Planning
Core rules
- Planning is deciding in advance what to do, how, when and by whom.
- Features: focus on the future, involves choice, is the primary function, is pervasive, continuous, a mental exercise and goal-oriented.
- Process: set objectives, develop premises, identify alternatives, evaluate alternatives, select a plan, implement it and follow up.
- Types: objectives (end states), strategy (comprehensive long-term direction), policy (general guideline), procedure (step sequence), rule (specific do or don't), method (way of doing a step), programme (single-use package) and budget (quantified plan).
- Standing plans such as policy, procedure and rule are used repeatedly; single-use plans such as programme and budget are for a one-time purpose.
Worked example
A bakery wants a second outlet. Objective: increase sales by 30% in one year. Premises: demand will grow, rent is affordable and staff can be trained. Alternatives: new outlet, mobile van or online delivery. Evaluate against cost, risk and reach. Choose the outlet if payback is acceptable; implement with a timeline and review monthly. Reasoning: the objective must be specific and measurable; premises are assumptions, not decisions; evaluation precedes selection.
Traps
A rule leaves no discretion; a policy allows some judgement. A procedure is a sequence of steps, not a one-time plan. Planning does not guarantee success or eliminate risk; it only reduces uncertainty. Planning is pervasive, not confined to top management. Do not call planning flexible without qualification: it can become rigid if over-specified.