Wa Management 301

Part 1

Planning is a process of defining activities or actions to achieve a specific goal. It is a collection of steps focusing on future in present time. This step-by-step process guides managers while creating tactical and operational plans.

Setting objectives is the first and the most important step in the planning process. During this initial planning phase, managers establish targets for the short-or long-range future. These objectives or course of actions to achieve them are influenced by the organization’s missing statement, its values, strategic plans and goals, internal and external conditions, philosophies, ethics, experience, and expertise of its employees (Plunkett, 165).

During the next step, managers analyze and evaluate the environments. Managers must determine limiting factors such as internal policies, procedures, rules as well as the government regulations, and requirements. Internal environment factors should be assessed to consider what human, material, financial, time, and informational resources are available, what internal customers’ needs are, intangible assets, organizational structure, or other internal factors which could positively or negatively impact established objectives. Managers must also consider the external environment such as the strengths and weaknesses of suppliers and partners, the availability of additional labor and technology, and the needs of external customers (Plunkett, 167).

While identifying the alternatives, managers determine alternative paths to achieve organization’s objectives. One alternative can satisfy one or many objectives at the same time. Managers must consider the fact that there could be no single solution but a combination of multiple alternatives to reach a goal. It is also important to engage everyone who has a relevant knowledge and experience, or responsibility to implement the plan. Involving those who will have to execute a chosen alternative will help to ensure a commitment on their part...