Consider the following statements about planning and objectives:
(A) Planning is concerned with the ends, that is, what is to be done, rather than with the means.
(B) Objectives need to be expressed in qualitative terms, in the form of a broad statement of desired results.
(C) Planning seeks to bridge the gap between where we are and where we want to go.
(D) Each unit formulates its own objectives keeping in view the overall organisational goals.
(E) Objectives are defined as ends which the management seeks to achieve by its operations.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → (C), (D) and (E) only
(A) Planning is concerned with the ends, that is, what is to be done, rather than with the means. — Incorrect. Planning is concerned with both ends and means.
(B) Objectives need to be expressed in qualitative terms, in the form of a broad statement of desired results. — Incorrect. Objectives must be in specific terms, measurable in numbers.
(C) Planning seeks to bridge the gap between where we are and where we want to go. — Correct. Planning links the present position with the desired one.
(D) Each unit formulates its own objectives keeping in view the overall organisational goals. — Correct. Each unit sets its own objectives within the main ones.
(E) Objectives are defined as ends which the management seeks to achieve by its operations. — Correct. An objective is the end result of activities.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Concept Planning is deciding in advance what to do and how to do. It is one of the basic managerial functions. Before doing something, the manager must formulate an idea of how to work on a particular task. Thus, planning is closely connected with creativity and innovation. But the manager would first have to set objectives, only then will a manager know where he has to go. Planning seeks to bridge the gap between where we are and where we want to go. Planning is what managers at all levels do. It requires taking decisions since it involves making a choice from alternative courses of action. …” “Concept … These goals set the targets which need to be achieved and against which actual performance is measured. Therefore, planning means setting objectives and targets and formulating an action plan to achieve them. It is concerned with both ends and means i.e., what is to be done and how it is to be done. …” “Types of Plans … There are other types of plans which usually are not classified as single-use or standing plans. A strategy, for example, is part of strategic planning or management. It is a general plan prepared by top management outlining resource allocation, priorities and takes into consideration the business environment and competition. Objectives are usually set by the top management and serve as a guide for overall planning. Each unit then formulates their own objectives keeping in view the overall organisational goals. …” “Objectives The first step in planning is setting objectives. Objectives, therefore, can be said to be the desired future position that the management would like to reach. Objectives are very basic to the organisation and they are defined as ends which the management seeks to achieve by its operations. … Objectives need to be expressed in specific terms i.e., they should be measurable in quantitative terms, in the form of a written statement of desired results to be achieved within a given time period.” |