Match List-I (steps of the planning process) with List-II (what the step involves):
| List-I | List-II | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| (A) | Identifying alternative courses of action | (I) | In financial plans, the risk-return trade-off is very common at this step. |
| (B) | Evaluating alternative courses | (II) | A combination of plans may be adopted here instead of one best course. |
| (C) | Selecting an alternative | (III) | An innovative course may be adopted by involving more people and sharing their ideas. |
| (D) | Follow-up action | (IV) | Plans are monitored to ensure that the objectives are achieved. |
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → (A)-(III), (B)-(I), (C)-(II), (D)-(IV)
| List-I | List-II | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (A) Identifying alternative courses of action | (III) An innovative course may be adopted by involving more people and sharing their ideas. | At this step the many ways to act are found, routine or innovative. |
| (B) Evaluating alternative courses | (I) In financial plans, the risk-return trade-off is very common at this step. | Weighing each course means comparing risk with return in financial plans. |
| (C) Selecting an alternative | (II) A combination of plans may be adopted here instead of one best course. | At this step the best plan, or a mix of plans, is adopted. |
| (D) Follow-up action | (IV) Plans are monitored to ensure that the objectives are achieved. | The last step checks that plans run to schedule. |
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “(iii) Identifying alternative courses of action: Once objectives are set, assumptions are made. Then the next step would be to act upon them. There may be many ways to act and achieve objectives. All the alternative courses of action should be identified. The course of action which may be taken could be either routine or innovative. An innovative course may be adopted by involving more people and sharing their ideas. If the project is important, then more alternatives should be generated and thoroughly discussed amongst the members of the organisation.” “(iv) Evaluating alternative courses: The next step is to weigh the pros and cons of each alternative. Each course will have many variables which have to be weighed against each other. The positive and negative aspects of each proposal need to be evaluated in the light of the objective to be achieved. In financial plans, for example, the risk-return trade-off is very common. …” “(v) Selecting an alternative: This is the real point of decision making. The best plan has to be adopted and implemented. The ideal plan, of course, would be the most feasible, profitable and with least negative consequences. Most plans may not always be subjected to a mathematical analysis. In such cases, subjectivity and the manager’s experience, judgement and at times, intuition play an important part in selecting the most viable alternative. Sometimes, a combination of plans may be selected instead of one best course. …” “(vii) Follow-up action: To see whether plans are being implemented and activities are performed according to schedule is also part of the planning process. Monitoring the plans is equally important to ensure that objectives are achieved.” |