NATURE AND PROCESS OF

PLANNING
Planning is an intellectually demanding process ,it requires the
conscious determination of course of action and the basing of decision
on the basing of decision on purpose, knowledge and considered
estimates.

NATURE OF PLANNING:-
(1) Planning is an intellectual activity
(2) Planning involves selection among alternatives
(3) Planning is forward looking
(4) Planning is related to objectives
(5) Planning is the most basic of all mgmt. functions
(6) Planning is pervasive function of management

MAKING PLANS EFFECTIVE:-

(1) Climate for planning
(2) Clear cut objectives
(3) Mgmt information system
(4) Careful premising
(5) Top management support
(6) Participation in planning
(70 Sound communication
(8) Integration of plans
(9) Open systems approach
(10) Cost benefit analysis

ESSENTIALS OF SOUND PLAN:-

(1) It should be based on clearly defined objectives
(2) It must be simple and easily understandable
(3) It should be flexible or adaptable to the changing conditions
(4) It must be balanced in all respects and comprehensive
(5) It should be practical or action-oriented
(6) It should be prepared with consultation of concerned personals

LIMITATIONS OF PLANNING:-
(1)Lack of reliable data
(2)Lack of initiative
(3)Costly process
(4)Rigidity in organizational work
(5)Non-acceptability of change
(6)External limitation
(7)Psychological barriers

STEPS IN PLANNING PROCESS:-

(1) Establishing objectives
(2) Collection and forecasting information
(3) Development of planning premises
(4) Search of alternatives
(5) Evaluation of alternatives
(6) Selection of plans and development of derivative plans
(7) Implementation of plans
(8) Measuring and controlling the process

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:-
(1) Plan should be specific
(2) Plan should be logical
(3) Plan should be complete and integrated
(4) Plan should be flexible
(5) Plan should be capable of being controlled

OBJECTIVES AND IMPORTANCE OF PLANNING:-

(1) Reduces risks and uncertainties
(2) Focus attention on org goals
(3) Facilitates control
(4) Encourages innovation and creativity
(5) Greater utilization of available facilities
(6) Assists managers in gaining status
(7) To gain economy in operation
(8) Improves competitive strength

STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS:-

(1) Determining objectives
(2) Gathering and analyzing information
(3) Assessing environmental dimension
(4) Conducting resource audit of enterprise
(5) Establishing strategic alternatives
(6) Making a strategic choice