Organizational Goals and Planning

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is the most accurate description of the relationship between decision making and planning?

  • Decision making occurs independently of planning.
  • Planning is a substitute for decision making.
  • Decision making is the cornerstone of planning. (correct)
  • Planning and decision making are unrelated processes.

How does effective goal setting influence organizational planning?

  • It ensures future goal setting is less important.
  • It complicates the planning process.
  • It isolates planning from other activities.
  • It promotes good planning by providing direction. (correct)

What is the primary focus of a strategic goal?

  • Addressing short-term issues.
  • Lower-level management concerns.
  • Broad, general organizational direction. (correct)
  • Actions necessary to support tactical goals.

In what context does organizational planning occur?

<p>Within an environmental context. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines a 'mission statement' in the context of organizational goals?

<p>A declaration of an organization's fundamental purpose. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which management level is typically associated with setting tactical goals?

<p>Middle Management (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'optimizing' refer to when managing multiple organizational goals?

<p>Balancing and reconciling potential conflicts among goals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a tactical plan?

<p>To implement specific parts of a strategic plan. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An organization is developing a plan to address a sudden economic downturn. Which plan type is most suitable?

<p>A reaction plan. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups is typically responsible for establishing an organization's mission and strategy?

<p>Board of Directors (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of a 'planning staff' in an organization?

<p>Coordinating planning activities and providing planning tools. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An organization is creating a plan to deal with a potential supply chain disruption due to political instability in a key region. What type of planning is being used?

<p>Contingency Planning (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action point in contingency planning?

<p>Developing a plan, considering contingency events. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of tactical planning, what does it mean to 'evaluate each course of action in light of its goal'?

<p>To assess how well each action aligns with achieving the tactical goal. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a 'standing plan'?

<p>A plan developed for activities that occur regularly over time. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of operational plan outlines specific steps to be followed in particular circumstances?

<p>Standard Operating Procedure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A company implements a new incentive program, but its goals are not being met. According to identified barriers to goal setting and planning, what could be the PRIMARY issue?

<p>Inappropriate goals or an improper reward system are in place. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of 'Management by Objectives' (MBO)?

<p>It involves collaboration between managers and subordinates in goal setting. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Management By Objectives (MBO), what describes one way that subordinates' performance is evaluated?

<p>The extent to which goals are accomplished. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential weakness of formal goal setting?

<p>Overemphasizing quantitative goals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which level of management typically sets operational goals?

<p>Lower-level managers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the time frame typically associated with an intermediate plan?

<p>One to five years (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the executive committee play in organizational planning?

<p>Providing input to the CEO and reviewing strategic plans (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'crisis management' entail?

<p>The set of procedures an organization uses in the event of a disaster. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus when developing tactical plans?

<p>Recognizing and understanding overarching strategic plans and tactical goals. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinction between a program and a project as a single-use plan?

<p>A program has a larger scope and complexity than a project. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do 'rules and regulations' describe in the context of standing plans?

<p>Specific courses of action. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should be understood to effectively overcome barriers to goal-setting and planning?

<p>The purposes of goals and planning. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the strengths of formal goal setting?

<p>Increased control. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Decision Making

The cornerstone of planning, driving the planning process and underlying the formulation and implementation of plans.

Purpose of Goals

Setting goals provides direction, influences other planning aspects, motivates employees with specific targets, and facilitates evaluation.

Mission Statement

A statement outlining the organization's fundamental purpose; who are we?

Strategic Goal

These goals are set by top management focusing on broad, general objectives.

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Tactical Goal

These goals are set by middle managers focusing on actions to achieve strategic goals.

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Operational Goal

These goals are set by lower-level managers focusing on short-term issues related to meeting tactical goals.

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Optimizing

A planning approach that involves balancing conflicting goals.

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Strategic Plan

A general plan outlining resource allocation and priorities.

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Tactical Plan

A plan aimed at achieving tactical goals to implement parts of the strategic plan.

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Operational Plan

A plan that focuses on carrying out tactical plans to achieve operational goals.

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Long-Range Plan

Planning that covers many years (five or more).

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Intermediate Plan

Planning that generally covers one to five years.

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Short-Range Plan

Planning that covers a span of one year or less.

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Action Plan

A plan that turns other plans into action.

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Reaction plan

A plan that responds to unforeseen events.

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Planning Staff

This planning team coordinates planning, provides tools, and takes a broad view across departments.

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Planning Task Force

This planning team consists of line managers grouped for a specific task.

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Board of Directors Role

The board establishes the mission and strategy of the organization.

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Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

The executive role having major responsibilities in planning and implementation.

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Executive Committee

This collaborative team provides input to the CEO and reviews strategic plans.

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Line Management

This management team provides valuable inside information and executes top management plans.

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Contingency Planning

A strategy involving determining alternative actions if a plan is disrupted.

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Crisis Management

A process that the organization uses in the event of a disaster or calamity.

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Rules and Regulations

These describe exactly how specific activities are to be carried out.

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Program (Plan Type)

A single-use plan for a large set of activities.

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Goal-Setting Success

Understanding purposes, communication, and effective rewards.

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Management by Objectives (MBO)

A formal goal-setting process involving managers and subordinates.

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Formal Goal Setting Weakness

Poor implementation and lack of top management support

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Study Notes

  • Decision-making is key to planning and drives the planning process by shaping the creation and execution of all plans
  • Planning is influenced by the surrounding environmental factors

Organizational Goals

  • Goals offer direction and unity
  • Goal-setting influences other planning aspects
  • Effective goal setting promotes successful planning
  • Successful planning sets the stage for future goal setting
  • Specific goals that are moderately challenging can boost employee motivation
  • Goals enable performance evaluation and control

Types of Goals by Level

  • Goals are established at various organizational levels
  • A mission statement defines an organization's core purpose
  • Strategic goals are set by top management focusing on broad, general aims
  • Tactical goals are set by middle management and focus on achieving strategic goals
  • Operational goals set by lower-level managers address short-term issues related to tactical goals

Goals by Area and Timeframe

  • Area: Organizations set goals for operations, marketing, finance, quality control, productivity and human resources
  • Time Frame: Goals are set across varying timeframes like long-term, intermediate and short-term

Goal Setting Responsibilities

  • All managers are involved in goal setting
  • Managers set goals aligning with their organizational level
  • Optimizing balances and reconciles conflicts among multiple goals

Types of Organizational Plans

  • Strategic Plan: A broad plan that outlines resource allocation, priorities and necessary actions to achieve strategic goals
  • Tactical Plan: A plan designed to achieve tactical goals and implement specific parts of a strategic plan
  • Operational Plan: Focuses on executing tactical plans to reach operational goals

Planning Timeframes

  • Long-range Plan: Spans many years, generally five years or more
  • Intermediate Plan: Typically covers a period of one to five years
  • Short-range Plan: Covers a period of one year or less
  • Action Plan: Operationalizes another plan
  • Reaction Plan: Responds to unexpected events

Planning Responsibilities

  • Planning Staff: Coordinates planning, provides tools, and takes a broad, cross-departmental approach
  • Planning Task Force: A team of line managers assembled for a specific task
  • Board of Directors: Defines the mission and strategy
  • Chief Executive Officer: Plays a key role in planning and implementation
  • Executive Committee: Top management offers input to the CEO and reviews strategic plans
  • Line Management: Provide valuable insights and carry out plans developed by top management

Contingency Planning

  • It involves determining alternative actions if a plan is disrupted or becomes unsuitable
  • Crisis management includes procedures for responding to disasters or unexpected calamities
  • It is impossible to be fully prepared for all potential crises

Tactical Planning

  • Tactical Plan: Executes particular components of a strategic plan to achieve tactical goals
  • Tactical plans relate to strategy as battles relate to war

Developing and Executing Tactical Plans

  • Developing tactical plans requires understanding overarching strategic plans and tactical goals
  • It also requires specifying relevant resources and time issues and recognizing human resource commitments
  • Executing tactical plans means evaluating actions in light of goals, distributing resources, monitoring communication and activities, and monitoring goal achievement

Types of Operational Plans

  • Single-Use Plans: These are developed for a one-time course of action
  • Program: A single-use plan for a large set of activities
  • Project: A single-use plan of narrower scope and complexity than a program
  • Standing Plans: These are developed for activities that occur regularly
  • Policy: A standing plan providing a general response to a specific problem or situation
  • Standard Operating Procedure: A standing plan that outlines the steps to be followed in particular circumstances
  • Rules and Regulations: Standing plans that describe exactly how specific activities should be carried out

Barriers to Goal Setting and Planning

  • Inappropriate goals
  • Improper reward system
  • Dynamic and complex environment
  • Reluctance to establish goals
  • Resistance to change
  • Constraints

Overcoming Barriers

  • Understanding the purpose of goals and planning
  • Communication and participation
  • Consistency, revision, and updating
  • Effective reward system

Management by Objectives (MBO) for Implementing Plans

  • Management by Objectives (MBO): This is a formal, collaborative goal-setting process between managers and subordinates
  • The extent of goal accomplishment is a key factor in evaluating and rewarding subordinates

Effectiveness of Formal Goal Setting

Strengths (Success)

  • Improved motivation
  • Enhanced communication
  • Allows for objective performance appraisals
  • Focuses on appropriate goals and plans
  • Identifies managerial talent
  • Facilitates control

Weaknesses (Failure)

  • Poor implementation
  • Lack of top management support
  • Overemphasizing quantitative goals
  • Assigned goals lead to resentment and lack of commitment

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