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INTRODUCTION
 
As discussed in the module, planning is one of the management functions, besides organising, controlling and leading. To enable an organisation to functioneffectively, good planning is crucial.According to C. W. Roney (Certo, 2000), generally, planning is made for twopurposes. Firstly, it is made as a protection to the organisation. This means thatwhen planning is done, a manager could forecast the effects from each of thesuggestions or alternative actions that will be carried out. In this situation, themanager will choose the alternative action that provides the best results to theorganisation and protects it from any decision that is not profitable.Secondly, planning is made to increase the affirmative levels of an organisation.For example, when an organisation opens a new branch, it is not a coincidence but is the result of detailed planning. With proper planning, managers will beable to ensure what needs to be done, how to carry out the actions determined,why it has to be done, when to do it, where to do it, who should implement it,etc. Without good planning, an organisation will not be able to expand.From these early discussions, we can conclude how important planning is inorder to achieve success in an organisation. In the next section, we will learn inmore detail the functions of planning. Topics that will be discussed are thedefinitions of planning, how to make effective plans, types of planning as well asthe advantages and disadvantages of planning.
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Planning
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this topic, you should be able to:1. Describe the meaning of planning;2. Apply the five processes that are involved in effective planning;3. Identify three types of planning; and4. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of planning.
 
 
TOPIC 5 PLANNING
 
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DEFINITION OF PLANNING
Before discussing further on organisational planning, it is appropriate to firstanalyse the definition. The following is a section on the definitions of planningthat had been proposed by Western management intellectuals.(a) Planning means determining the objectives that are desired to be achievedand deciding on the actions that are needed to be taken in order to achievethe objectives (Lewis et al., 2001).(b) Planning is a proposal of actions that need to be made by an organisation toachieve its objectives (Certo, 2000).(c) Planning is a process to determine the objectives that it desires to achieve inthe future including the actions that need to be taken in order to achievethem (Rue & Byars, 2000).(d) Planning involves the definition of objectives, the formation of strategiesand action plans to co-ordinate the organisationsÊ activities (Robbins, 1996).(e) Planning refers to the process of determining an organisationÊs objectivesand making decisions on the best way to achieve them (Bartol & Martin,1994).From the definitions highlighted, what can be concluded here is that planninginvolves the activities of identifying the objectives that need to be achievedincluding determining the strategies that need to be adopted in order to achievethe objectives set. In summary, planning emphasises the end result including themeans to implement the task. With planning, managers would be able todetermine how to distribute the available resources efficiently in order to achievethe organisationÊs objectives.
5.1
ACTIVITY 5.1
Based on what had been discussed, provide a definition of planningaccording to your understanding.Compare your answer with yourfriendÊs.
 
 
TOPIC 5 PLANNING
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HOW TO PLAN EFFECTIVELY?
Effective planning involves five main processes
(a) determining the objectivesthat need to be achieved; (b) building individual commitment towards achievingthe objectives; (c) forming action plans; (d) monitoring progress; and (e)maintaining flexibility (Williams, 2000). These processes are not only meant toestablish planning but also meant to ensure that the planning is implementedcorrectly and effectively.(a)
Determining Objectives
 The first step in planning is to determine the objectives to achieve. A goodobjective should have the S.M.A.R.T. features
specific, measurable,attainable, realistic and timely
as illustrated in Figure 5.1.
Figure 5.1:
Features to achieve good objectives
(i)
Specific Objective
 The objective must be stated specifically. Suppose an organisationintends to increase its production this year. Then, it must state clearlyhow much of an increase it wants to achieve, for example, 10 or 20percent or more.(ii)
Measurable Objective
 A good objective is an objective that can be measured quantitatively.This measurement is important to determine whether the objectivecan be achieved or not. Based on the example above, the increase inproduction can be measured by calculating the products produced.
5.2
SELF-CHECK 5.1
What do you understandby effective planning in an organisation?
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