Meaning Definition, Features & Importance of Planning

1 Mark Questions

1.'Dreams can be turned into reality only when managers think in advance what to do and how to do it'. Name the function of management indicated by the Statement. (Compartment 2014) or 'Deciding in advance what to do and how to do is one of the basic management functions', Give the meaning of this function (Compartment 2014)

Ans. Planning seeks to bridge the gap between where we are and where we want to go. It involves setting objectives and targets and formulating an action plan to achieve them.

1. 'Planning is done for achieving the organisational goals'. Do you agree? Give one reason in support of your answer.(Delhi 2012)

Ans. Yes, planning ensures that goals or objectives are clearly stated so that they act as a guide for deciding what action should be taken and in which direction.

3. Why is it said that 'planning is pre-requisite for controlling'? (Delhi 2009c)

Ans. Under the system of controlling, actual work performance is compared with standards. Hence, if the standards are not determined, there is no justification left for control. Therefore, planning is pre-requisite for controlling.

4. Define planning. (Delhi 2009c)

Ans. According to Koontz and O' Donnell, 'Planning is deciding in advance what to do, how to do it, when to do it and who is to do it'.

5. List any two characteristics of (Delhi 2009c)

Ans. Two characteristics of planning are as follows:

1. Planning is an intellectual process.
2. Planning is a goal-oriented process.
3. 'Planning is doing the work for achievement of goals'. Do you agree? Give reasons in support of your answer. (All India 2009) or

'Planning is goal oriented'. How? (Delhi2008C)

Ans. Yes, planning is doing the work for achievement of goals because planning is purposeful. Planning has no meaning unless it contributes to the achievement of pre- determined organisational goals.

7. Mention any two features of planning. (All India 2009c)

Ans. Two features of planning are as follows:

1. Planning is a continuous process. (ii) Planning is all pervasive.

3 Marks Questions

8. Explain the following as features of planning

• Planning is continuous
• Planning is futuristic. (Delhi 2013)

Ans. (i) Planning is continuous Plans are prepared for a specific period of time, may be for a month, a quarter or a year. At the end of that period, there is need for a new plan to be drawn on the basis of new requirements and future conditions. Management can't afford to follow rigid plans in the era of fast changes in technology, market, etc. Thus, a manager must develop or modify the plans from time to time as per the need. Hence, planning is a continuous process.

1. Planning is futuristic Planning is essentially looking ahead and preparing for the

future. It is based on the proverb, 'look before you leap'. In other words, it is carried out to achieve some objectives in future. It, therefore, becomes essential to anticipate or predict the future.

For example, A manufacturer prepares next year's production plan after forecasting the demand. Therefore, it is said that planning is futuristic and involves thinking before doing.

9. Explain the following features of planning

• Planning involves decision-making; and
• Planning is pervasive. (Delhi 2013)

Ans. (i) Planning involves decision-making The need of planning arises because of the availability of various alternatives to achieve specified objectives. It considers or evaluates the best alternative. Decision-making is an integral part of planning. A manager is surrounded by number of alternatives. He has to pick the best depending upon requirements and resources of the enterprises.

1. Planning is pervasive Planning is required at all levels of management as well as

in all departments of the organisation. It is not only for top management but it differs at