COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING PROCESS

Question 1

Planning as a Process

Answer 1

• Definition: Planning is a systematic process of setting goals, gathering information, evaluating alternatives, and making decisions to achieve desired outcomes.
• Importance: Effective planning is crucial for achieving success in personal, professional, and organizational contexts.

Question 2

Different Kinds of Planning

Answer 2

1. Strategic Planning/Strategic Framework
   2.Business/Action/Operational Planning

Question 3

Under Different Kinds of Planning
* Is all about the bigger picture.
* Often times, an organization gets caught up in everyday problems that they forget the bigger picture.
* An organization develops a strategic framework to determine its priorities and strategies that are likely to help it achieve
its vision of the future.

Answer 3

Strategic Planning/Strategic Framework;

Question 4

Under Different Kinds of Planning
* Different words about a very similar process.
* Refers to a plan for implementation in order to achieve broader goals and objectives.
* For simplicity: the process is referred to as ‘action planning’ and the plan as an ‘action plan’.

Answer 4

Business/Action/Operational Planning

Question 5

Comprehensive Planning Process
Strategic Plan VS Operations Plan

Answer 5

Strategic Plan
- logical framework / development framework / results matrix
- outputs, outcomes & impacts
Operations Plan
- programs, projects & activities
- inputs & activities

ACTION points that links the Operations Plan and Strategic Plan

Question 6

Key Steps in the Planning Process

Answer 6

1. Define Objectives
   Clear, specific, and measurable goals are essential.
2. Collect Information
   Gather data and insights to make informed decisions.
3. Identify Alternatives
   Brainstorming and creative thinking help to generate options.
4. Evaluate Alternatives
   Establish criteria for evaluating options
5. Choose the Best Alternative
   Rational decision-making helps select the most suitable option.
6. Develop a Plan
   Create a detailed action plan with tasks and timelines.
7. Implement the Plan
   Assign responsibilities and execute the plan
8. Monitor and Adjust
   Continuously assess progress and adapt as needed.

Question 7

Tools and Techniques for Planning

Answer 7

• SWOT Analysis (Humphrey, 2005)
• PESTEL Analysis (Johnson et. A., 2008)
• Gantt Charts (Gantt, 1910)
• Financial Projections (Brigham & Ehrhardt. 2006)

Question 8

Under Tools and Techniques for Planning
- an acronym for Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats
- used to devise a successful strategy for the future

Answer 8

SWOT Analysis (Humphrey, 2005)

Question 9

Under Tools and Techniques for Planning
- an acronym for Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environment
- external factors

Answer 9

PESTEL Analysis (Johnson et. A., 2008)

Question 10

Under Tools and Techniques for Planning
- a type of bar chart that illustrates a project schedule
- lists the tasks to be performed on vertical axis, and time intervals on horizontal axis

Answer 10

Gantt Charts (Gantt, 1910)

Question 11

Under Tools and Techniques for Planning
- a set of financial statements which forecast future revenues and expenses
- includes cash inflows and outlays, general income and balance sheet
- perfect for showing bankers and investors how they plan to repay business loans

Answer 11

Financial Projections (Brigham & Ehrhardt. 2006)

Question 12

Common Challenges in the Planning Process

Answer 12

• Lack of Data (Robinson, 2019)
• Uncertainty (Courtney et al., 1997)
• Resistance to Change (Kotter, 1995)

Question 13

Effective Planning is a ___________ and ________ process.

Answer 13

dynamic and iterative process.

Question 14

____________ and ____________ improvements are the keys.

Answer 14

Adaptability and continuous