Features of planning

Correct answer: A. Lack of flexibility and contingency preparation

A plan should provide direction, but it should not assume that future conditions will remain exactly as predicted. Demand, technology, regulations, competition, or available resources may change. Therefore, a sound plan keeps suitable alternatives or contingency arrangements so that the organisation can respond without abandoning its main objective. Option A correctly identifies the weakness: the objective is present, but flexibility and preparedness for changing conditions are missing. Option B is incorrect because the question explicitly states that the objective is clear. Options C and D do not logically follow from the stated situation. The issue is not too many resources or excessive control; it is rigidity in the plan.

Correct answer: A. Considering possible situations and keeping alternative paths

Planning deals with the future, and future conditions cannot be known with complete certainty. The responsible approach is not to abandon decisions, but to examine likely situations, identify important risks, and prepare alternative courses or contingency responses. Option A is therefore most suitable: it combines purposeful action with readiness to adjust when circumstances change. Option B removes the central forward-looking element of planning. Option C destroys the basis for selecting and evaluating actions, because alternatives have meaning only in relation to an objective. Option D is also unsuitable because planning requires timely decisions rather than indefinite delay. Flexibility makes a plan more useful without making it directionless.

Correct answer: A. Planning focuses on objectives

All decisions are linked with the objective so this is objective-focused planning. In exams treat objectives as the direction of the plan.

Correct answer: B. Planning is the primary function

Planning is done before other managerial functions. Without a plan other functions may become directionless.

Correct answer: C. Planning is pervasive

Planning at every level shows pervasiveness. The scope of the plan changes according to the level.

Correct answer: D. Planning is future oriented

Preparation for the coming season shows future orientation. Planning considers future conditions.

Correct answer: A. Planning is a continuous process

Reviewing the plan in changing conditions shows continuity of planning. A plan can change with time and situation.

Correct answer: C. Planning is an intellectual process

Analysis and thinking make planning an intellectual process. In hard questions identify thinking and data.

Correct answer: A. Planning focuses on objectives

Direct answer: Option A, planning focuses on objectives. An organisation first decides what it wants to achieve; this is its main objective. Departments then prepare smaller plans that support that common direction. Step by step, the organisational goal gives a destination, departmental plans choose actions, and coordination connects those actions to the destination. If one department plans separately, its work may consume resources without helping the main goal, so the objective-centred feature becomes weak. Option A is correct. Option B, pervasiveness, means planning occurs at different levels and in different areas; it does not specifically describe separation from the main goal. Option C, continuity, means plans are reviewed and adjusted over time. Option D, mental process, refers to thinking and decision-making before action. Memory cue: ask, “What is this plan trying to achieve?” The answer shows objective orientation.

Correct answer: A. Planning involves decision making

Even after a clear objective alternative selection is needed. Planning includes decision making and choosing a course.

Correct answer: C. Reviewing and improving the plan repeatedly according to conditions

Continuous process means planning moves with conditions. Improvement may be needed when changes occur.

Correct answer: A. Planning is an intellectual process

Thinking and analysis are necessary in planning. Planning without understanding information weakens the intellectual process.

Correct answer: A. Because planning gives base and direction to other functions

Planning is the primary function and other functions depend on it. Without planning direction and standards remain weak.

Correct answer: A. Planning is both objective focused and continuous

A plan may change when the objective changes because planning is linked with goals. This also shows continuity.

Correct answer: C. Manager evaluates available alternatives and selects the most suitable path

Evaluating alternatives to select the most suitable path is decision process. This is a main feature of planning.

Correct answer: A. Because it also includes objectives selection decision and mental process

Future orientation is one feature but not the whole meaning. Planning also includes objectives decision and analysis.

Correct answer: A. Planning is a continuous process

Reviewing sales results every month and revising the next month’s plan shows that planning is a continuous process. Planning is not a one-time activity; it is updated as circumstances and information change. Option B is related to planning, but the key clue here is repeated review and revision. Exam tip: words such as “continuous,” “regular review,” or “revision” usually point to planning as a continuous process.

Correct answer: A. Planning is an intellectual process

Selection without thinking weakens intellectual analysis. Planning should have rational evaluation.

Correct answer: A. Does the plan help achieve the stated objective

An objective-focused plan should help achieve the goal. Length or language alone does not make a plan good.

Correct answer: B. नहीं, क्योंकि नियोजन एक सतत प्रक्रिया है और योजना में आवश्यक संशोधन किए जा सकते हैं

Planning is based on forecasts, so if the demand estimate proves incorrect, the plan is reviewed and revised. Planning does not end because it is a continuous process that adapts to changing conditions and may use alternative courses of action. Option A is incorrect because plans are not rigid. Exam tip: Remember continuity and flexibility as key features of planning.

Correct answer: A. Planning is pervasive

Planning at both head office and branch levels shows pervasiveness. The form of plan changes according to need.

Correct answer: A. Planning establishes objectives and standards; controlling compares actual performance with them

Planning has primacy because it sets objectives, action plans and performance standards. In controlling, actual performance is compared with these pre-determined standards, and corrective action is taken if deviations are found. Therefore, option A is correct. Option B is incorrect because controlling does not set the basic standards; it uses the standards established through planning. Exam tip: associate setting standards with planning and comparing actual performance with controlling.

Correct answer: A. Manager sees next year's demand and selects one from two production options

Next year's demand shows future orientation and option selection shows decision making. One case can show two features.

Correct answer: B. When a plan is made once and never reviewed

Making a plan once and never reviewing it is not a continuous process. Planning involves review and improvement.

Correct answer: A. Planning is an intellectual and decision-making process

The governing concept is that planning requires rational thought and informed choice among alternatives. A manager should gather relevant facts, examine the advantages and disadvantages of possible courses, consider consequences and then select the option that best supports the objective. Relying only on personal preference skips this intellectual analysis and can produce a biased or ineffective plan. Thus option A is correct. Pervasiveness concerns the levels and departments where planning occurs, primacy concerns its position before other functions, and future orientation concerns preparation for coming conditions. None directly explains the weakness described.