The document discusses planning concepts including:
1. Planning involves defining goals, strategy, and plans for organizational work. Formal planning is written and long-term while informal is unwritten and short-term.
2. Goals provide direction and standards for control while planning reduces uncertainty. Studies show formal planning improves profits when implemented well over several years.
3. Managers establish goals, strategic plans, operational plans, and single-use or standing plans to outline resource allocation and schedules. Goals should be measurable, challenging, and communicated.