Which of the following takes place at the step ‘Implementing the plan’ of the planning process?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Other managerial functions, such as organising for labour and machinery, come into the picture.
Option (1) Managers involved in planning agree on the same assumptions about the future. — Incorrect. Agreeing on the same assumptions belongs to developing premises.
Option (2) Objectives are set for the entire organisation and for each department or unit. — Incorrect. Setting objectives for the organisation and each unit is the first step, setting objectives.
Option (3) Activities are checked to see whether they are being performed according to schedule. — Incorrect. Checking work against the schedule is follow-up action, the last step.
Option (4) Other managerial functions, such as organising for labour and machinery, come into the picture. — Correct. Implementing means putting the plan into action. It needs organising for labour and machinery, so other functions come in.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “(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: … Therefore, the manager is required to make certain assumptions about the future. These assumptions are called premises. Assumptions are the base material upon which plans are to be drawn. The base material may be in the form of forecasts, existing plans or any past information about policies. The premises or assumptions must be the same for all and there should be total agreement on them. All managers involved in planning should be familiar with and use the same assumptions.” “(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.” |