Shermerhorn Chapter 6 - Planning Processes and Techniques Flashcards
What is Planning
process of setting objectives and determining how to best accomplish them
Definition of defining objectives
Identifying specific results or desired outcomes that one intends to achieve
what is a plan?
statement of action steps to be taken to accomplish the objectives
5 steps of planning
- define objectives
- determine where you stand compared to objectives
- Develop premises regarding future conditions
- analyze and choose among action alternatives
- implement, plan and evaluate results
What does planning improve?
focus flexibility action orientation coordination control time management
Personal time management tips
- Say no to distractions
- don’t get bogged down by details
- screen calls, emails and meeting requests
- prioritize
- don’t become calendar bound
Types of plans (and duration)
short-range (<1 year) intermediate range (1-2 years) long-range (>3 years)
Definition of Strategic plan
set broad, comrehensive and longer-term action directions for entire organization
Definition of tactile plans
defines what needs to be done in specific functions to implement strategic plans
Examples of tactile plans
production/capacity financial location/facility plans marketing human resource
Types of Operational plans (and definition)
policy (guidelines for making decisions)
Rules/procedure plans (actions to be taken during specific situations)
Budgets (commit resources to activities/projects)
5 planning tools/techniques
Forecasting Contingency Scenario Benchmarking Use of staff planners
Definition of contingency planning
identifying alternative courses of action that can be implemented if circumstances change
Definition of forecasting
making assumptions about what will happen in the future
Definition of Scenario planning
long-term version of contingency planning
Definition of benchmarking
use of external and internal comparisons to better evaluate current performance and identify possible actions for futre
Definition of usage of staff planners
helps bring focus and expertise to accomplish important, often strategic planning tasks
Acronym for good goal setting
SMART Specific Measurable Attainable Relevant Timely
Characteristics of Management by Objectives (MBO)
- Structured process of regular communication
- Supervisor works jointly with workers to set goals
- they jointly review results
Types of MBO objectives
- Improvement
- Personal Development
- Maintenance
Advantages of MBO
- Focuses workers on most important tasks
- Focuses supervisor’s efforts on important areas of support
- contributes to relationship building
- gives workers structured opportunity to participate I decision making
Benefits of participation
- promotes creativity
- Increases available information
- Fosters understanding, acceptance and commitment to final plan
