account due to varied conditions.  Immediate or future implementation to the new arising condition is carried out. Hence, management never ends planning but keeps changing the plan as per its requirement or shifting conditions.

Planning Contributes to Objectives:

Planning in any business or industrial unit begins with the establishment of objectives. Without any specific objectives planning is irrelevant. Hereafter, it makes a decision for methods, procedures and steps needed for the accomplishment of respective objectives. 

Planning as Primary Function of Management:

In an industrial or business unit planning is the primary function. Planning precedes all other functions of management.

As it is known, first we have to prepare a plan, only then, the steps like, organizing, coordinating, directing, controlling, staffing, and motivating, etc do take place.

Prior to all other functions in management, it is the planning function that initiates the whole process. Pre planned goals are the prerequisite of other managerial function.

Planning is Forward Looking:

Planning is always looking towards the future or we may say that it never discusses regarding the past. 

Management utilizes its past experience to plan for future, anticipating the situational condition and environment.

Planning is Target Based:

Targets are planned and decided in the organization and all the concerned departments and their activities are synchronized to achieve this.

It should be kept in mind that fundamental targets should be within the perspective of fundamental objectives of the organization.

Planning is Pervasive:

Planning is not only for top levels of management, but it is for all the different levels of management.

Top levels of managers basically form most important plans and policies while middle level of managers or departmental manager devise as per the respective departmental requirement. On the other hand lower level of managers has to widely support the overall pre determined objectives and work on daily activities.

NOTE:

Few more points regarding the characteristics or nature of Planning would be dealt in future Blog’s.

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PLANNING: Objectives of Planning

In today’s ever changing world, for the success of any business or industrial unit Management and Administration should lay a strong foundation, and this is achieved by Planning.

Planning initiates the intellectual process as deciding the objectives, drafting the plans and programmes, defining the policies for optimum utilization of the accessible human and material resources. So that pre defined objectives may be achieved in any organization.

Planning facilitates Managers and Administrators of any business or industrial unit to make progress as per the needs of the desired objectives. Below given are some of the Objectives of Planning:-

Forecast’s the Course:

The most important ingredient of planning is forecasting. This is basically plan development as per policies and requirement of the organization.

Forward Bearing:

Planning provides specific forward momentum to all the activities in the organization by chalking out the future working procedure.

Assured Activities:

Planning drafts the policies, working procedure and decides controlling process for the activities in an organization so that confidence level increases in employees & management regarding the accomplishment of predefined goals.

Forecast’s the Risk:

Planning forecasts the future threats, therefore technical strategies are most often planned and decided in advance to overcome the inconsistency or tackle the problems successfully.

Helps in Establishing Co-ordination:

Planning is the forefront initiator in any organization regarding coordination. This coordinates all the departments and also policies, procedures, objectives, etc. in business or industrial unit.

Develops in Facing Competition:

Assists and develops the organization to face competitions of all sorts and in all aspects. This strategic process is part of the objectives of planning.

Managing Budgetary Targets:

Budgetary Targets are executed & achieved as per the planning. It is a helping hand in planned budget utilization.

Present Important Information’s:

Planning makes available adequate information and communicates it to the employees in the organization as well as presents a positive picture of organization, its policies, functioning and results to the outside world.

Economy in Management:

Having better coordination in an organization between employees & management the pre decided goals proceed as per the requirement, all types of  wastage's is brought to the minimum. This helps in achieving the efficiency in the overall economy of management.

Supports in Maintaining Healthy Competition:

The employees in an organization are in continuous competition among the fellow employees of any specific department because actual job performance & achievement is the base criteria for any future incentive or promotion. This may bring jealousy or utilization of unfair job hindering techniques in performing different activities to the fellow employees, which ultimately slows the overall goals of any business or industrial unit. Hence, an ethical attitude with unbiased planning is maintained for the actual growth of the unit.

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PLANNING

PLANNING

Meaning & Definition

Planning is future anticipation of what has to be done to achieve the organizational goals. This is a process of forecasting the future and making systematic arrangements in all direction to accomplish the pre determined objectives of the business or industrial unit irrespective of size and location.

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