In your opinion, what are the most essential planning process steps needed in management that every manager should follow?

1. Define the problem

2. Do background check

3. Specify the requirements

4. Brainstorm, evaluate and choose solution

5. Develop and prototype solution

6. Test solution

7. Communicate results

1. Identify problem

2. Define the problem

3. Analyse Problem

4. Profer solution to problem

5. Document solution

6. Communicate solution

7. Test solution

8. Communicate results

Strategic planning, an essential first step in the development of a results-based accountability system, is defined as the process of addressing the following questions:

• Where are we?
• What do we have to work with?
• Where do we want to be?
• How do we get there?
• But the above should be translated practically by some clear steps such as:

• 1.       Goal setting

  2.       Prioritize Goals and Tasks

  3.       Developing the planning premises

  4.       Reviewing Limitations.

  5.       Deciding the planning period

  6.       Formulation of policies and strategies

  7.       Preparing operating plans.

  8.       Integration of plans.

  9.       Identify Alternative Courses of Action.

Basically you need to start from the end! where do you want to reach, this is the Goal setting.

Once you determinant your target, you need to review the available sources comparing with required ones; now you have the plan and the tools, accordingly referring to the available sources and forecasted productivity you can set the timelines for completing associated tasks.

To guarantee the proper delivery you need to evaluate the achieved task, which might lead you to improve and develop the process and performance, also expect the unexpected, so you need to keep plan B ready in hand.

However strategic planning is not a dream, but a calculation of the possibilities, but the impossible come true when a dreamer find a way to make it done.

 

1. Analysing the situation 

2. Find out the Bottle neck part

3. Action to rectify it

4. Forecasting the Resources and activities

5. Quick decision making

Thank you the invite, I agree with the answer given by experts

1. Identify the problem & the cause 2. Design several solutions 4. Compare which solution is the best for the business model /environment 5. Implement the best solution & set a specific monitoring plan & goals 6. If the problem persists, then review & try another solution (with another specific monitoring plan & results).

Planning isn't always about solving a problem, it could be about avoiding one or achieving a goal.

We have to differentiate whether it was short-term, medium-term or long-term plan, but according to your question formula i guess you meant short-term planning.

 

1- set an objective: Reasonable and achievable according to the company current status and abilities.

2- Dividing and time-framing: The main objective should be divided into small phases within strict time frame.

3- Defining the obstacles and how to avoid or overcoming it:  Forecasting is a main factor of success, reading the current available info, looking to the history of the company, Predicting the forthcoming ..........

4- Alternatives: Facing unpredicted events, or very rare to happen foretelling can cause failure, so preparing an alternative is a safe path to go all the way to the finish line.

 These are the essential planning process as i see, and I hope It could help.

Most of the answer is appropriate but in addition to that I would like to add:

Identify problem and define the problem in breakdown structure for better understanding.

as above PDCA and SWOT analysis play key role in planning. 

- Setting goals

- Develop strategies & Ojectives

- Select tasks

-  Resources

ANALYS EXISTING SITUATION / PROCESS : observe and evaluate and measure the results of the existing process. Ensure available resources are tuned to optimum and Human resources motivated at all times .Ensure implemenation checks are in place

IDENTIFY CRITICAL AREAS IN THE EXISTING PROCESS /MODEL

DEFINE Define Future startegy : Goals / Direction

Look for new ideas /innovations and areas of improvement.incorporate the new idea / innovation in the process.Measure the sucess of the new process.Ensure implemenation checks are in place for the new improved process

SET UP ROLES , RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITY WITH THE ORGANIZATION

REVIEW IMPLEMENATION OF THE PROCESS AT FREQUENT INTERVALS