Answer-
Planning focuses on looking forward and forecasting is an essential element of planning
Features of planning are -
1.Goal oriented -focus on achieving pre planned goals
2.Prime activity - it is the first step in management.
3.Pervasive - Planning is done at all levels .Top level use it in startegic decisions ,middle level use it in administrative and lower level in operations.
4.Coordination- It builds coordination between the all W questions (who ,where ,why)
5.Considers limiting factors like manpower ,money before hand and plans formulated accordingly
6.Flexibility - It can be changed according to different environmental situations.
7.Intellectual process- The quality of mind of manager describes the planning quality.