MANA 3335 Introduction to Management and Organizational Behavior: Basic Elements of Planning and Decision Making

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and processes related to planning and decision making in management, useful for exam preparation.

What is planning in management?

Planning is choosing a goal and developing a strategy to achieve that goal.

What is the planning process?

The planning process occurs within an environmental context and involves understanding the organization's mission, developing strategic, tactical, and operational goals and plans.

What is a mission statement?

A mission statement is an organization's fundamental purpose, premises, values, and directions that leads to goals and plans.

What are the purposes of goals in planning?

Goals direct effort, motivate, influence the planning process, and provide standards.

What does S.M.A.R.T. stand for in goal setting?

Specific, Measurable, Accepted, Realistic, Timely.

What type of goals does top management set?

Strategic goals, which are broad and general in nature.

What are tactical goals focused on?

Tactical goals focus on actions necessary to achieve strategic goals and are set by and for middle managers.

Define operational goals.

Operational goals are short-term goals set by and for lower-level managers that focus on short-term issues associated with tactical goals.

What is the timeframe for long-term goals?

Long-term goals, also known as strategic goals, are typically five years or more.

What characterizes tactical plans?

Tactical plans are intermediate plans aiming to achieve tactical goals and generally cover one to five years.

What is an operational plan?

An operational plan focuses on carrying out tactical plans to achieve operational goals and usually covers one year or less.

What are contingency planning and crisis management?

Contingency planning involves determining alternative courses of action for disrupted plans, while crisis management is the set of procedures for handling disasters.

What are some barriers to goal setting and planning?

Barriers can include inappropriate goals, improper reward systems, a dynamic environment, reluctance to establish goals, and resistance to change.

What are the strengths of formal goal-setting?

Strengths include improved motivation, enhanced communication, allowing for objective performance appraisals, focusing on appropriate goals, and facilitating control.

What is a weakness associated with formal goal-setting?

Weaknesses can include poor implementation, lack of top management support, and overemphasis on quantitative goals.