Planning, Planning process, meaning, definition of planning


Planning, Planning process, meaning, definition of planning


Meaning:-

Planning is a decision in advance what to do, how to do and who will do a particular task. It is a process that involves thinking before doing it. It is concerned with the mental state of a manager.

Definition of Planning:-


  • According to L.A. Allen, " Planning is a trap laid down to capture the future."
  • According to Theo Haimann, " Planning is informed anticipation of future."


Objectives of Planning:-


  1. To reduce the chances of mistakes.
  2. To increase efficiency.
  3. To enhance performance.
  4. To facilitates proper coordination.
  5. To keep good control over all the activities.
  6. Develop in facing competition.


Planning Process or steps in planning:-


  • Establishing objectives.
  • Identifying the real problem.
  • Collecting and analyzing information.
  • Determining planning premises.
  • Identifying an alternative course of action.
  • Evaluating the alternatives.
  • Selecting the best alternative.
  • Formulating derivative plans.
  • Budgeting.
  • Implementing.
  • Follow up action.




Components and elements of planning:-


  • Mission
  • Objectives
  • Policies
  • Procedures
  • Budget
  • Program
  • strategies


Characteristics of planning:-


  1. Planning is goal-oriented.
  2. Planning continues process.
  3. Planning is design for efficiency.
  4. Planning is all-pervasive.
  5. Planning is the primary function of management.


Need and Importance of Planning:-


  1. Planning provides direction.
  2. Planning helps an organization to achieve goals.
  3. Planning promotes innovative ideas.
  4. Planning facilitates decision making.
  5. Planning establishes the standard for control.
  6. Planning reduces the risk of uncertainties.
  7. Planning reduces overlapping and wasteful activities.


Limitations of Planning:-


  • Costly process.
  • It reduces creativity.
  • Planning does not guarantee success.
  • Lack of accuracy.
  • Planning leads to rigidity.


Essential elements of an effective planning:-


  1. Good Planning should be simple.
  2. A good plan is based on well-defined objectives.
  3. An effective Planning should also have the elements of the flexibility.
  4. An effective Planning should also have the quality of being practical.
  5. Planning is always future-oriented.


Tool and Techniques of Planning:-


  • The tree diagram
  • The affinity diagram.
  • The interrelationship diagram.
  • The Prioritization matrices.
  • The process decision program chart (PDPC)
  • The activity network diagram.