Five features of planning are:-
i. Planning focuses on achieving objectives:
(a) Planning contributes to objectives in the sense that it involves the determination of the activities required to be under taken to achieve objectives of organization. Planning is the exercise of creative thinking in the solution of various problems.
(b) Planning has no meaning unless it contributes to the achievements of predetermined organizational goals.
ii. Planning is a primary function of management:
(a) Planning is a primary function in the sense that it provides the basis for the other functions of organising, staffing, directing and controlling.
(b) Planning proceeds other function, i.e., it is primary of planning. It starts with objectives which are the basis of all these functions.
iii. Planning is pervasive: planning is a pervasive function in the sense that it is required-
a At all the levels of management (top, middle or lower). For example, the top management under takes planning for the organization as a whole. Middle management does the departmental planning. At the lowest level, day-to-day operational planning is done by supervision.
(b) In all departments of an organization (purchase, production, personal, finance or research development).
iv. Planning is continuous:
(a) Plans are prepared for a specific ** of time, may be for a month, a quarter, or a year.
(b) At the end of that ** there is need for a new plan to be drawn on the basis of new requirements and future conditions. Hence, planning is a continuous process.
v. Planning is futuristic:
(a) Planning is futuristic in the sense that it essentially involves looking ahead into the future and making provision to tackle future events and situations. Planning is intended to cope with future uncertainties and unknowns.
(b) Planning is, therefore, regarded as a forward looking function based on forecasting. Through forecasting, future events and conditions are anticipated and plans are drawn accordingly.
