The seven steps in the planning process are setting the objective, analyzing and evaluating the environments, evaluating the alternatives, selecting the best solution, implementing the plan, and evaluating and controlling the results.
The first step of setting the objective in the planning process involves breaking down goals into work assignments. This includes setting objectives for matters such timescales and budgets for specific action plans and breaking down into identifiable phases and into controllable action units. Doing so makes it easier to estimate, plan and control activities and tasks, as well as assign responsibilities.
Analyzing and evaluating the environment is the second step of the planning process. This step entails analytical information relevant to the situation that should be gathered and analyzed in depth. This step explores internal and external factors, influences, and environments, and it studies and determines events and patterns of the past, present, and future. The first step of the planning process provides you with all the information you need to begin creating a successful plan.
The third step of the planning process is identifying the alternative to goals and plans which consist of formulating a plan and specifying these goals in order to create a plan. Goals implement mission and vision. The lack of clarifying goals will ultimately result in failure from the start. Developing a goal statement involves identifying the results, specifics, measurability, attainability, relevance, and time frame as part of the goal choosing process when creating a plan.
The fourth step is evaluating the alternatives which involves the affects of alternative goals and plans. This step of process planning weighs out the advantages and disadvantages of cost effectiveness and expected return.
