Planning - is determining what needs to be done, when, by whom, how, and within what cost in order to achieve an objective. It is the work that a manager performs to predetermine a course of action. * Provides the means for achieving a purpose, makes the best use of resources, makes a manager’s work easier, encourages teamwork, and forms a base for control. It is based on assumptions, involves change, and is carried out by people.
Planning includes:
* Forecasting * Identifying values * Setting objectives * Developing strategies * Programming * Budgeting * Setting policies * Developing procedures
Managers must plan in order to avoid wasting: 1) Moment (Time) – i.e., to avoid delays. 2) Materials – i.e., to avoid spoilage or unnecessary inventories caused by haste. 3) Machines – i.e., they are not operated to their best capacity. 4) Space – i.e., to avoid overcrowding and poor coordination of incoming supplies and outgoing production. 5) Manpower – i.e., employees are not fully occupied.
Types of Plans
Importance of Planning: 1) To define his authority and responsibility when administering some types of plans developed by his superiors;
2) To understand the interdepartmental relationships of company activities of which he may see only a part; and
3) To develop logical, orderly plans in his own area of responsibility.
According to Henry Sisk, Plans be classified initially according to * Duration * Function or use * Breadth or scope
Based on Duration
Any plan may be described in terms of the time span it is designed to cover. Short-range plans obviously cover actions to be completed over short periods and long-range plans over a longer period.
Short- range planning takes place chiefly in the lower levels of the organizational structure. Involvement in