The Essentials of Planning

A Plan: Is a specific documented intention consisting of an objective (end) and an action statement (means). States what, when, and how something is to be done.

Essentials of Sound Planning

—  Organizational mission

—  Types of planning

—  Objectives

—  Priorities

—  The planning/control cycle

Organizational Mission

A clear, formally written, and publicized statement that guides the organization by:

—  Defining the organization for key stakeholders

—  Creating an inspiring vision of the organization

—  Outlining how the vision will be accomplished

—  Establishing key priorities

—  Stating a common goal and fostering togetherness

—  Creating a philosophical anchor for the organization

—  Generating enthusiasm and a “can do” attitude

—  Empowering organization members

Types of Planning

Strategic planning: Determining how to pursue long-term goals with available resources

Intermediate planning: Determining subunits’ contribution with allocated resources

Operational planning: Determining how to accomplish specific tasks with available resources

Types of Planning Planning Horizon

The elapsed time between the formulation and the execution of a planned activity. Planning horizon length corresponds to the type of plan with which it is associated; lengths shorten as the planning process evolves from strategic to intermediate to operational plans.