Ankit Agro Ltd. drew up a plan to sell organic fertiliser in five districts of Punjab. It hired twenty sales staff and bought two delivery vans. Every fortnight, the sales manager now checks whether sales in each district are on schedule, so that the yearly target is met.
Which step of the planning process is the sales manager now performing, and why is it a part of planning?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Follow-up action, because monitoring the plans is needed to ensure that the objectives are achieved
Option (1) Follow-up action, because monitoring the plans is needed to ensure that the objectives are achieved — Correct. Staff and vans are in place, so the plan is running. The fortnightly check is follow-up action; monitoring keeps the plan on track.
Option (2) Implementing the plan, because this step is concerned with putting the plan into action — Incorrect. Implementing was hiring the staff and buying the vans. The check comes later.
Option (3) Follow-up action, because this step lays down the standards against which performance is measured — Incorrect. The step is right, but the reason is not. Follow-up action checks progress against the schedule.
Option (4) Implementing the plan, because other managerial functions also come into the picture at this step — Incorrect. The reason fits implementing, but the manager is now checking work already under way.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “(vi) Implementing the plan: This is the step where other managerial functions also come into the picture. The step is concerned with putting the plan into action, i.e., doing what is required. For example, if there is a plan to increase production then more labour, more machinery will be required. This step would also involve organising for labour and purchase of machinery.” “(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.” |