The planning/control cycle has two control steps: (1) control the direction by comparing results with the plan and (2) control the direction by taking corrective action in two ways—namely by _.
A. receiving feedback, and, if needed, making new plans
B. researching ways to plan better and increasing profits
C. increasing organization synergy and diversity
D. correcting deviations in the plan being carried out or improving future plans
E. improving future plans, and, if needed, cutting costs
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
D. correcting deviations in the plan being carried out or improving future plans.
Explanation:
The planning/control cycle is an essential management tool used for monitoring and guiding an organization’s progress toward its objectives. This cycle consists of four key steps:
- Make the plan – Establish goals, set objectives, and create a roadmap for achieving them.
- Carry out the plan – Implement the strategies and take action based on the plan.
- Control the direction by comparing results with the plan – Evaluate progress by measuring actual performance against planned goals.
- Control the direction by taking corrective action in two ways:
- Correcting deviations in the plan being carried out – If actual performance deviates from the plan, adjustments are made to bring actions in alignment with the intended objectives.
- Improving future plans – If analysis shows that the plan itself was flawed or unrealistic, lessons learned are used to enhance future planning.
This dual approach to corrective action ensures that organizations not only stay on track in the short term but also refine their planning processes for long-term success.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
- A (receiving feedback and making new plans) is incomplete, as it does not mention correcting current deviations.
- B (researching ways to plan better and increasing profits) is too broad and does not specifically address corrective action.
- C (increasing organization synergy and diversity) is unrelated to the control function of the cycle.
- E (improving future plans and cutting costs) misses the point that correcting deviations is also a key step.
Image:
planning/control cycle
Here is an image visually representing the Planning/Control Cycle with its four key steps. Let me know if you need any modifications or additional details!