Man 301 Written Assignment 2

Edwin Figueroa

Assignment Essay 2

Question 1

List and discuss the steps in the planning process. Select the one step that you believe is the most important. From your own experience or observation, describe the circumstances where attention to or inattention to this step resulted in success or failure--choose either but not both.

The Planning process determines whether a task should be attempted. It is also used to figure out the most effective way to achieve a goal, and to possibly foresee any obstacles. “Planning is preparing for tomorrow, today” (Plunkett, Attner, & Allen, 2008, p. 154). There are seven steps in the basic planning process. In order for a plan to become a reality a process must be developed and followed through. The steps in the planning process are as follows:

1.Setting Objectives- If management sets long and short term goals for their company they are giving not only their employees something to refer to, they are establishing what management hopes to acquire in the near and far future.

2.Analyzing and Evaluating the Environments-The management team determines what resources are available to them; manpower, supplies, finances, and company regulations/policies. If a company compiles a database with specific information about each of the resources above, they can be better prepared to plan out what events need to take place and how they are going to be achieved.

3.Identifying the Alternatives- Formulating a backup plan in case something comes up and hinders the original plan. This is having a list of contacts who can work late or on weekends to get tasks completed.

4.Evaluating the Alternatives- Having a plan on what to do if the set goals cannot be made in a timely manner; such as approve overtime and hiring temporary specialists to aid in completing the task at hand in a timely manner. It is also a good idea to have a backup on resources so that if a problem arises, there is financial stability to cover all expenses.

5.Selecting the...