Meaning of planning

Correct answer: A. Manager treats only list of dates as the complete plan

A list of dates may be a programme but not the whole plan. A plan also includes objective path resources and decision.

Correct answer: A. Because selection should be based on objective resources risk and time

Planning requires a reasoned choice among different possible courses of action. Personal liking may influence a manager, but it cannot be the only basis because a preferred option may be costly, risky, unsuitable for the objective, or impossible within the available time and resources. Sound planning compares alternatives objectively before selecting one.

Option A is correct because goals, resources, risk, and time help determine whether an alternative can actually work. Options B, C, and D are incorrect: preference is not always right, objectives are necessary for direction, and resources are central to feasibility. Thus, rational evaluation is more reliable than personal bias when selecting an alternative.

Correct answer: A. Time-bound action framework

A plan should clarify when and which work must be done. Unclear action framework weakens the plan.

Correct answer: A. Future expectation gives direction to present decision

Planning takes decisions in the present for the future. Therefore future thinking directs present action.

Correct answer: A. Changing conditions may require revision of the chosen course of action

Planning is made for the future, but market conditions, resources, technology, or government policies may change. Reviewing the chosen course of action helps determine whether it is still suitable for achieving the objective or needs revision. Option B is incorrect because a selected course is not always wrong; review only checks its effectiveness. Exam tip: Treat planning as a flexible process that may be modified when conditions change.

Correct answer: A. Deciding the right direction and course of action according to objectives before acting

Planning is the process of deciding objectives, direction, and the course of action in advance for future activities. Therefore, option A is correct: planning does not stop action; it makes action purposeful and systematic. Postponing action is a delay in decision-making, not planning. Exam tip: Remember planning as deciding in advance what to do, how to do it, and when to do it.

Correct answer: D. Merely hoping without any basis

Planning is a conscious and rational process of setting future objectives and choosing an appropriate course of action to achieve them. Therefore, merely hoping without any basis is not planning. Option B is closest to the accepted meaning of planning, while option C is an important consideration during planning. Exam tip: Look for words such as objectives, evaluation of alternatives, and advance decision-making in questions on planning.

Correct answer: A. Practicality of plan may be weak

The direct answer is A: the plan's practicality may be weak. Planning means deciding in advance what objectives an organisation wants to achieve and the course of action for achieving them. However, a plan is not judged only by having a target and a list of actions. It must also consider available money, time, technology, information, and human ability. The reasoning is: objectives are fixed; actions are selected; employees must carry out those actions; if their skills, number, training, or workload are ignored, implementation may fail or become unrealistic. Therefore A is correct. B is wrong because a plan cannot be called completely best when an important resource, employee capability, has been ignored. C is wrong because human capability is directly related to assigning, coordinating, and completing work. D is wrong because objectives do not happen automatically; people must implement suitable actions and monitor results. A weak student should remember that planning joins goals with workable means. A useful cue is: objective plus action plus resources and people equals a practical plan; leaving out people creates risk.

Correct answer: A. Plan may become weak in changing conditions

The direct answer is A: the plan may become weak in changing conditions. Planning concerns the future, and the future cannot be known with complete certainty. Markets, costs, technology, laws, competition, natural events, and customer needs may change. Risk consideration does not mean that every future event can be predicted exactly; it means identifying possible problems, estimating their effects, and preparing alternatives or safeguards. The reasoning is: a plan is made for future action; future conditions may change; an unchanged plan may no longer fit; therefore the plan can fail or become weak unless risks and flexibility are considered. A is correct. B is wrong because no responsible plan is guaranteed to succeed in every situation. C is wrong because risk is directly connected with uncertainty about the future. D is wrong because a course of action remains necessary, although it may need modification when circumstances change. Risk analysis strengthens planning by helping managers prepare backup actions, resources, and time. Exam cue: future plus uncertainty means risk; risk-aware plans are more adaptable, not automatically successful.

Correct answer: A. Determining objectives → identifying alternatives → evaluating alternatives → selecting the best course of action

Planning is a decision-making process. First, objectives are determined; then possible alternatives for achieving them are identified. These alternatives are evaluated on the basis of cost, benefit, resources and feasibility, and the best course of action is selected. Therefore, option A is correct. In option B, the course of action is selected before setting objectives and identifying alternatives, which is illogical. Exam tip: Remember the sequence: ‘objectives → alternatives → evaluation → selection’.

Correct answer: A. All departments can work in the same direction

Clear objectives and courses of action tell every department what is to be achieved and how work should proceed. Thus, production, marketing, finance and other departments can align their activities towards the same organisational direction. Option B is incorrect because independently changing objectives would weaken coordination. Exam tip: A key benefit of planning is the unity and coordination of efforts across departments.

Correct answer: A. Review the objective, course of action, or resource arrangement

Planning requires an assessment not only of objectives but also of the means needed to achieve them, such as money, labour, time, and materials. Even when the objective is clear, the feasibility of the objective, the course of action, or the arrangement of resources must be reviewed if means are unavailable. Implementing a plan without resources is not practical because execution will not be possible. Exam tip: In planning questions, connect clear objectives with the availability and feasibility of resources.

Correct answer: A. Planning does not make the future completely certain, but enables better preparation.

Planning means deciding actions in advance with future objectives in mind. It cannot eliminate all uncertainty about the future, but it helps managers prepare for possible situations and make better decisions. Option B is incorrect because planning does not end every problem; it prepares the business to deal with problems more effectively. Exam tip: Treat planning as preparation for the future, not a guarantee of the future.

Correct answer: A. Decision based on analysis of facts, objectives and alternatives

Planning involves deciding in advance about future actions. Therefore, a suitable decision is based on a systematic analysis of facts, stated objectives and available alternatives. A decision based only on guesswork or personal preference is not rational planning. Exam tip: In planning questions, look for objectives, alternatives and logical analysis as key indicators.

Correct answer: A. Implementation

Without responsibility implementation becomes difficult. Accountability should be clear for execution.

Correct answer: A. Achievement of organisational objectives and efficient use of resources

In planning, alternative courses of action are evaluated to select one that achieves organisational objectives while using available resources efficiently. Starting work without comparing alternatives is not planning; it is an unconsidered decision. Exam tip: Link planning with objectives, alternatives, and optimum use of resources.

Correct answer: A. Present basis of future decision is weak

Future planning is based on present information and resources. Without information decision may be weak.

Correct answer: A. Planning is a process of thought decision alternative selection and action framework for future objectives

This conclusion connects the main elements of planning. In exams write it briefly and in balanced form.

Correct answer: A. Means may be used in the wrong direction

The governing principle of planning is that an organisation should first decide the desired result and then select suitable means for achieving it. An objective acts as a criterion for comparing alternatives, allocating resources, fixing priorities, and judging performance. If managers choose equipment, activities, or expenditure before clarifying the objective, those means may be irrelevant, excessive, or directed toward the wrong result. Option A is correct because it captures this risk of misdirection and waste. Option B is false because means do not automatically define a valid objective. C denies the foundation of planning, while D is incorrect because means are an essential part of a course of action.