Planning process

Correct answer: A. Was the selection based on rational grounds

A is correct because selecting an alternative is a central planning decision, and expert analysis must ask whether that decision was supported by evidence, objectives and a rational comparison of available choices. A sound plan normally identifies the alternatives, evaluates their expected benefits, costs, risks, resources and feasibility, and then explains why one option was preferred. Without reasons, the decision cannot be properly reviewed, defended or improved. The absence of justification may indicate personal bias, incomplete analysis or arbitrary decision-making, although it does not automatically prove that the choice was wrong. B and C concern irrelevant physical or aesthetic matters. D concerns the timing of reporting and does not test the quality of the original selection. Therefore the key analytical question is whether the chosen alternative followed a rational basis.

Correct answer: A. The objective and course of action may move in the wrong direction

Problem identification is an early and essential stage of the planning process because it defines what the organisation is actually trying to solve or improve. If the problem is misunderstood, managers may set an irrelevant objective, select unsuitable alternatives, allocate resources to the wrong activity, and later evaluate success against an inappropriate standard. Option A correctly describes the likely consequence: both the objective and the course of action may move away from the real need. Option B is an unjustified guarantee. Option C denies the importance of diagnosis, and D wrongly assumes that a decision becomes correct without accurate information and analysis.

Correct answer: C. Setting objectives and developing premises

Fixing the target is objective and estimating future price is premise. In exams connect target plus future assumption with the first two steps.

Correct answer: A. Selecting an alternative without setting objectives

Objectives must be clear before choosing an alternative. In exams identify sequence errors carefully.

Correct answer: D. Developing premises

Estimating future policy and competition comes under premises. In exams treat future factors as planning premises.

Correct answer: B. Identifying alternative courses of action

The three different paths are alternative courses. In exams connect ways to achieve target with identifying alternatives.

Correct answer: C. Evaluating alternatives

Comparison of cost time risk and benefit is evaluation. In exams treat multi factor comparison as evaluation.

Correct answer: A. Selecting an alternative

Adopting the final option after evaluation is selection. In exams write adopted alternative as selection.

Correct answer: D. Implementing the plan

Budget responsibility and deadline turn a plan into action during implementation. In exams connect execution arrangements with implementation.

Correct answer: B. Follow up action

Finding reasons and correcting is follow up action. In exams treat after implementation correction as follow up.

Correct answer: C. Identifying alternatives then evaluating alternatives then selecting an alternative

Alternatives are identified first then evaluated and then selected. In exams remember the sequence alternatives evaluation selection.

Correct answer: A. It is measurable and time bound

A good objective is clear measurable and time bound. In exams treat percentage and time as strong objective clues.

Correct answer: D. Evaluating alternatives

After alternatives are found they are evaluated. In exams remember evaluation after identifying alternatives.

Correct answer: B. Developing common planning premises

Common premises help all departments plan on similar assumptions. In exams connect common assumptions with developing premises.

Correct answer: C. Identifying alternative courses of action

Planning should search many options to achieve the target. In exams treat only one way as weak alternative identification.

Correct answer: A. Incomplete evaluation

Evaluation should consider quality and risk along with cost. In exams treat single criterion evaluation as incomplete.

Correct answer: D. Implementing the plan

Resources and instructions are needed for implementation. In exams look for implementation when selected plan is not acted upon.

Correct answer: B. Because deviations are analysed and corrections are also made in it

Follow up includes review along with corrective action. In exams write review plus correction as follow up.

Correct answer: A. Without objectives alternatives get no criteria

Objectives provide the basis for evaluation. In exams treat missing objective as missing direction.

Correct answer: B. Developing premises

Estimate of raw material availability is a premise. In exams connect wrong estimate with weak premises.

Correct answer: D. Evaluating alternatives

Examining alternatives against the objective is evaluation. In exams treat alternatives not examined as evaluation gap.

Correct answer: B. Selecting an alternative

Selection may choose one option or a combination of options. In exams connect combined alternative with selection.

Correct answer: C. Implementing the plan

Supporting plans help implement the main plan. In exams treat budgets programmes rules as implementation support.

Correct answer: A. Make planning premises more realistic

Learning from follow up can improve premises. In exams connect review learning with improvement in next planning.

Correct answer: A. The target is to increase sales and market demand is assumed stable without checking

Sales target is objective but unchecked demand is a weak premise. In exams distinguish objective and premise.