Planning is both the
organizational process of creating and maintaining a plan; and the psychological
process of thinking about the activities required to create a desired future on
some scale. As such, it is a fundamental property of intelligent behavior. This
thought process is essential to the creation and refinement of a plan, or
integration of it with other plans, that is, it combines forecasting of
developments with the preparation of scenarios of how to react to them.
The term is also used to describe the formal procedures used in such an
endeavor, such as the creation of documents, diagrams, or meetings to discuss
the important issues to be addressed, the objectives to be met, and the strategy
to be followed. Beyond this, planning has a different meaning depending on the
political or economic context in which it is used.
The planning process provides the framework for developing conservation plans on
the basis of ecological, economic, social, and policy considerations.
Implementation of these plans may then be facilitated by utilizing technical,
educational, and financial assistance programs from NRCS or other sources.
The same planning process is used to develop conservation plans and area wide
conservation plans or assessments, but different activities are required to
complete each step of the process.
Conservation plans are normally developed with an individual decision-maker. An
area wide conservation plan or assessment reflects the desired future conditions
developed in conjunction with the client and other stakeholders in the area. The
stakeholders may, or more likely may not, be decision-makers for implementing
planned activities.
In Public Policy
Planning refers to the practice and the profession associated with the idea of
planning an idea yourself, (land use planning, urban planning or spatial
planning). In many countries, the operation of a town and country planning
system is often referred to as 'planning' and the professionals which operate
the system are known as 'planners'....... Planning: Planning is a process for
accomplishing purpose. It is blue print of business growth and a road map of
development. It helps in deciding objectives both in quantitative and
qualitative terms. It is setting of goals on the basis of objectives and keeping
in view the resources.
It is a conscious as well as sub-conscious activity. It is “an anticipatory
decision making process” that helps in coping with complexities. It is deciding
future course of action from amongst alternatives. It is a process that involves
making and evaluating each set of interrelated decisions. It is selection of
missions, objectives and “ translation of knowledge into action.”
A planned performance brings better results compared to unplanned one. A
Managers’ job is planning, monitoring and controlling. Planning and goal setting
are important traits of an organization. It is done at all levels of the
organization. Planning includes the plan, the thought process, action, and
implementation. Planning gives more power over the future. Planning is deciding
in advance what to do, how to do it, when to do it, and who should do it. It
bridges the gap from where the organization is to where it wants to be. The
planning function involves establishing goals and arranging them in logical
order.
Purpose of Plan
Just as no two organizations are alike, so also their plans. It is therefore
important to prepare a plan keeping in view the necessities of the enterprise. A
plan is important aspect of business. It serves following three critical
functions: Helps management to clarify, focus and research their businesses or
project's development and prospects. Provides a considered and logical framework
within which a business can develop and pursue business strategies over the next
three to five years. Offers a benchmark against which actual performance can be
measured and reviewed.
How a plan should be?
A plan should be a realistic view of the expectations. Depending upon the
activities, a plan can be Long Range, Intermediate range and of Short range. It
the framework within which it must operate. For management seeking external
support, the plan is the most important document and key to growth. Preparation
of a comprehensive plan will not guarantee success, but lack of a sound plan
will, almost certainly, ensures failure.
Importance of the Planning Process:
A plan can play a vital role in helping to avoid mistakes or recognize hidden
opportunities. Preparing a satisfactory plan of the organization is essential.
The planning process enables management to understand more clearly what they
want to achieve, and how and when they can do it.
A well-prepared business plan demonstrates that the managers know the business
and that they have thought through its development in terms of products,
management, finances, and most importantly, markets and competition.
Preparing Plan:
Planning is not done off hand. It is prepared after careful and extensive
research. For a comprehensive business plan, management has to
• Clearly define the target / goal in writing.
1. It should be set by person having authority
2. The goal should be realistic
3. Specific
4. Acceptability
5. Easily measurable
• Identify all the main issues, which need to be addressed.
• Review past performance.
• Decide budgetary requirement .
• Focus on matters of strategic importance.
• What are requirements and how will it be met.
• What will be the likely length of the plan and its structure?
• Identify Shortcomings in the concept and gaps.
• Strategies for implementation.
• Review periodically.
In Organizations
Planning is also a management function, concerned with defining goals for future
organizational performance and deciding on the tasks and resources to be used in
order to attain those goals. To meet the goals, managers may develop plans such
as a business plan or a marketing plan. Planning always has a purpose. The
purpose may be achievement of certain goals or targets. The planning helps to
achieve these goals or target by using the available time and resources. To
minimize the timing and resources also require proper planning..