PLANNING IS EVERYTHING

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD PLAN…

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:

1.

Provides for Accomplishing the Business Mission

  • Does it accomplish the objective of the planning?
2.

Is Based on Facts and Valid Assumptions

  • Have all pertinent data been considered?
  • Are the data accurate?
  • Have assumptions been reduced to a minimum?
3.

Provides for the Use of Existing Resources

  • 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?
4.

Provides the Necessary Organization

  • Does the plan clearly establish relationships and fix responsibilities?
5.

Provides Continuity

  • Does the plan provide the organization, personnel, material, and arrangements for the full period of the contemplated operation?
6.

Provides Decentralization

  • Does the plan delegate authority to the maximum extent consistent with the necessary control?
7.

Provides Direct Contact

  • Does the plan permit coordination during execution by direct contact between coequals and counterparts on all levels?
8.

Is Simple

  • 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?
9.

Is Flexible

  • Does the plan leave room for adjustment to change in operating conditions?
  • Where necessary, are alternate courses of action stipulated?
10.

Provides Control

  • Do adequate means exist, or have they been provided, to ensure that the plan is carried out in accordance with the manage’s intent?
11.

Is Coordinated

  • Is the plan fully coordinated?
  • When appropriate, has the manager been informed of non concurrence or non-coordination?

Additional Information

For additional information please call (253) 854-1770 or email us online.