Identify and briefly describe each
of the six major planning tools and techniques that managers use. Give examples
of how they are used.
Answer:
The six
major planning tools and techniques that managers use are identified and
described below:
• Forecasting is the process of predicting
what will happen in the future.
• Contingency planning involves identifying
alternative courses of action that can be implemented, if and when an original
plan proves inadequate because of changing circumstances.
• Scenario planning is a long-term version
of contingency planning that involves identifying several alternative future
scenarios or states of affairs that may occur, and then making plans to deal
with each scenario should it actually occur.
• Benchmarking is a technique that makes
use of internal and external comparisons to better evaluate current performance
and identify possible actions to improve the future.
• Staff planners are persons who take
responsibility for leading and coordinating the planning function for the total
organization or one of its major components.
Source: Management, 11th Edition -
John R. Schermerhorn
