Arrange the following steps involved in the Planning Process in proper order.
(A) Make certain assumptions about the future.
(B) Identify all alternative courses of action
(C) Decide what the organization is set to achieve
(D) Adopt the best alternative
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → (C), (A), (B), (D)
Step 1 — (C) Decide what the organization is set to achieve: this is setting objectives, the first and foremost step. Objectives tell what the organisation wants to achieve.
Step 2 — (A) Make certain assumptions about the future: this is developing premises. The future is uncertain, so the manager has to make some assumptions about it. Forecasts help here.
Step 3 — (B) Identify all alternative courses of action: once objectives are set and assumptions are made, the manager lists all the ways of reaching the objectives.
Step 4 — (D) Adopt the best alternative: this is selecting an alternative, the real point of decision making. The best plan is adopted and put into action.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Setting Objectives: The first and foremost step is setting objectives. Every organisation must have certain objectives. Objectives may be set for the entire organisation and each department or unit within the organisation. Objectives or goals specify what the organisation wants to achieve. …” “Developing Premises: Planning is concerned with the future which is uncertain and every planner is using conjecture about what might happen in future.” “Therefore, the manager is required to make certain assumptions about the future. …” “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. …” “Selecting an alternative: This is the real point of decision making. The best plan has to be adopted and implemented.” |