Page 26 - DLIS406_ACADEMIC_LIBRARY_SYSTEM

Unit 3: Planning

The term is also used for describing the formal procedures used in such an endeavor, such as Notes
the creation of documents, diagrams, or meetings to discuss the important issues to be addressed,
the objectives to be met, and the strategy to be followed. Beyond this, planning has a different
meaning depending on the political or economic context in which it is used.
Two attitudes to planning need to be held in tension: on the one hand we need to be prepared
for what may lie ahead, which may mean contingencies and flexible processes. On the other
hand, our future is shaped by consequences of our own planning and actions.

3.1 Need and Importance of Planning

Planning is a process for accomplishing purposes. It is a blue print of business growth and a
road map of development. It helps in deciding objectives both in quantitative and qualitative
terms. It is setting of goals on the basis of objectives and keeping in the resources.

What should a Plan be?

A plan should be a realistic view of the expectations. Depending upon the activities, a plan
can be long range, intermediate range or short range. It is the framework within which it must
operate. For management seeking external support, the plan is the most important document
and key to growth. Preparation of a comprehensive plan will not guarantee success, but lack
of a sound plan will almost certainly ensure failure.

Planning—a result-oriented process—can be summarized in 3 easy steps:
1. Choosing a destination,
2. Evaluating alternative routes, and
3. Deciding the specific course of your plan.

Purpose of a Plan
Just as no two organizations are alike, so also their plans. It is therefore important to prepare
a plan keeping in view the necessities of the enterprise. A plan is an important aspect of
business. It serves the following three critical functions:
• Helps management to clarify, focus, and research their business’s or project’s development
and prospects.
• Provides a considered and logical framework within which a business can develop and
pursue business strategies over the next three to five years.
• Offers a benchmark against which actual performance can be measured and reviewed.

Importance of the Planning Process
A plan can play a vital role in helping to avoid mistakes or recognize hidden opportunities.
Preparing a satisfactory plan of the organization is essential. The planning knows the business
and those they have thought through its development in terms of products, management,
finances, and most importantly, markets and competition.
Planning helps in forecasting the future, makes the future visible to some extent. It bridges
between where we are and where we want to go. Planning is looking ahead.

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 21