Shermerhorn Chapter 6 - Planning Processes and Techniques

Question 1

What is Planning

Answer 1

process of setting objectives and determining how to best accomplish them

Question 2

Definition of defining objectives

Answer 2

Identifying specific results or desired outcomes that one intends to achieve

Question 3

what is a plan?

Answer 3

statement of action steps to be taken to accomplish the objectives

Question 4

5 steps of planning

Answer 4

• 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

Question 5

What does planning improve?

Answer 5

focus
flexibility
action orientation
coordination
control
time management

Question 6

Personal time management tips

Answer 6

• Say no to distractions
• don’t get bogged down by details
• screen calls, emails and meeting requests
• prioritize
• don’t become calendar bound

Question 7

Types of plans (and duration)

Answer 7

short-range (<1 year)
intermediate range (1-2 years)
long-range (>3 years)

Question 8

Definition of Strategic plan

Answer 8

set broad, comrehensive and longer-term action directions for entire organization

Question 9

Definition of tactile plans

Answer 9

defines what needs to be done in specific functions to implement strategic plans

Question 10

Examples of tactile plans

Answer 10

production/capacity
financial
location/facility plans
marketing
human resource

Question 11

Types of Operational plans (and definition)

Answer 11

policy (guidelines for making decisions)
Rules/procedure plans (actions to be taken during specific situations)
Budgets (commit resources to activities/projects)

Question 12

5 planning tools/techniques

Answer 12

Forecasting
Contingency
Scenario
Benchmarking
Use of staff planners

Question 13

Definition of contingency planning

Answer 13

identifying alternative courses of action that can be implemented if circumstances change

Question 14

Definition of forecasting

Answer 14

making assumptions about what will happen in the future

Question 15

Definition of Scenario planning

Answer 15

long-term version of contingency planning

Question 16

Definition of benchmarking

Answer 16

use of external and internal comparisons to better evaluate current performance and identify possible actions for futre

Question 17

Definition of usage of staff planners

Answer 17

helps bring focus and expertise to accomplish important, often strategic planning tasks

Question 18

Acronym for good goal setting

Answer 18

SMART
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant
Timely

Question 19

Characteristics of Management by Objectives (MBO)

Answer 19

• Structured process of regular communication
• Supervisor works jointly with workers to set goals
• they jointly review results

Question 20

Types of MBO objectives

Answer 20

• Improvement
• Personal Development
• Maintenance

Question 21

Advantages of MBO

Answer 21

• 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

Question 22

Benefits of participation

Answer 22

• promotes creativity
• Increases available information
• Fosters understanding, acceptance and commitment to final plan