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5.1.3. Structure - Standing plan development

Basically, we consider two different type of action plans: [1] single-use plans and,  [2] standing plans.

An identified set of specific activities (sometimes also called “project”) to arrive at a specific goals or targets, with a determined budget and within a determined (mostly limited) time period. Single-use plans are often used to cope with certain problems or to reach specific objectives. While these plans are limited in time and scope, they often contain issues that should be considered for inclusion in the management system (or “standing plan”) to prevent re-occurrence of the same or similar problems or to maintain performance at a desired level.

An identified set of more generic activities to arrive at broad rather general goals or objectives, not having a specific budget and without a determined time period. Standing plans ( essential parts of a “management system”) are used to reach strategic objectives. Rather than being directed at particular issues or problems, these standing plans are intended to both prevent specific issues through risk or (potential) problem identification as well as uncover those at an early stage of development. These plans are not limited in time and will normally exist during the life time of the related activity or organization and beyond that as applicable. They will be adapted over time depending on results obtained as well as due to changes in industrial, social, political and environmental conditions.

Within the context of setting up a management system we are talking about a standing plan. Obviously, a standing plan can generate single-use plans (you may also call them "projects") to cope with specific issues. 

The standing plan contains the Management Activity Areas (MAA"s) to be carried out to assure that results and objectives will be obtained. As the name indicates, the plan is there not just for a limited period of time (which we will then call a “single–use plan”; a plan with a single purpose and a limited time-scale) but rather will be there “for ever”, even though it may be adapted over time. If the name “program” is better understood by the people in the organization, then use that name instead of “standing plan”.

The standing plan normally contains a number of sub-headings indicating the main activities making up the particular management activity.

Go back to STRUCTURE

THE principle of MANAGEMENT RESULTS

 "A manager tends to secure most effective results - through and with others - by performing the management work of planning, organizing, leading and controlling."