Step 1: Understanding the concept:
The statement says that planning needs "application of mind" with foresight, intelligence, imagination and sound judgment.
Words like these point to thinking work and not to physical work.
Step 2: Match the clue with a feature:
Foresight and imagination are mental qualities. Intelligence and sound judgment are also qualities of the mind.
A feature that describes planning as work of the mind is "planning is a mental exercise".
Step 3: Why option (C) is correct:
Option (C) is "Planning is a mental exercise".
Planning is not a routine or guess. It needs the manager to think, compare facts and choose, which is exactly what the statement tells us.
Step 4: Why option (A) is wrong:
Option (A) is "Planning is futuristic". This feature is about looking ahead to the future.
The statement does not talk about time or the future. It talks about the mental effort used, so (A) does not fit.
Step 5: Why option (B) is wrong:
Option (B) is "Planning involves decision-making". This is about choosing among alternatives.
The statement does not mention any choice or alternatives, so (B) does not fit.
Step 6: Why option (D) is wrong:
Option (D) is "Planning is continuous". This feature says that plans are made again and again.
There is no reference to repetition in the statement, so (D) is not the answer.
Final Answer:
The statement shows that planning needs intellectual effort, so the feature is that planning is a mental exercise. The correct option is (C).