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Class 12 Business Administration Notes · GSEB

Types of Planning

Types of Planning — match each plan to its horizon and purpose, from repeated standing plans to one-time single-use plans and contingency backups. GSEB Class 12 Commerce notes with tabbed plan types and comparison callouts.

Last updated: 23 Oct 2026

Notes

Six Types of Plans

Notes — two axes and a backup

  • By repetition: standing (repeated) vs single-use (one-time).
  • By horizon: strategic (long-term direction) → tactical (≤ 1 year, middle management) → operational (specific departmental results).
  • Contingency: the backup when the environment changes.
1.

Standing plans are guidelines for decisions in repetitive situations, so they can be used repeatedly. Policies, methods and rules are decided for a long period, which helps subordinates take prompt decisions without asking a superior.

2.

Example: a procedure for delivering goods as per the customer’s order, or a credit policy fixed in advance on a permanent basis.

Which plan is this?

A firm writes a procedure for delivering goods to every customer.
A company sets its five-year direction from its philosophy.
Department heads write a one-year plan for their teams.
A plant sets a monthly production target of 2,000 units.
A shipyard plans the construction of one ship.
A firm keeps a backup plan for a sudden import ban.
Operational vs contingencyOperational plans give specific expected results for departments, work groups and individuals; contingency plans are alternatives made when the environment changes.
Single-use vs contingencyA single-use plan covers activities that do not recur, while a contingency plan is made when the original plan must change.
TrapTactical is not operational — tactical is middle-management planning for a year or less; operational is the specific result expected from departments, work groups and individuals.
RecallDiscuss types of plan — answer on the two axes, then name all six with one example each.

Key Takeaways

  • By repetition: standing (repeated) vs single-use (one-time).
  • By horizon: strategic → tactical (≤ 1 year) → operational (specific results).
  • Contingency: the backup when the environment changes.
  • Six types: standing, strategic, tactical, operational, single use and contingency.

Exam Questions

Exam Questions

Answer in the marks band shown. Try before you reveal.

3 questions
1
Explain operational and contingency plans.
3 marks
2
Discuss single use plan and contingency plan.
3 marks