Features of planning

Correct answer: A. Planning is pervasive

Planning exists at all levels with different scope. In exams remember that the form of planning changes with level.

Correct answer: C. Planning is a continuous process

Not reviewing changing risks weakens continuity of planning. In exams connect revision with continuous process.

Correct answer: D. Future orientation and continuous process

Observing future technology shows future orientation and changing the plan shows continuity. In exams identify both clues separately.

Correct answer: A. Planning is a decision making process

In planning the best alternative is chosen on many criteria. In exams link alternative selection with decision process.

Correct answer: B. When course of action is selected through fact analysis forecasting and judgement

Fact analysis and judgement make planning a mental process. In exams connect intellectual feature with thinking and analysis.

Correct answer: C. Planning focuses on objectives

Planning connects all activities towards a common objective. In exams check the link between departmental and organisational objectives.

Correct answer: D. Planning is limited only to top management’s long-term plans

The governing concept is the pervasiveness of planning. Planning exists throughout an organisation: top management prepares broad strategic plans, middle managers develop departmental or tactical plans, and lower-level managers prepare operational plans for routine work. The time horizon and detail vary, but the activity remains planning. It can also be needed in small organisations, although the form may be less formal. Therefore, option D is the incorrect explanation because the word ‘only’ wrongly excludes other levels, departments and short-term plans. Options A, B and C correctly describe the broad reach of planning.

Correct answer: A. Planning is a selective and decision making process

Planning selects the best option after comparing alternatives. In exams do not assume the first idea is always best.

Correct answer: B. Assuming the future to be completely certain

Planning does not make the future certain but prepares for it. In exams remember the difference between certainty and forecasting.

Correct answer: C. Planning is a primary function

Planning provides standards before other functions. In exams link control standards with primacy of planning.

Correct answer: A. The feature of continuous review is weak

Direct answer: Option A, the continuous-review feature of planning is weak. Planning is not a one-time document that remains unchanged forever. Managers make a plan, receive new information, compare the plan with changing conditions, and revise it when necessary. The exact chain is: new information changes the situation; the old assumptions may no longer be correct; an unchanged plan may become unsuitable; therefore failure to review shows weak continuity. Option A is correct. Option B is wrong because pervasiveness concerns planning at all management levels and in all departments, not its response to new information. Option C is wrong because being intellectual refers to thinking, not refusing revision. Option D is wrong because planning remains linked to objectives; it does not become free from them. Exam cue: new facts, changed conditions, and revision point to continuous planning.

Correct answer: B. Choosing a suitable strategy from three strategies for a set objective

The objective shows objective focus and strategy selection shows decision making. In exams identify combined features separately.

Correct answer: C. Because planning can be both short term and long term at different levels

The scope of planning changes according to level and objective. In exams do not limit planning only to schedule.

Correct answer: D. Planning is an intellectual process

Planning needs analysis and judgement along with experience. In exams connect data analysis with intellectual feature.

Correct answer: A. Planning is future oriented

Direct answer: Option A, planning is future oriented. Opportunities are possible favourable situations ahead, while threats are possible future difficulties. Planning studies both before deciding objectives, strategies, resources, and actions. The reasoning is: the manager looks forward; identifies what may help or harm the organisation; estimates possible effects; and prepares suitable responses. Therefore considering opportunities and threats shows attention to the future. Option A is correct. Option B is wrong because planning is not merely copying the past; past experience may help, but future conditions are the focus. Option C is wrong because planning requires decisions about objectives and actions. Option D is wrong because reporting only records information, whereas planning uses information to prepare for what may happen. Memory cue: opportunity means future chance and threat means future risk; both point to future orientation.

Correct answer: B. Planning focuses on objectives

Measurable objectives clarify the direction of planning. In exams connect measurable objective with objective focus.

Correct answer: C. First setting objectives and later matching performance with them

Objectives of planning become the basis for comparison in controlling. In exams remember standards before control.

Correct answer: D. So that a suitable course of action can be selected

In planning the best course is chosen from alternatives. In exams understand alternatives plus evaluation as decision making.

Correct answer: A. Planning is a continuous process

Planning is an ongoing process and not only an annual event. In exams treat once a year as incomplete understanding.

Correct answer: A. Pervasiveness and objective focus

Different departments show pervasiveness and common objective shows objective focus. In exams check both clues in two feature questions.

Correct answer: B. Planning is an intellectual process

Creative thinking helps find new alternatives. In exams connect creativity with intellectual planning.

Correct answer: C. Objective focus

Planning needs clear and definite objectives. In exams treat vague objectives as a weakness of objective focus.

Correct answer: A. Analysing upcoming demand data and setting production objectives

Upcoming demand shows future orientation and data analysis shows intellectual nature. In exams identify combined clues.

Correct answer: B. Planning is pervasive

Direct answer: Option B, planning is pervasive. Pervasive means spread throughout the organisation. Planning is required by top managers for broad objectives, middle managers for departmental plans, and lower-level managers for daily implementation. Thus it is not a special privilege reserved for the top. Option B is correct. Option A, planning as a primary function, means planning comes before organising, staffing, directing, and controlling; it does not mainly answer who performs it. Option C, future orientation, means planning looks ahead; it does not show that all levels participate. Option D, decision-making, means choosing among alternatives; it also does not establish the involvement of every management level. Step by step: the question says “not only top management”; this signals distribution across levels, which is pervasiveness. Memory cue: “all levels, all departments” means pervasive.

Correct answer: C. Planning focuses on objectives

Objectives are useful only when means fit them. In exams also connect objective focus with feasibility.