Based on the case study given below, answer the questions.

Calculus limited had been taken over by Radha Group immediately following India’s independence. Since then it enjoys a rich record of industry presence and experience. In 2005, with the aim to accelerate growth the company had gone through several rounds of meetings and discussions before launching ERP system to attract large projects. The management had done effective forecast and critical thinking regarding allocation resources to reduce wastage. For this purpose the company had laid down multiple courses of action to meet the challenge of adverse situations. In 2008, the company suffered loss in many projects due to the great recession despite taking many cost cutting measures. The management had taken utmost care regarding the possible outcome and timely review of the plans to achieve the set target during that hard time. In 2010 the system implemented successfully which subsequently helped the company to execute numerous projects with precision and timeliness.

Which of the following statements stands to be correct in regard to "Planning"?

1. Planning is the first function of management, new ideas can take the shape of concrete plans. 
2. Planning involves decision making from various alternatives and activities. 
3. Planning enhances the creativity of the individual as it is done by the entire staff of the organisation by forming a consensus. 
4. Planning is a time consuming process which results in poor implementation of plans.

1,2 and 4

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. 1,2 and 4

Planning is an activity done by the top management. Usually, the rest of the members just implements these plans. As a consequence, middle management and other decision makers are neither allowed to deviate from plans nor are they permitted to act on their own. Thus, it results in reduced creativity due to limited people being involved in the process of planning.