Question

Arrange the following steps of Planning process in order:
(A) Planning is concerned with the future which is uncertain and every planner is using conjecture about what might happen in future.
(B) An innovative course may be adopted by involving more people and sharing their ideas. If the project is important, then more alternatives should be generated and thoroughly discussed amongst the members of the organisation.
(C) Monitoring the plans is equally important to ensure that objectives are achieved.
(D) Every organization must have certain objectives. Objectives may be set for the entire organisation and each department or unit within the organisation.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (D), (B), (C), (A)
• B. (D), (A), (B), (C)
• C. (A), (D), (B), (C)
• D. (C), (B), (D), (A)

Hint:

Standard Planning Steps:
1. Setting Objectives $\rightarrow$ 2. Developing Premises $\rightarrow$ 3. Identifying Alternatives $\rightarrow$ 4. Evaluating Alternatives $\rightarrow$ 5. Selecting an Alternative $\rightarrow$ 6. Implementing Plan $\rightarrow$ 7. Follow-up.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:
Planning is the primary function of management that involves deciding in advance what is to be done, how it is to be done, and who will do it.
It follows a structured, logical sequence of steps to establish goals and develop effective courses of action.

Step 1: Identifying the Respective Steps from Descriptions:
$\bullet$ Statement (D) describes Setting Objectives, which specifies the desired targets for the overall organization and individual departments. This is always the first step.
$\bullet$ Statement (A) describes Developing Premises, which involves making assumptions about future trends, events, and operating conditions. This forms the second step.
$\bullet$ Statement (B) describes Identifying Alternative Courses of Action, where managers explore and generate different ways to achieve established objectives.
$\bullet$ Statement (C) describes Follow-up Action, which involves monitoring implementation to ensure plans remain aligned with organizational objectives. This serves as the final step.

Step 2: Ordering the Steps in Logical Sequence:
Following the standard planning framework:
1. Setting Objectives: (D)
2. Developing Premises: (A)
3. Identifying Alternatives: (B)
4. Follow-up Action: (C)
The resulting sequence is (D) $\rightarrow$ (A) $\rightarrow$ (B) $\rightarrow$ (C).

Step 3: Verification of Options:
The sequence (D), (A), (B), (C) aligns directly with option (B).

Step 4: Final Answer:
Thus, the correct choice is option (B).