The process of planning includes the determination of objectives and outlining the future actions that are needed to achieve these objectives. Various steps that are followed in the process of planning are:

(i)Identifying the problem: It involves the identification of the aim for the fulfillment of which the plan is being formulated. If a new plan is require or the modification of an existing plan could help in achieving these aims.

(ii)Gathering information about the activities involve: An effective plan needs complete knowledge of the activities involved and their effect on other external and internal activities.

(iii)Analysis of information: This information is then analysed minutely and the information related with similar subjects is classified so that similar type of data can be kept together.

(iv)Determining alternate plans: There are alternate plans available for the achievement of the objectives and ingenuity and creativeness are required as some plans are also developed at this stage.

(v)Selecting the plan: At this stage the plan which is acceptable to the operating personnel is proposed. The adaptability and the cost of the plan are also taken into consideration.

(vi)Detailed sequence and timing: Detailed like who will perform which activity under the plan and the time within which the plan should be carried out is determining in this step.

(vii)Progress check of the plan: The provisions are made for the follow up of the plan as the success of any plan can be measured by the results only.