Consider the following statements about the concept of planning:
(A) Planning seeks to bridge the gap between where we are and where we want to go.
(B) Planning is closely connected with creativity and innovation, as the manager must first form an idea of how to work on a task.
(C) Planning means setting objectives for a given time period, formulating courses of action, and then selecting the least costly alternative.
(D) Planning requires taking decisions since it involves making a choice from alternative courses of action.
(E) Planning provides a flexible approach for achieving predetermined objectives.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → (A), (B) and (D) only
(A) Planning seeks to bridge the gap between where we are and where we want to go. — Correct. Planning starts from the present position and leads to the desired future position.
(B) Planning is closely connected with creativity and innovation, as the manager must first form an idea of how to work on a task. — Correct. Forming an idea of how to do a task calls for new ways of thinking.
(C) Planning means setting objectives for a given time period, formulating courses of action, and then selecting the least costly alternative. — Incorrect. The definition ends with selecting the best possible alternative. The cheapest course need not be the best one.
(D) Planning requires taking decisions since it involves making a choice from alternative courses of action. — Correct. Every choice among courses of action is a decision.
(E) Planning provides a flexible approach for achieving predetermined objectives. — Incorrect. Planning provides a rational approach, one based on reasoning. In fact, one limitation of planning is that it can lead to rigidity.
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. Planning, thus, involves setting objectives and developing appropriate courses of action to achieve these objectives. Objectives provide direction for all managerial decisions and actions. Planning provides a rational approach for achieving predetermined objectives. …” “Concept … Do you think from the above we can formulate a comprehensive definition of planning? One of the ways to do so would be to define planning as setting objectives for a given time period, formulating various courses of action to achieve them, and then selecting the best possible alternative from among the various courses of action available.” |