Steps For Social Planning

Planning is an important concept of almost all disciplines. In this passage, we are going to take a quick look at the steps of planning formulation. Let’s know how the plan is being formulated, let’s know the steps.

 

(1) Setting Objectives

• This is the primary step in the process of planning which specifies the objective of organization i.e. what an organization wants to achieve.
• The planning process begins with the setting of objectives.
• Objectives are end results which the management wants to achieve by its operations.
• Objectives are specific and are measurable in terms of units.
• Objectives are set for the organization as a whole for all departments and then departments set their own objectives within the framework of organizational objectives.

(2) Developing Planning Premises

• Planning is essentially focused on the future and there are certain events which are expected to affect the policy formation.
• Such events are external in nature and affect the planning adversely if ignored.
• Their understanding and fair assessment are necessary for effective planning.
• Such events are the assumptions on the basis of which plans are drawn and are known as planning premises.

(3) Identifying Alternative Courses of Action

• Once objectives are set, assumptions are made.
• Then the next step is to act upon them.
• There may be many ways to act and achieve objectives.
• All the alternative courses of action should be identified.

(4) Evaluating Alternative Course of Action

• In this step, the positive and negative aspects of each alternative need to be evaluated in the light of objectives to be achieved.
• Every alternative is evaluated in terms of lower cost, lower risks, and higher returns, within the planning premises and within the availability of capital.

(5) Selecting One Best Alternative

• The best plan which is the most profitable plan and with minimum negative effects is adopted and implemented.
• In such cases, the manager’s experience and judgment play an important role in selecting the best alternative.

(6) Implementing the Plan

• This is the step where other managerial functions come into the picture.
• This step is concerned with “DOING WHAT IS REQUIRED”
• In this step, managers communicate the plan to the employees clearly to convert the plans into action.
• This step involves allocating the resources, organizing for labor and purchase of machinery.