Planning Purpose , Process and Decision Making

What is Planning?

• Planning is the process of deciding what you want to achieve and how you will accomplish it.
• It's like creating a roadmap for your journey.
• In any aspect of life, whether it's a business, a project, or personal goals, planning helps you set a clear direction.

Purpose of Planning

• Achieving Goals
• Managing Resources
• Minimizing Risks

Achieving Goals

• The main purpose of planning is to help you reach your goals.
• It ensures that you have a well-thought-out strategy to follow.
• For example, if you want to start a new business, planning can help you figure out what steps to take and in what order.

Managing Resources

• Planning helps in using your resources efficiently.
• It allows you to allocate your time, money, and energy wisely.
• If you're planning a vacation, you'll decide where to go, how much to spend, and what to do within your budget.

Minimizing Risks

• It also minimizes risks by anticipating potential problems and coming up with solutions.
• Imagine you're planning a party, and you know it might rain. You could plan to have a backup indoor location.

Planning Process

• Set Objectives
• Identify Alternatives
• Evaluate Alternatives
• Choose a Plan
• Implement the Plan
• Monitor and Adjust

1. Set Objectives

• Begin by defining your objectives or what you want to achieve.
• Whether it's a company looking to increase sales by 10% or an individual wanting to lose weight, clear objectives are crucial.

2. Identify Alternatives

• Next, brainstorm different ways to reach your objectives.
• This might involve researching and considering various options.
• For instance, if you're planning a career change, you could explore different industries or job roles.

3. Evaluate Alternatives

• Evaluate the pros and cons of each alternative.
• Consider the potential outcomes and risks.
• If you're planning a menu for a dinner party, you'd assess the ingredients, cooking time, and dietary restrictions of your guests.

4. Choose a Plan

• Select the best course of action based on your evaluation.
• This is where you decide on the party menu or the career path to pursue.

5. Implement the Plan

• Now, put your plan into action.
• If you're planning a project at work, this is when you start working on tasks and delegating responsibilities.

6. Monitor and Adjust

• Continuously monitor your progress and make adjustments as necessary.
• If you're planning a wedding, stay flexible to deal with unexpected changes like vendor canceling or guest cancellations.

What is Decision Making?

• Decision making is choosing between different options or courses of action.
• It's something we do every day, from deciding what to have for breakfast to making important life choices.

Decision Making Process

• Identify the Problem or Decision
• Gather Information
• Identify Alternatives
• Evaluate Alternatives
• Make a Decision
• Implement the Decision
• Review and Adjust

1. Identify the Problem or Decision

• Start by recognizing the issue or decision you need to make.
• This could be anything from deciding which car to buy to resolving a conflict at work.

2. Gather Information

• Collect relevant information about the options available.
• If you're choosing a vacation destination, you'd research places, weather, costs, and activities.

3. Identify Alternatives

• List the possible solutions or choices.
• For instance, if you're a business owner, you might be considering different product suppliers.

4. Evaluate Alternatives

• Weigh the pros and cons of each alternative.
• Consider factors like cost, quality, and location when choosing a supplier.

5. Make a Decision

• Select the best option based on your evaluation.
• If you're buying a house, you'd make an offer on the property that aligns with your budget and preferences.

6. Implement the Decision

• Put your decision into action.
• Start booking flights and accommodations if you've decided on a family vacation to a specific location.

7. Review and Adjust

• After implementing the decision, assess its outcomes.
• If you notice that the chosen supplier isn't delivering quality products, you may need to revisit your decision.

Conclusion