Types of Planning
Intermediate Planning
The process of planning may be classified into different categories on
the following basis:
I. Nature of Planning
a. Formal Planning
Planning is formal when it is reduced to writing. When the
numbers of actions are large it is good to have a formal
plan since it will help adequate control.
The term formal means official and recognized. Any
planning can be done officially to be followed or
implemented. Formal planning is aims to determine and
objectives of planning. It is the action that determine in
advance what should be done.
b. Informal Planning
An informal plan is one, which is not in writing, but it is
conceived in the mind of the manager. Informal planning
will be effective when the number of actions is less and
actions have to be taken in short period.
II. Duration
a. Short-Term Planning
Short term planning is the planning which covers less
than two years. It must be formulated in a manner
consistent with long-term plans. It is considered as
tactical planning. Short-term plans are concerned with
immediate future; it takes into account the available
resources only and is concerned with the current
operations of the business.
These may include plans concerning inventory planning
and control, employee training, work methods etc.
b. Long-Term Planning
Long-term planning usually covers a period of more than
five years, mostly between five and fifteen years. It deals
with broader technological and competitive aspects of the
organization as well as allocation of resources over a
relatively long time period. Long-term planning is
considered as strategic planning.
Short-term planning covers the period of one year while
long term planning covers 5-15 years. In between there
may be medium-term plans. Usually, medium term plans
are focusing on between two and five years. These may
include plan for purchase of materials, production, labour,
overhead expenses and so on.
III. Levels of Management
a. Strategic Planning
The strategic planning is the process of determining
overall objectives of the organization and the policies and
strategies adopted to achieve those objective. It is
conducted by the top management, which include chief
executive officer, president, vice-presidents, General
Manger etc. It is a long range planning and may cover a
time period of up to 10 years.
It basically deals with the total assessment of the
organization’s capabilities, its strengths and its
weaknesses and an objective evaluation of the dynamic
environment. The planning also determines the direction
the company will be taking in achieving these goals.
b.
Intermediate planning covers time frames of about 6
months to 2 years and is contemplated by middle
management, which includes functional managers,
department heads and product line mangers. They also
have the task of polishing the top managements strategic
plans.
The middle management will have a critical look at the
resources available and they will determine the most
effective and efficient mix of human, financial and
material factors. They refine the broad strategic plans into
more workable and realistic plans.
c. Operational Planning
Operational planning deals with only current activities. It
keeps the business running. These plans are the
responsibility of the lower management and are
conducted by unit supervisors, foremen etc. These are
short-range plans covering a time span from one week to
one year.
These are more specific and they determine how a
specific job is to be completed in the best possible way.
Most operational plans are divided into functional areas
such as production, finance, marketing, personnel etc.
Thus even though planning at all levels is important, since
all levels are integrated into one, the strategic planning
requires closer observation since it establishes the
direction of the organization.
IV. Use
a. Standing Plans
Standing plan is one, which is designed to be used over
and over again. Objectives, policies procedures,
methods, rules and strategies are included in standing
plans. Its nature is mechanical. It helps executives to
reduce their workload. Standing plan is also called routine
plan. Standing or routine plan is generally long range.
b. Single-use Plans
Single use plan is one, which sets a course of action for a
particular set of circumstances and is used up once the
particular goal is achieved. They may include program,
budgets, projects and schedules. It is also called specific
planning. Single use plan is short range.
Source: https://www.businessmanagementideas.com/planning/planning-meaning-
types-and-advantages/3402
Ekistics

The science of human settlements. Ekistics involves the descriptive

study of all kinds of human settlements and the formulation of general
conclusions aimed at achieving harmony between the inhabitants of a
settlement and their physical and sociocultural environments.
Descriptive study involves the examination of the content, such as man
alone or in societies, of a settlement, and the settlement container, or
the physical settlement, composed of natural and human-made
elements. The examination of settlement content and the physical
settlement involves the investigation of five basic elements of human
settlement: nature, including physical geography, soil resources, water
resources, plant and animal life, and climate; human biological and
emotional needs, sensations and perceptions, and moral values;
society, including population characteristics, social stratification, cultural
patterns, economic development, education, health and welfare, and
law and administration; shells, or structures, in which people live and
function, such as housing, schools, hospitals, shopping centres and
markets, recreational facilities, civic and business centres, and
industries; and networks, or systems, that facilitate life and day-to-day
functions of inhabitants such as water and power systems,
transportation networks, communication systems, and the settlement’s
physical layout.

Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/ekistics