Arrange the following steps of planning process in a logical sequence…

Arrange the following steps of planning process in a logical sequence:

(A) The best plan has to be adopted and implemented.

(B) The manager is required to make certain assumptions about the future.

(D) Objectives may be set for the entire organisation and each department or units within the organisation.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 3

The correct answer is Option (3) → (D), (B), (A), (C)

(D) Objectives may be set for the entire organisation and each department or units within the organisation. — First. Setting objectives is the first step of planning. Every later step works towards these objectives.
(B) The manager is required to make certain assumptions about the future. — Second. This is developing premises. Plans are made for the future, so the manager must first assume what the future will be like.
(A) The best plan has to be adopted and implemented. — Third. After the alternatives are identified and evaluated, the best one is selected and implemented. A plan can be chosen only after the objectives and premises are known.
(C) Monitoring the plans is equally important to ensure that objectives are achieved. — Last. Follow-up action checks whether the plan, once put into action, is achieving its objectives. Nothing can be monitored before it is implemented.

NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Planning Process … (i) 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. …”

“(ii) 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. These assumptions are called premises. …”

“(v) Selecting an alternative: This is the real point of decision making. The best plan has to be adopted and implemented. …”

“(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.”