Planning

Professor Robin Stuart-Kotze

Ten top tips for planning

1. Pay close attention to detail
2. Set clear objectives before you start an activity.
3. Set clear start and end dates for projects.
4. Constantly check how you are doing against your objectives.
5. Involve others in your plans.
6. Think and reflect before you take action.
7. Hang loose - things will change.
8. Keep written records of all plans and decisions.
9. Do not be afraid to change your plans.
10. Be ready to be flexible over deadlines - but not too ready!

The following journals contain excellent articles on planning:

• Supervision
• Long Range Planning
• Strategic Management Journal
• Journal of Management Studies

Going further

• Simple planning techniques - here are some hints and tips
• Planning - day to day and strategic
• Forecasting - The Chinese proverb is said to run, "Prediction is very difficult, especially with regard to the future."
• Rules for managing your boss - There's nothing worse than working for a nervous boss, especially when it is you that is making him or her nervous! Here are some simple rules for managing your boss.
• Does planning matter? - The Dean responds to: "There are some topics missing from the site. One of these is planning."
• The Renewal Factor - Robert Waterman dismisses planning models and argues for organisational renewal and opportunism.