Planning contributes to achieving objectives by determining the methods and steps needed. Planning is the primary function of management, as no other functions can be executed without first establishing objectives through planning. Planning is forward-looking by making predictions and assumptions about the future based on past experiences and environmental scans. Planning is also a continuous process that requires regularly updating plans in response to changes in the environment or company needs. Finally, planning is a mental exercise that requires higher-level thinking and should be kept separate from operational activities.

1. CHARACTERISTICS
OF PLANNING
SIMSON TOPPO

2. 1 PLANNING CONTRIBUTES TO
OBJECTIVES
 We cannot think of planning in absent of objectives. After setting up of the
objectives, planning decide the methods, procedure and steps to taken for
achievement of set objectives. Planner also help and bring change in the
plan if things are not moving in the direction of objectives

3. 2 PLANNING IS PRIMARY FUNCTION
OF MANAGEMENT
 Planning is the primary of first function to be performed by every manager.
No other function can be executed by the manager without performing
planning function because objective are set up in planning and other
functions depend on the objective only.

4. 3 PLANNING IS FORWARD LOOKING
Planning always means looking ahead. Planning is a never done for the past.
All the manager try to make predictions and assumption for future and these
predictions made on the basis of past experience of the manager and with a
regular and intelligent scanning of the general environment.

5. 4 PLANNING IS CONTINUOUS
 Planning is a never ending or continues process because after making
plans also one has to be in touch with the changes in changing
environment and in the selection of one best way, so after making plan
also planners keep making changes in the plans according to the
requirement of the company.

6. 5 PLANNING IS A MENTAL EXERCISE
 It is mental exercise . Planning is a mental process which requires
higher thinking, that is why it is keeps separate from operational
activities