1

Topic
Difference between Planning and management

By
Sohail Abbas
Sp11-BEC-081
Section (A)
Course Instructor
Dr. Nazir Hawary

Course Title
Project Planning and Management

Date
December 9, 2014

COMSATS Institute of Information Technology Lahore

Department of chemical engineering

Differentiating Planning and Management

1.0 Planning
1.1 Introduction:
Meaning of Planning Deciding about all the aspect is called planning. A problem about taking
decision on these matters rises when there are more than one possible answer, therefore it can be
said to be a process of choosing.
Definition of planning: According to koontz and Odonnell, Planning is deciding in advance
what to do, how to do it, when to do it, and who is to do it.[1]

1.2 Characteristics of planning:

Planning focuses on achieving the objectives: Management begins with planning and planning
begins with the determining of objectives. In the absence of objectives no organization can ever
be thought about. [2]
i.

ii.

iii.

iv.

Planning is the primary function of Management: Planning is the first important function
of management. The other functions organizing, staffing, directing and controlling come
later. In the absence of planning no other function of management can be performed.
Planning is continuous: Planning is the process which begins with the beginning of
business itself and ends with the ending of the business. It means that as long a business
exists, the planning process is continuous. For example, a company plans to sell one
thousand units in the coming year. Suddenly, many competing companies enter the
market. This will naturally affect the previous position of the company and, therefore, it
shall have to revise its planning.
Planning is Futuristic: Planning decides the plan of action-What is to be done, how is to
be done, when is to be done, by who is to be done, all the questions are related to future.
Under the planning, answer to these questions is found out. While an effort is made to
find out these answer.
Planning is mental exercise: planning is known as a mental exercise as it is related to
thinking before doing something.

1.3 Importance of Planning:

Planning is the first and most important function of management. It is needed at every level of
management. In the absence of planning all the business activities of the organization will
become meaningless. Planning becomes necessary due to the following reasons: [3]
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.

Planning facilitates Decision making

Planning reduce risk of Uncertainty
Planning reduces overlapping and wasteful activities
Planning provides Direction
Planning establishes Standards for controlling
1.4 Planning Process:

Patrick Montana and Bruce Charnov outline a three-step result-oriented process for planning: [2]
i.
ii.
iii.

Choosing a destination
Evaluating alternative routes, and
Deciding the specific course of your plan.

iv.

2.0 Management:
2.1 Introduction:
Management is the process of reaching organizational goals by working with and through people
and other organizational resources. Management has been defined by different authors in a
number of ways. Some call it a process of managing. Some call it a coordination of resources,
some call it body of personnel challenged in the task of managing while others call it as an
organized distinct discipline. The following are some of the main definitions of management:
According to Harold Koontz, "Management is the art of getting things done through and with
people in formally organized groups" [4]. According to Henri Fayol To manage is to forecast
and to plan, to organize, to command, to co-ordinate and to control.[5]
2.2 Features of Management:
Following are the important features of management [6]
i.

Management as a continuous process: Management can be considered as a process

because it consists of planning, organizing, activating and controlling the resources

ii.

iii.

iv.

v.

vi.

vii.

viii.

ix.

(personnel and capital) of an organization. So they are used to the best advantage in
achieving the objectives of the organization.
Management is not A Group of People, It is Group of Function:
Management is not a group of people who are managing the work or a people at a high
position but it is a group of function, which is done by this people. It includes planning,
staffing, directing, controlling, reporting, monitoring, and communication.
Management is Universal:
A management is universal. It can be applying anywhere. Any organization can be called,
management, management at work, organization, at business, at club, at army, at
charitable institution, religious institution or a government office. Example: a successful
manager of a soap factory would be equally successful as a manger of Soft Drink
Company.
Co-Ordination is the Soul of Management:
There should be coordination between each and every employees of the organization. The
various departments in the organization must work in harmony with one another. If there
is a conflict between employees organization goal can be achieved.
Management is Dynamic:
Management cannot remain static. It changes with the situation. Management is always
forward looking and pragmatic. It changes with the change in environment. Management
converts the environmental threats in to opportunities .it changes just as the needs,
objectives and challenges of business change.
Management is Essentially a Leadership Activity:
Management is getting things done through people. Management activates manpower. A
manager act as leader of the group and create environment for follower to follow them to
attain organization objectives.
Management is Decision Making:
Generally all managers take decision. They take decision based upon some data and their
analysis. Decision are the choice of management from of several alternatives for that they
use several technical methods. Example: sales manager takes decision for sale, marketing
manager for marketing.
Management is Profession:
Managerial ability is not inherent. It is not natural gift. Training can develop it. It its a
body of knowledge, which can be mastered by anyone. Example: BBA, MBA institute
for training, management is rapidly emerging as a profession. Example: Managementconsulting services are available.
Management is A Critical Element to Attain Organizations Objective:
Management strives consciously to attain the common objectives of the business. In the
absence of management the organization objectives and individual objectives will come
in conflict with each other. So to attain organization goal there should be proper
management.

3.0 References:
1. Harold Koontz and Cyril O'Donnell, Principles of Management: An Analysis of
Managerial Functions, 5th ed., p.113 (McGraw-Hill 1972).
2. Barron's Management book fourth edition, Authors: Patrick J. Montana and Bruce H.
Charnov.
3. what-is-the-importance-of-planning-in-management (www.yourarticlelibrary.com)
4. Koontz, H. 1961. The management theory jungle. The Journal of the Academy of
Management 4(3): 174-188.
5. Fayol (1916) cited in: Gerald A. Cole (2003) Management theory and practice. p. 6
6. Stephen P. Robbins, Principles of management, Chapt. 1