Intersubjectivity, Interpretation and Change

1.0 Introduction 2.0 Objectives 3.0 Main Content

3.1 Meaning of Planning 3.2 Characteristics of Planning

3.3 Administrative Planning Machinery and Structure 3.4 Planning Process and Strategies

3.5 Relationships between Planning and Policy Analysis 4.0 Conclusion

5.0 Summary

6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment 7.0 References/ Further Reading 1.0 INTRODUCTION

Organisation need to know how many people and what sort of people they should have to meet present and future business requirements, This is the function of Administrators or workforce planning unit as sometime referred in public sector. In this unit, we shall examine the concept and strategies of planning. In this unit, we shall examine concepts and strategies of planning.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

At the end of the unit, you should be able to:

• describe the concept of planning

• identify the processes and strategies of planning

• explain the relationships between planning and public policy analysis.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT 3.1 Meaning of Planning

Planning is preparation for action. It is an inherent part of individual and of co- operative or collective endeavour. Dimock et al. (1983:89) define planning as “the use of rational design as contrasted with change, the reaching of a decision before a line of action is taken instead of improving after the action has started”. It is the process of devising a basis for a course of future action. Chandler and Plano (1988: 92) explained planning from political point of view, thus:

Conceiving meaningful goals and developing alternative choices for future action to achieve these goals. It involves a systematic procedure for the reduction of many alternatives to an approved course of action. It determines not only goals but the sequential order in which they are pursued, the need for coordination and the standards for maintaining control.

From these definitions, these scholars regard planning as a technique which anticipates policy decisions. Planning in the context of administration begins where general policy stops. It is the means, by which ends can be brought to fruition (White, 1955). In other words, in public sector, government lays down the general policy, the Administrative planning unit gives it practical shape to that policy in the form of development plan for period of years envisioned. For our purpose, planning involves some strategies. It specifies a definite goal and prescribes the method and the mechanism by which concrete results may be achieved.

3.2 Characteristics of Planning

The following are the characteristics of planning Bhagwan and Bhushan, (2006):

(i) Planning is closely associated with the goals of the organisation.

These goals might be implicit or explicit. However, well-defined goals lead to efficient planning;

(ii) Planning is primarily concerned with looking into the future. It requires forecasting of future situation in which organisation has to function;

(iii) Planning involves selection of the best alternative to achieve the objectives of the organisation;

(iv) Planning is comprehensive and includes every course of action in the organisation;

(v) Planning is an inter-dependent and integrative process. It coordinates the activities of various departments, sections and sub-sections;

(vi) Planning is flexible as it is concerned with future conditions which are dynamic;

(vii) Planning is a continuous affair. It needs constant review and re-adjustment in the light of achieved targets and future possibilities;

(viii) Planning as a process of formulation and evaluation is primarily a staff function.

3.3 Administrative Planning Machinery and Structure

It is significant to note that the structural aspects of the Organisational set-up for planning machinery changes from the traditional Organisational structure. It may involve re-drawing of hierarchical arrangements, increasing in programme and field units, shifting lines of reporting and communication, developing control mechanisms and improving methods of administration. For example, development planning in Nigeria is characterised by consultation with various federal ministries/agencies responsible for economic planning, National Planning Commission, National Economic Advisory Council, State government Ministries of Economic Planning, organised private sector and enterprises. People are involved in every project and programme implementation.

3.4 Planning Process and Strategies

Planning is conscious and deliberate effort. It is rational and determined approach to the achievement of an object. It involves three major processes: Formulation of plan, execution and evaluation of plans. A brief description of these three steps is as follows (Bhagwan and Bhushan, 2006):

i). Formulation of the Plan

This is the first and most important step of planning process. An ill-conceived plan based on unreliable data and impractical targets may not only mean wastage of precious human and financial resources but may also create popular dissatisfaction.

Formulation in this context entails formulation of goals and objectives, which should be clearly and unambiguously determined. This is followed by an assessment of the means or resources available to realise these goals, such as: money, men, material, equipment, ethical standards, political and administrative feasibility. The preparation of a work programme designed to achieve the determined objectives. The various available alternatives should be examined in the light of organisational objectives and planning premises and after objective evaluation of these alternatives the possible alternative should be selected.

ii). Execution of Plan

The execution or implementation of the plan is as important step of the planning process as its formulation. A well conceived plan may be set at naught by poor implementation.

Effective implementation of plan has been the weakest link in the chain of the entire planning process. To ensure effective implementation, the planning body should provide adequate manpower, and financial resources, arrange sufficient officials, build up the character and morale of the plan executors and stimulate public cooperation.

iii). Evaluation of Plan

As planning is a continuous process; it should be flexible enough to incorporate unexpected events and make necessary adjustment in the light of its appraisal. The appraisal of various plan projects particularly of a long duration plan is necessary to ensure its right direction. The uncertainty of the future necessitates continuous evaluation. The problems hindering the effective implementation can be drawn only through constant evaluation of the plan.

3.5 Relationships between Planning and Policy Analysis

Planning and policy analysis have their areas of commonalities. These include:

(a) Problem identification or situation;

(b) Collection of all the relevant facts;

(c) Developing alternatives for future action to achieve these goals;

(d) Sequential orders for achieving these goals; and

(e) The need for coordination and control (Olaniyi, 1998).

However, notwithstanding of their areas of commonalities, the importance of planning in policy-making is seen in the fact that, it serves as its precedent and before any meaningful success can be recorded, planning programme should involve social research findings.

4.0 CONCLUSION

In this unit, we have been able to define the concept of planning, the characteristics, planning process and the relationships with policy analysis. Planning in its general sense is thinking for future actions. It entails, establishing goals before setting out, identification of evaluation criteria, alternative proposals, appraising the consequences of each alternative and selecting the best alternative to be used.

5.0 SUMMARY

Planning represents a new interest among policy makers in analysing policy. It helps policy analysts know what to plan for, how to plan it and how to carry out the plan. Planning is thinking before acting,

establishing goals before setting out and appreciating the limitations.

Apart from helping to generate ideas, it specifies a definite goal and prescribes the method and the mechanism by which concrete result may be achieved. However, it is the quality of planning that counts, rather than the extent and detail with which it is undertaken.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENTS (1) Discuss what you understand as planning.

(2) Explain the relationship between planning and policy analysis.

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Bhagwan, V. & Bhushan, V. (2006). Public Administration. New Delhi:

S. Chand & Company Ltd.

Chandler, R.C. & Plano, J.C. (1988). The Public Administration Dictionary. England:ABC – CLIO.

Dimock, M.E. and Dimock, G.O. (1983). Public Administration. New York: Saunders College Publishing.

Eneanya, A.N. (2010). Public Administration in Nigeria: Principles, Techniques and Applications. Lagos: Concept Publications Ltd.

Olaniyi, J.O. (2001). Foundations of Public Policy Analysis. Ibadan:

Sunad Publishers Limited.

White, L.D. (1955). Introduction to the Study of Public Administration.

New York: Macmillan Co.

Okeke, M.I (2001). Theory and Practice of Public Policy Analysis; The Nigerian Experience. Enugu: Bismak Publications.

UNIT 3 BUDGET AND PUBLIC POLICY