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In 2015, Naveen left his luxurious life in Mumbai, where he worked as a manager for Blue Birds Ltd. He shifted to Begampur, Chhattisgarh to fulfil his grandmother’s dream of converting their 25 – acre ancestral land into a fertile farm. For this he set out specific goals along with the activities to be performed to achieve the goals. Every activity was a challenge since he was clueless about farming. He learnt every activity from filling the land to sowing the seeds. To aid farmers he launched his own company ‘Innovative Agriculture Solutions Pvt. Ltd’. It was difficult initially as no one trusted an urban youth telling farmers about fanning. But when everything was discussed in detail the fanners started taking interest. He wanted to ensure that the future events meet effectively the best interests of the company. Through sales forecasting, he prepared an annual plan for production and sales. He also found that the farmers grew only paddy, which was an activity of 3-4 months and the land remained idle for the rest 8-9 months of the year. He not only identified but evaluated various alternatives through which the farms could be utilised for the remaining months of the year. Through correct foresight and logical and systematic thinking based on analysis of all facts, all alternatives were examined and evaluated. He presented a plan to the fanners, where after harvesting paddy, vegetables could be grown. The above case highlights the features of one of the functions of management. By quoting lines from the above identify and explain these features. |
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Answer» The given case highlights the features of “Planning”. Following are the features of planning as highlighted by given case : (i) Planning is related to achieving objectives – Planning focuses on achieving objectives. Planning involves setting of specific objectives and determining the techniques to achieve them. Line given: “He set out specific goals along with the activities to be performed to achieve the goals.” (ii) Planning is futuristic – Planning is forward looking. Planning involves anticipating the future course of events. Planning is based on forecasting i.e., assessing the future events. Line given: “He wanted to ensure that the future events meet effectively the best interests of the company.” Or “Through sales forecasting, he prepared an annual plan for production and sales.” (iii) Planning involves decision-making – Planning involves choosing among alternatives to achieve a particular objective. A manager has to choose only one alternative which is best suited to the enterprise. Line given: “He not only identified but evaluated various alternatives through which the farms could be utilised for the remaining months of the year.” Or ” all alternatives were examined and evaluated.” (iv) Planning is a mental exercise – Planning requires application of mind involving foresightedness, intelligent imagination and judgment. The quality of planning varies according to quality of mind of the manager. Line given: “Through correct foresight and logical and systematic thinking based on analysis of all facts |
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