PLANNING

∙ MEANING OF PLANNING,
∙ DEFINITION OF PLANNING,
∙ TYPES OF PLANNING
 MEANING OF PLANNNING:
Planning may be defined as deciding in advance what
to be done in future. It is the process of thinking before doing. It
involves determination of goals as well as the activities
required to be undertaken to achieve the goals.
In the planning process managers anticipate the future
and accordingly decide what activities must be undertaken.
Planning deciding in advance – What to do, How to do, When
and by whom.
 NATURE OF PLANNING:
1. PLANNING IS GOAL ORIENTED:
Organization is set up with a general purpose in view. Specific goals are set out in
the plans along with the activities to be achieving the goals. Thus, planning is
purposeful. Planning has no meaning unless it contributes to the achievement of
predetermined organizational goals.
2. PLANNING IS A PRIMARY FUNCTION:
Planning lays down the base for other functions of management. All other
functions are performed within the framework of plans drawn. Thus, planning
precedes other function. The other functions of management are interrelated and
equally important. However, planning provides the base of all the other functions.
 3. PLANNING IS PERVASIVE:
Planning is required at all levels of management as well as in all departments
of the organization. It is neither an exclusive function of top management nor of
any particular department. But the scope of planning differs at different level
and among different departments.
4. PLANNING IS FLEXIBLE:
Plans are drawn on the basis of forecasts. Since the future is uncertain,
planning must cope with change in future condition. Activities planned with
certain assumptions about the future may not come true.
5. PLANNING IS CONTINUOUS:
Plans are prepared for the specific period of time, may be for 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. Hence planning
is never ending activity. It is a continuous process.
. PLANNING IS FUTURISTIC:
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Planning essentially involves looking ahead and future. The purpose of

planning is to meet future event effectively to the best advantage of an
organization. Through forecasting future events and conditions are
anticipated and plans are drawn accordingly.
7. PLANNING INVOLVES CHOICE:
Planning essentially involves choice from among various alternatives
and activities. If there is one possible goal or only one possible course
of action, there is no need for planning because there is no choice.
8. PLANNING IS A MENTAL EXERCISE:
Planning requires application of the mind involving foresight, intelligent
imagination and sound judgment. It is basically an
intellectual activity of thinking rather than doing, because planning
determines the action to be taken.