Question 1
(This question deals with managing Operation Plans)
An operational plan describes short-term ways of achieving milestones and explains how, or which portion of, a strategic plan will be put into operation during a given operational period. The objectives in the operational plans guide the decisions and actions undertaken by the people within workgroups and teams. They help managers, supervisors and team leaders make decisions and choose appropriate actions to support the organisation’s overall objectives and guidelines. Effective operational plans should include contingency plans for guidance in response to any unexpected events or variations.
The value of planning is highlighted in the proverb, ‘Failing to plan is planning to fail’ and the Confucius quote, ‘When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.’
ASK YOURSELF: What is the value of operational planning to a manager? What are the benefits for the team? Why should managers adjust the action steps rather than the goals?

An unknown author wrote, ‘In absence of clearly defined goals, we become strangely loyal to performing daily acts of trivia’. This highlights the importance of planning. Managers work with others to plan, organise, implement, monitor and control their operational plans in accordance with their organisation’s systems and procedures.
ASK YOURSELF: What distinguishes good operational plans from poor operational plans? How can managers ensure their team does not become loyal to performing daily acts of trivia? What are the likely consequences of inadequate communication of operational tasks?
UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE
Your manager is on long service leave and you are acting manager. You have delegated a task to a newly appointed team member who has experience in another organisation.
ASK YOURSELF: How would you delegate the task? What level of monitoring would you apply?
Explain how managers can ensure their operational plans…