Question:medium
A company needs a detailed plan for its new project, ‘Construction of retail shops across the city’. Which type of plan should it prepare?
A company needs a detailed plan for its new project, ‘Construction of retail shops across the city’. Which type of plan should it prepare?
Show Hint
Remember:
- Programme $\rightarrow$ Detailed plan for a project
- Includes objectives, procedures, rules, budgets, and schedules
- Used for large-scale activities
Updated On: Jun 3, 2026
- Programme
- Rule
- Procedure
- Method
Show Solution
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Planning is not just a single document; it consists of various types of plans categorized as standing plans (used repeatedly) and single-use plans (designed for specific unique situations).
A Programme is a comprehensive single-use plan that covers a large-scale project or a complex sequence of activities.
It acts as a "master plan" for a particular objective and usually includes a timeline, budget, and various sub-plans like rules and procedures.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The construction of retail shops across a city is a massive project that involves multiple variables, significant financial investment, and a long-term duration.
To manage such a project, a Programme is the most suitable plan for the following reasons:
1. Comprehensiveness: A programme will include several components.
It will define the objectives (how many shops), the policies (what kind of locations), the procedures (the steps of construction), the rules (safety guidelines on site), and the budget (cost allocation).
2. Single-use Nature: Once the shops are constructed and the project is completed, this specific plan will not be used again. New projects will require new programmes.
3. Coordination: It helps in coordinating different departments like finance (for funding), engineering (for design), and operations (for the actual building).
Why other options are insufficient:
- Rule (B): A rule is a very specific statement. For example, "No smoking on the construction site." It cannot encompass a whole construction project.
- Procedure (C): A procedure is a chronological sequence of routine steps. For instance, "the steps to get a government permit." This is only a small part of the overall construction project.
- Method (D): A method is the prescribed way a specific task is done. For example, "the method of laying bricks." While important, it doesn't cover the entire business goal of shop construction.
Step 3: Final Answer:
For a complex, non-recurring, large-scale project like "Construction of retail shops," a Programme is required as it integrates all other types of plans into one cohesive framework.
Planning is not just a single document; it consists of various types of plans categorized as standing plans (used repeatedly) and single-use plans (designed for specific unique situations).
A Programme is a comprehensive single-use plan that covers a large-scale project or a complex sequence of activities.
It acts as a "master plan" for a particular objective and usually includes a timeline, budget, and various sub-plans like rules and procedures.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The construction of retail shops across a city is a massive project that involves multiple variables, significant financial investment, and a long-term duration.
To manage such a project, a Programme is the most suitable plan for the following reasons:
1. Comprehensiveness: A programme will include several components.
It will define the objectives (how many shops), the policies (what kind of locations), the procedures (the steps of construction), the rules (safety guidelines on site), and the budget (cost allocation).
2. Single-use Nature: Once the shops are constructed and the project is completed, this specific plan will not be used again. New projects will require new programmes.
3. Coordination: It helps in coordinating different departments like finance (for funding), engineering (for design), and operations (for the actual building).
Why other options are insufficient:
- Rule (B): A rule is a very specific statement. For example, "No smoking on the construction site." It cannot encompass a whole construction project.
- Procedure (C): A procedure is a chronological sequence of routine steps. For instance, "the steps to get a government permit." This is only a small part of the overall construction project.
- Method (D): A method is the prescribed way a specific task is done. For example, "the method of laying bricks." While important, it doesn't cover the entire business goal of shop construction.
Step 3: Final Answer:
For a complex, non-recurring, large-scale project like "Construction of retail shops," a Programme is required as it integrates all other types of plans into one cohesive framework.
Was this answer helpful?
0
Top Questions on Planning
- Plans are prepared for a specific period of time, may be for a month, a quarter or a year. At the end of that period, there is a need for a new plan to be drawn on the basis of new requirements and future conditions. The feature of planning reflected in the above lines is:
- ‘Best Electronics’ is led by its visionary Chief Executive Officer, Nikhil. It has a reputation for good quality products and customer service. Nikhil recognised the need to continually innovate and provide customers with the latest products. He wanted the company to be the market leader in electronics. Nikhil knew that to realise his ambitious vision, he needed a clear and well-defined plan that would provide broad contours of the company's business. His team conducted extensive market research to uncover emerging trends, customer preferences, and potential competitors. On its basis, a plan was prepared defining the company's direction and scope in the long run. On the implementation of the plan, 'Best Electronics' became the market leader in two years. The type of plan which helped 'Best Electronics' to become the market leader was:
- Atul Sharma was the Chief Executive Officer of a footwear company, 'Stepone Footwear’. The company manufactured innovative and comfortable footwear for all age groups. Atul Sharma was known for meticulous planning. He ensured that the goals and objectives of the company are clearly stated so that they act as a guide for deciding what action should be taken and in which direction. Before each season, 'Stepone Footwear’ carefully analysed market trends, customer preferences and production schedules. This analysis enabled the company to look ahead and anticipate changes and develop managerial responses, wherever necessary. As a result, they were able to consistently deliver innovative and comfortable shoes to the market. During one season, there was a sudden surge in demand for eco-friendly shoes. 'Stepone Footwear' had already planned their production for the year with specific goals to be achieved within a specific time frame. The managers of 'Stepone Footwear' did not have the flexibility to change the plan to cope with the changed circumstances. Another shoe company 'Eco Step' quickly adapted and started manufacturing comfortable eco-friendly shoes. By not being able to adjust to the rapidly changing market, 'Stepone Footwear’ faced inventory surplus while 'Eco Step' emerged as a market leader in sustainable eco-friendly footwear. Quoting lines from the above paragraph, identify and explain two benefits and two limitations of 'Planning function of management discussed in the above case.
- ‘Vishesh Constructions', a construction company, decided to strictly implement 'No Helmet, No Entry’ and put the following sign at their construction sites:
Identify the type of plan indicated by the above sign:
- Want to practice more? Try solving extra ecology questions todayView All Questions