MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS (PLANNING)

Management functions



Functions of Management (Planning)

The function performed by the management uniquely describes the role of the manager. The most basic and widely known prominent functions of management are planning, organizing leading and controlling. One of the most critical and vital function of management is the “planning” and, it is also cited as the most basic function of the management. Here, the focus of the course study is going to be based on the most basic and first function of the management “planning”.

Planning

The planning defined as the process by which the manager sets the objectives and prepares work plans leading to their implementation. Planning is usually based on an analysis of how far the company resources its disposal, its current situation and goals to be achieved (Hill, 2008).

The Steps in Planning

In addition to the main dimension which is the time (When), planning takes shape according to its other dimensions that are the scopes of the project objectives (what), resources (Who), the manner and the way (Comment) and potential barriers (Risks). The process of planning includes five main steps.

Definition of organizational objectives.

Determine where we are in relationship to the objectives.

Development of future scenarios considering premises.

Identify and choose among alternative courses action.

Implementation plans and evaluates result.

Planning is a logical and systematic process of actions and thoughts put together with the intent to contribute towards the effective and efficient decision making by the management (Hamel, 2007). It involves forethought and the judicious or systematic use of scarce resources to attain a desired goal. The primary objective of planning is to make an informed decision. This entry reviews the history of planning, its development in the areas of both urban and regional planning, and the characteristics of the planning process itself. Planning in terms of management and organizations placed on the importance of ...