(a)OR(b)

Explain 'Strategy' and 'Programme' as type of plans.

Strategy § A strategy is a comprehensive plan for accomplishing an organisation’s objectives taking business environment into consideration. § It provides the broad contours of an organisation’s business. It refers to future decisions defining the organisations direction and scope in the long run. § Strategy as a comprehensive plan includes three dimensions, (i) determining long term objectives, (ii) adopting a particular course of action, and (iii) allocating resources necessary to achieve the objective. Programme § A programme is a detailed statement about a project which outlines the objectives, policies, procedures, rules, tasks, human and physical resources required and the budget to implement any course of action. § The minutest details are worked out within a broad policy framework. § Programmes will include the entire gamut of activities as well as the organisation’s policy and how it will contribute to the overall business plan.Planning reduces overlapping and wasteful activities § Planning, by serving as the basis of coordinating the activities and efforts of different divisions, departments and individuals, helps in avoiding confusion and misunderstanding. § Since planning ensures clarity in thought and action, work is carried on smoothly without interruptions. § Useless and redundant activities are minimised or eliminated, it is easier to detect inefficiencies and take corrective measures to deal with them. Planning reduces the risks of uncertainty § Planning is an activity which enables a manager to look ahead and anticipate changes. § By deciding in advance the tasks to be performed, planning shows the way to deal with changes and uncertain events. § Changes or events cannot be eliminated but they can be anticipated and managerial responses to them can be developed.