The essential element of a plan is that is offers a definite course of action and a method for execution.
A good plan does the following:
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Provides for Accomplishing the Business Mission
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- Does it accomplish the objective of the planning?
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| 2. |
Is Based on Facts and Valid Assumptions
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- Have all pertinent data been considered?
- Are the data accurate?
- Have assumptions been reduced to a minimum?
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| 3. |
Provides for the Use of Existing Resources
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- Is the plan workable?
- Are there any resources organic to the business that are not being fully utilized?
- Are there any resources available from higher headquarters that should be used?
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| 4. |
Provides the Necessary Organization
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- Does the plan clearly establish relationships and fix responsibilities?
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| 5. |
Provides Continuity
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- Does the plan provide the organization, personnel, material, and arrangements for the full period of the contemplated operation?
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| 6. |
Provides Decentralization
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- Does the plan delegate authority to the maximum extent consistent with the necessary control?
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| 7. |
Provides Direct Contact
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- Does the plan permit coordination during execution by direct contact between coequals and counterparts on all levels?
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| 8. |
Is Simple
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- Have all elements been eliminated that are not essential to successful action?
- Have all elements been reduced to their simplest forms?
- Have all possibilities for misunderstanding been eliminated?
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| 9. |
Is Flexible
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- Does the plan leave room for adjustment to change in operating conditions?
- Where necessary, are alternate courses of action stipulated?
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| 10. |
Provides Control
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- Do adequate means exist, or have they been provided, to ensure that the plan is carried out in accordance with the manage’s intent?
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| 11. |
Is Coordinated
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- Is the plan fully coordinated?
- When appropriate, has the manager been informed of non concurrence or non-coordination?
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