Question

Explain the following steps in the process of planning: (i) Setting objectives (ii) Developing premises (iii) Identifying alternative courses of…

Accepted Answer

Steps in the process of planning: (i) Setting objectives Objectives specify what the organisation wants to achieve.  Objectives may be set for the entire organization, each  department and employees at all levels. If the end result is clear, it becomes easier to work towards the goal. (ii) Developing premises A manager is required to make certain assumptions about the  future which are called premises. Assumptions are the base material upon which plans are to be  drawn, which may be in the form of forecasts, existing plans or any past information about policies. (iii) Identifying alternative courses of action There may be many ways to achieve objectives. All the  alternative courses of action should be identified. The course of action which may be taken could be either routine  or innovative. An innovative course may be adopted by involving more people and sharing their ideas. OR (b) Explain the following points of importance of decentralisation: (i) Quick decision making (ii) Develops initiative among subordinates (iii) Relief to top management Importance of decentralization: (i) Quick decision making In a decentralised organisation, since decisions are taken at levels  which are nearest to the points of action and there is no requirement for approval from many levels, the decision making process is much faster. There are also less chances of information getting distorted because it  doesn’t have to go through long channels. (ii) Develops initiative among subordinates Decentralisation helps to promote self-reliance and confidence  amongst the subordinates as when lower managerial levels are given freedom to take their own decisions they learn to depend on their own judgment. A decentralisation policy helps to identify those executives who have  the necessary potential to become dynamic leaders. (iii) Relief to top management Decentralisation diminishes the amount of direct supervision  exercised by a superior over the activities of a subordinate. The subordinates are given the freedom to act and decide within the limits set by the superior. It also leaves the top management with more time which they can  devote to important policy decisions rather than occupying their time with both policy as well as operational decisions.

Explain the following steps in the process of planning :
(i)
Setting objectives
(ii)
Developing premises
(iii)
Identifying alternative courses of action

Marking-scheme solution

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