3. Features
1. Planning focuses on achieving objectives
One of the main features of planning is that it contributes
to the achievement of organisational goals.
2. Planning is pervasive
Planning is required at all levels of management and in all
organisation i.e. small or big.
3. Planning is continuous
Planning is required on a regular and ongoing basis.
It is not a single time activity.
4. Planning is futuristic
Plans are prepared for the future and not for the past. .
4. 5. Planning is a mental exercise
Planning does not involve physical activity i.e.
it involves only thinking or deciding in advance.
6. Planning involves decision making
Planning helps in decision making because it
involves selection of the best alternative out of various
alternatives.
7. Planning is a primary function of management
Planning is a primary function. As is the first step of
management process. It provides
basis to all other functions of
management.
5. PLANNING PROCESS
1. Setting objectives
It is the first step of planning. Objectives have to
be established as it provides general direction.
2. Developing premises
Planning is concerned with the future which is uncertain.
Manager is required to make certain assumptions
about the future. These assumptions are called premises.
3. Identifying alternatives courses of action
There may be many ways to achieve objectives and all
the alternatives courses should be identified.
4. Evaluating alternative courses
After making the list of various alternatives, the positive
and negative aspects of each alternatives should be identified.
5. Selecting an alternative
6. 6. Implementing the plan
The step is concerned with putting the plan into action. i.e.
doing what is required.
7. Follow up action
Checking whether plans are being performed according to plan o
7. 1 . Planning provides direction
Planning provides the directions to the efforts of employees. Planning
makes clear what employees have to do, how to do etc.
2. Planning reduces the risks of uncertainty
Planning helps the management by forecasting the business
risks and uncertainties. So, planners try to make some
assumptions, to avoid these risk.
3. Planning reduces over lapping and
wasteful activities
Planning evaluates useless and superfluous activities
and helps in avoiding confusion and misunderstanding.
4. Planning promotes innovative ideas
Planning requires high thinking, creativity and it is an
Importance of planning
8. 5. Planning facilitates decision making
Planning helps to make the best choice out of various alternative c
6. Planning establishes standards for controlling
Planning provides the goals or standards for organisation, against
performance is measured by comparing actual performance with s
9. Limitations of planning
1. Planning leads to rigidity
Once plans are made , the manager may not be in a
position to make big changes it can make
only small changes in them.
2. Planning may not work in a
dynamic environment
Business environment is very dynamic as there
are continuous changes. It becomes very difficult
to forecast these future changes.
3. Planning reduces creativity
Planning is usually done by top level management.
As such, middle or lower level managers are not allowed
10. 4. Planning involves huge costs
Planning process involves lot of cost because it is an
an intellectual process and companies need to hire
the professional experts to carry on this process.
5. Planning is a time-consuming process
Sometimes plans to be drawn up take so much of time that there is
not much time left for their implementation.
6. Planning does not guarantee success
There is no guarantee of success of a well-drawn plan. Proper implementatio
of plan is also necessary.
11. 1. How does planning provide direction?
(NCERT)
2. Jordi, a home science graduate from a reputed
college has recently done a a crockery course from a
college. He wanted to start his own venture with a
goal to provide healthy food at reasonable prices.
He discussed his idea with teacher who encourage
her. After analysing various options of starting her
business venture, they shortlisted the option to sell
readymade and ready to make vegetable shake and
sattu milkshake.
12. a) Identify the function of the management which mention in
the above lines.
b) Mention any three characteristics of function identified in
part a.
3. Name and explain in short three steps in planning process
after “developing premises”.
4. Does planning reduce the risks of uncertainty or it eliminate
the risk of uncertainty? Comment.
5 . How does planning provide direction and mention any
three other points of importance of planning.
6. Why is it that organisations are not always able to
accomplish all their objectives?(any three)
(NCERT)