Suhani a home science graduate from a reputed college has recently done a cookery course. She wished to start her own venture with a goal to provide ‘healthy food’ responsible price. She discusses her idea with her teacher (mentor) who encouraged her. After analyzing various options for starting her venture, they shortlisted the option to sell readymade and ‘ready to make’ vegetable shakes and sattu milkshakes. Then, they both weighed the pros and cons of both the shortlisted option.

1. Name the function of management being discussed above and give any of its characteristic.
2. Discuss any three limitations of the function discussed in the case.

Characteristic of planning:

Planning focuses on achieving objective as specific goals are set out in the plans along with activities undertaken to achieve them. Planning has no meaning unless it contributes to the achievement of predetermined organizational goals /objectives.

Limitations of planning:

1. Planning leads to rigidity: Once a well-defined plan is drawn, managers may not be able to change it. They do not have flexibility to be able to cope with the changed circumstances.
2. Planning reduces creativity: Planning is done by top management. Middle and lower management neither allowed to deviate from plans not are they permitted to act on their own. They only carry out orders. Thus, much of the initiative or creativity inherent in them gets lost or reduced.
3. Planning is a time-consuming process: Sometimes plans to be drawn up takes so much of time that there is not much time left for their implementation.