Lesson 7: Planning

• How is planning commonly defined according to the Cambridge Dictionary?

  Planning is defined as the act of deciding how to do something.
• In the context of organizational management, how is planning defined?

  Planning is a fundamental management function that involves deciding beforehand what is to be done, when, how, and who will do it.
• What are the main characteristics of planning?

  • Planning is a fundamental management function.
  • It involves decision-making about future actions.
  • It includes determining objectives and the means to achieve them.

  
• What is strategic planning?

  Strategic planning is a type of organizational planning where leaders determine their vision for the future and identify goals and objectives.
• What is the time frame organizations generally consider during strategic planning?

  Organizations generally look three to five years ahead during strategic planning.
• What does tactical planning involve?

  Tactical planning involves breaking down a long-term strategic plan into smaller, distinct short-term plans.
• What are the three main elements of a tactical plan?

  The three main elements are clearly defined focus goals, detailed steps to reach those goals, and an attainable timeline.
• How is operational planning defined?

  Operational planning is a plan prepared by a component of an organization that defines actions to support the strategic objectives of upper management.

  
• What is the purpose of contingency planning?

  Contingency planning is a roadmap created to help an organization respond to events that may or may not happen in the future.
• What is the definition of contingency?

  Contingency is defined as a future event or circumstance that is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty.
• What are the different types of planning mentioned in the study material?

  1. Strategic Planning

  2. Tactical Planning

  3. Operational Planning

  4. Contingency Planning

  5. Project Planning

  6. Financial Planning

  7. Marketing Planning

  8. Human Resource Planning

  9. Strategic Growth Planning

  10. Succession Planning

  
• What is the role of forecasting in planning?

  Forecasting is a method of making informed predictions using historical data to determine future trends.
• What are primary sources in forecasting?

  Primary sources provide first-hand information collected directly by the person or organization doing the forecasting.
• What are secondary sources in forecasting?

  Secondary sources provide information that has already been gathered and processed by a third-party organization.
• What does STACAS stand for?

  STACAS stands for Short Term Alternative Courses of Action Selection.
• What is the focus of STACAS?

  STACAS emphasizes identifying alternative courses of action to meet changes in circumstances in a short period of time.
• What does LTACAS stand for?

  LTACAS stands for Long Term Alternative Courses of Action Selection.
• What is the focus of LTACAS?


  LTACAS emphasizes identifying alternative courses of action for long-term changes in circumstances.
• What is benchmarking in planning?

  Benchmarking involves utilizing external comparisons to evaluate the present performance of the organization.
• What is the role of staff planners in planning?

  Staff planners help managers plan accurately and maximize the use of real-time data by alerting them to potential issues.
• What are the functions of staff planners?

  The functions include assisting in preparing plans, developing special plans, gathering planning information, and monitoring progress.
• What is participatory planning?


  Participatory planning requires the involvement of people directly affected by the implementation of a plan in the planning process.
• What are the objectives of participatory planning?

  The objectives include promoting creative planning, acquiring further information, and promoting understanding, acceptance, and commitment to the agreed plan.
• What is management by objectives?

  Management by objectives is a planning tool where the goals of the organization are defined and conveyed by management to achieve each objective.

  
• What is the decision-making process in planning?

  The decision-making process involves identifying a decision, gathering information, and assessing alternative resolutions.
• What are the steps in effective decision-making?

  1. Identify the decision

  2. Gather information

  3. Identify alternatives

  4. Weigh the evidence

  5. Choose among alternatives

  6. Take action

  7. Review your decision
• Why is decision-making important in the planning process?

  Decision-making is important as it determines whether to implement the plan, which has lasting implications for the organization.
• What is the definition of planning according to the Copilot information?

  Planning is the process of thinking about and organizing activities required to achieve a desired goal.
• What are the importance of planning?

  1. Provides Direction

  2. Reduces Uncertainty

  3. Improves Efficiency

  4. Facilitates Decision-Making

  5. Enhances Coordination

  6. Promotes Control
• What are some planning techniques mentioned in the study material?

  1. Critical Path Method (CPM)

  2. Brainstorming

  3. SWOT Analysis

  4. Gantt Charts

  5. PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique)

  6. Scenario Planning

  7. Benchmarking
• What are the applications of planning?

  1. Business Management

  2. Project Management

  3. Personal Development

  4. Financial Management

  5. Event Planning

  6. Urban Planning
• How is planning described as a process?

  Planning is described as a dynamic and continuous process that adapts to changing circumstances and new information.

  
• How can understanding and applying various planning techniques benefit organizations?


  Understanding and applying various planning techniques can help individuals and organizations achieve their goals more effectively and efficiently.