Planning
Introduction
• It
is the basic of all managerial
function because the future course of action is determined by
proper planning
• A
manager organizes, directs and control
to ensure the accomplishment of predetermined goals according to plan
• It
is a blue print for action
• Planning
is deciding in advance what is to be
done
• It includes selection of objectives,
policies, procedures, programmes from among alternatives
• Planning
is predetermined course of action to achieve specific goals
Planning- Definition
Planning is a process of determining the objectives of
administrative effort and devising
the means calculated to achieve them –
Millet
It is the determination of course of action to
achieve the desired results. It bridges the gap from where we are to where we
want to go.
Nature of
planning
·
Planning is an intellectual activity, since it involves vision and
foresightedness to decide things to be done in future
·
It involves selection among alternatives. Planning process involve finding of all alternative and selection of best
alternative to achieve specified objective
·
Planning is a forward duty since the
manager attempts to handle future events effectively through process of
planning
·
Planning is related to objectives and every
plan specifies objectives to achieve in future & steps to reach them
·
Planning is most basic of all managerial function
·
Planning is inevitable at all levels of administration
Principles of
planning
1. Planning
must focus on purpose
2. Planning
is a continuous process which
includes series of steps
3. Planning
should be simple
4. In
planning, there should be a good
harmony with organization and environment
5. Planning
is hierarchical in nature
6. Planning
must be precise in its objectives,
scope and nature
7. In
planning the provision should be made
to use all available resources
8. Planning
should always be documented so
that all the concerned are fully
committed to the implementation of the programme
Components/
elements of planning
1. Objectives
2. Policies
3. Procedures
4. Programmes
5. Budget
• Objectives :
They are the basic plan which determine
the goal or end result
• Policies :
Are written statement or oral
understanding. Policies are general
statement which may be either verbal or written. Policy provides standing solution for problem
• Procedures :
Indicates
the specific manner in which certain
activity is to be performed
• Programmes
: it is defined as a single use comprehensive plan designed to implement policy and accomplish
the objective
• Budget : is the statement of expected results in numerical terms; ie
in rupees, man hours etc
Levels of planning
Planning function has to be performed at all 3 levels of management ie top level , middle level and lower level
Top level:
Management
has to devote much more time to
planning & policy making. It is concerned with strategic plans which are long term in nature
covering a life span of 1-5 yrs or 10
yrs.
Middle level: Has to formulate short term or intermediate plan &
devote less time to planning and
more time for co- ordination and
communication. Specific plans for different areas of
management like personal, production, marketing are implemented by middle level
managers
Lower level: It is directly concerned with operational planning.
At this level the first level managers such as HOD concentrates on daily, weekly and monthly operations
Types of
planning
1. Directional planning
2. Administrative planning
3. Operational planning
Directional
planning
Is often called as policy
planning. It is concerned with the broad general direction of programme. Ie. Setting the framework of intent and philosophy
within which the programme will proceed.
Administrative
planning
Is concerned with implementation of the policies developed and with the
mobilization and co- ordination of the personnel and material available in
the administrative unit
Operational
planning
It is concerned with
the actual delivery service to the
community
Planning process in
health service
Health
planning is an orderly
process of defining health problems, identifying correct needs and surveying the resources to meet them , establishing
priority goals that are realistic and feasible and projecting administrative
action to accomplish the purpose of the proposed programme
Steps of
Planning process in health service
1. Analysis of the health situation
2. Establishing objectives and goals
3. Assessment of resources
4. Fixing priorities
5. Write up the formulated plan
6. Programming and implementation
7. Evaluation
Benefits of
planning
·
It
focuses attention on objectives: Laying
down objectives is the first step in
planning. If the objectives are lay
down clearly the execution of planning also be directed towards this objectives
·
Ensures
economical operation: Planning involves lot of mental exercise which is directed towards
achieving efficient operation in the enterprise. It helps better utilization of resources &
thus minimizing the cost
·
It
reduces Uncertainty: Planning reduce uncertainty of
future because
it involves anticipation of future events
·
It
facilitates control:
Planning helps the managers to perform
their function of control
·
Encourages
innovation and creativity:
It helps for innovative and creative thinking among managers because
many new ideas come to the mind of managers while planning
·
It
improves motivation:
A good planning system ensures
participation of all managers and workers which improves their motivation
Disadvantages of
planning
1. It
depends upon facts and information
2. Planning
may lead to internal inflexibilities
and procedural rigidity
3. It
is time consuming and expensive
