1. The document discusses planning and decision making for managers. Planning involves deciding in advance what actions need to be taken and is a continuous and important process for all managerial functions. 2. Managers need to plan to set directions for the organization, ensure everyone is on the same page, and to simplify decision making. There are different types of goals, levels, areas, and time frames to consider for planning. 3. Planning can be strategic, tactical, operational, long term, mid term, or short term. Responsibilities for planning may include planning staff, task forces, and boards of directors. Contingency planning and crisis management are also discussed.