Management: Planning Function Planning is a major function of management. Planning may be the most important of all management functions. Planning involves a six-step process that assists an organization in setting goals and determining how to accomplish them best (Allen, 1998). “Effective planning helps an organization adapt to change by identifying opportunities and avoiding problems. It sets the direction for the other functions of management and for teamwork” (Allen, 1988, ¶ 1). In order to operate in an efficient and effective manner and to progress with focus and direction, an organization …show more content…
Additionally, consideration is given to the effects from external environment (Bateman-Snell, 2007). In the end, this step should identify the issues and problems, and lead towards a direction in regard to plans that need to be made (Bateman-Snell, 2007). After the situational analysis, several alternative goals will be advanced and plans made to achieve those goals (Bateman-Snell, 2007). “This step in the process should stress creativity and encourage managers and employees to assume a broad perspective on their jobs (Bateman-Snell, 2007, p. 119). Next it is necessary to evaluate the goals and plans. This step involves placing priority on the most important goals and even eradicating some as a possibility (Bateman-Snell, 2007). The next step is: goal plan and selection. “Once managers have assessed the various goals and plans, they will select the one that’s most appropriate and feasible” Bateman-Snell, 2007, p. 120). Usually, a formality in the planning process includes the writing of the most logical and practical goals and plans in relation to forecasted circumstances (Bateman-Snell, 2007). Some organizations develop planning scenarios with contingency plans. This allows a manager to use a different set of plans should the situation change.
How do we get there? (Strategy formulation corporate level, business unit level, and functional level)
“Organizational Management and Leadership” defines planning as “the development of goals, which leads to the development of an overall strategy for achieving those goals. Planning can be performed at all levels of an organization. Supervisors are planning when a weekly work schedule is put together for hourly staff. Top executives are planning when they define the mission statement of the company and determine how the organization can maintain its competitive advantage.”
Planning consists of competitive moves and business approaches developed to attract, please customers, conduct operations, grow the business, gain competitive advantage, and achieve performance objectives (Huidan, 2011). There are three steps to planning. A manager must be able to decide what goals to pursue, the best strategy to achieve those goals, and how to use their available resources to achieve those goals as efficient as possible (Bethel University,
Bateman, Scott A. Snell, 2009). Step one gathers and summarizes information that is in question. It examines current conditions with an attempt at forecasting future conditions. Step two generates alternative goals that may be used as an alternate if the first desired plan does not work. Step three evaluates the potential of the alternative goals and prioritizes/eliminates ones that might or might not work.
The structure and design of organizations have drastically changed over the last twenty-five years. Organizations develop new goals at the beginning of the year or after the completion of previous goals, and heavily depend on planning to help achieve these goals. Planning is an integral part of organizational success, as upper management receives substantial information on various needs such as risk uncertainty, available resources, employee development, and unforeseen changes in technology (Daft, 2013). Most importantly, successful planning allows management to make effective decisions when unforeseen events arise within the organization. Not participating in planning is equivalent to taking a road trip across the country without a
Planning: is the ability to manage the functions of an organization and take decisions that will bring good results in the present and the future, of the organization. It is the management decision-making of the goals to develop a good organization.
Strategic planning within a company is a tool used in companies that help mature areas in total quality management. This type of planning creates a cohesive management system for lower level employees to better adapt in. “Strategic planning determines where an organization is going over the next year or more and how it 's going to get there. Typically, the process is organization-wide, or focused on a major function such as a division, department or other major function”(McNamara, 2008). In order to plan effectively one must first make a clear assessment of the plan and have an analysis on the corporations mission statement and objective.
Planning is the foundation of all the functions of management upon which the other three areas should be built. During planning, management must evaluate the company’s current situation and then developing strategies to achieve these goals, this is called strategic planning.
Consequently, without a plan proper goals will not be realized and may alter the direction of the individual, the department and ultimately the organization unless it is reevaluated. Once plans are established, another key element of organizing is necessary to prioritize the goals and evaluate the means of obtaining the goals by aligning the proper tasks, people and the resources (Kinicki & Williams K., 2016). The control element becomes functional after planning and organizing have been completed (Anderson & Pulich, December 2002). The controlling component is valuable because it provides the sum of the other variables, planning and organizing. Furthermore, it places a visual marker on the goals target. This data provides the knowledge that is need in
2.2.2.1 Planning. This function involves visualizing the expected future and putting it in writing. It is a process that goes from the general and vague to the specific and concrete. In this order, planning involves the formulation of a mission, a vision, goals, strategies and tactics, programs, forecasts, budgets, procedures, policies, and rules (Terry,
Leading is defined and having to influence the people in the team to get the job done, molding the company and managing conflict and team communications
Planning is considered to be a primary function of management. All organisations operate in a complex, dynamic and competitive business environment, and therefore, have to plan their actions without which they may not be able to survive.
Planning is a process of establishing a mission with clear goals as a means to achieve them. Good planning requires special skills and perspectives allowing decision-makers to understand the challenges they are facing and apply the most effective solution to a problem. In order to achieve success, one must plan accordingly. Planning can be short term or long term. Short term plans are done on daily basis and are easier to achieve than long term plans. Long term plans are also known as strategic plans and are used to achieve a long range vision or mission of a company. In both methods of planning, short term and long term, is necessary to achieve top notch results. Like in any other process, there are both benefits and pitfalls to a
For managers to be successful they have to be able to plan accordingly. Any good manager can understand the importance of planning, because it is one of the most basic functions of managerial skills. A goal has to be established and strategies have to be conveyed to the subordinates. For example, If I’m a manager I will engage
Managers and organisations plan because it provides them with some direction and reduces uncertainty within the firm. It is also used to set standards for controlling, it is therefore very important within organisations. (Robbins, Bergman, Stagg & Coulter et al, 2006)