Importance of planning

Importance of Planning

a. Protective Purpose (Eliminate or Reduce Uncertainty)

• To minimize risk of failure by reducing the uncertainty and clarifying consequences of related management actions
• Defective planning or inadequate planning leads to failure of the organization

b. Economy in Operation: - it helps us to select the best alternatives that help us to achieve the best result at a minimum cost possible. It helps for effective utilization of resources. It improves the efficiency of the operation, better utilization of resources

c. To provide a Basis for Monitoring and Controlling Work

d. Affirmative: to Increase the Chance of Organizational Success

e. Brings Cooperation and Coordination

• To establish a coordinated effort within the organization
  

f. Helps in Achieving Objectives

• Fundamental purpose of planning is to help organization reach its objectives.

Features of Planning

1. A Good Plan Should Give
   

• Clear vision/mission, goal and objectives
• A clear picture of the tasks to be accomplished
• The resources needed to accomplish the task (human resources, material, money, time, space and information)

2. Planning Takes Place at All Levels
   

• A large program at national level eg. Malaria control programme
• Small one - at village level eg. Construction of community health post.

3. Planning Must Be Collective Undertaking
   

• Professionals - from health and other sectors
• Community/Non government organizations (NGO)
• Government/Party