Abstract

This project was carried out to appraise that it is only through planning that an organization can achieve its goal. To ensure effectiveness in communication the researcher coffined to the use of words that will easily be understood by readers and those terms that are too technical are well defined. Textbook were referred to structured questionnaire were used to elicit response from the staff of Owerri North Local Government Area. The departments examined were finance, personnel and evaluating. Random techniques were used in the research design in chapter three and the questionnaires were vetted accordingly. Conclusion were drawn from the analyzed data recommendation were made that apart from basic qualities are requirement of planning the executive must plan ahead in order to achieving organizational goal.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page

Certification                                                                  ii

Dedication                                                                    iii

Acknowledgement                                                         iv

Abstract                                                                       v

Table of contents                                                          vi

CHAPTER ONE

1. Introduction                                                          1

1.1  Background of the study                                          1

1.2  Statement of the problem                                        3

1.3  Objectives of the study                                           4

1.4  Statement of hypothesis                                          5

1.5  Significance of the study                                          5

1.6  Scope of the study                                                 6

1.8  Limitation of the study                                            7

1.9  Definition of terms                                                  7

CHAPTER TWO

2.0  Literature review                                                    9

2.1  Introduction                                                          9

2.2  History and development of planning in an

 Organization                                                         9                                                    

2.3  The theoretical perspective of the related study          12

2.4  The planning progress                                             19

2.5  Characteristics of planning                                       22

2.6  Hierarchy of planning                                              23

2.7  Planning and other concepts of administration            29

2.8  Importance of planning                                           30

       References

CHAPTER THREE

3.0  Research design and methodology                            33

3.1  Introduction                                                          33

3.2  Research design                                                     33

3.3  Sources / Method of data collection                                 33

3.4  Population and sample size                                      34

3.5  Sample techniques                                                  35

3.6  Validity and reliability of measuring instrument           35

3.7  Method of data analysis                                           35

Questionnaire 

CHAPTER FOUR

• Presentation and analysis of data                              37

4.1  Introduction                                                          37

4.2  Presentation of data                                                       37

4.3  Analysis of data                                                      38

4.4  Test of hypothesis                                                  41

4.5  Interpretation of results                                          43

CHAPTER FIVE

• Summary, conclusion and recommendation                44

5.1  Introduction                                                          44

5.2  Summary of findings                                               44

5.3  Conclusion                                                             46

5.4  Recommendation                                                    47

       References                                                             50

       Appendix

CHAPTER ONE

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1  BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

       Planning is one of the functions of administration. It is the process of laying foundation for future action. Planning is the act of determining administration objectives and efforts and determining means to achieve those objectives, in the other hand, planning is defined as deciding in advanced things that need to be done and need to achieve those objectives. To plan is to act with purpose to choose and choice is the essence of economic activity therefore many organization plan in other to take advantage of environmental opportunities and minimize the impact of environment waste. Planning allows organization to shape its own destiny. The history of Owerri North Local Government as my case study started in October 1^st 1996 when the head of state general Sani Abacha created additional states and local government which increased the number of local government  in Nigeria from 521 to 774.  the first chairman of the local government is Chief Anthony Ihedoro who hails from Emekuku’s during the transitional programme to Godian rule by general Sani Abacha in 1997/1998 five political parties contested which includes United Nigeria congress party “UNCD” Democratic party of Nigeria “DPN” grassroots democratic movement “GAM” committee for national consensus “CNC” and national center party of Nigeria “NCPN” but among all these political parties “UNCP” produced the first chairman for the local government which has 16 wards is represented by a councilor each. Owerri North Local Government area is one of the twenty eight local government in Imo State which has large land mass and about 900,000 in population. Its headquarter is located at Orie Uratta since its inception. It has experienced four 4 different chairman both as intern and permanent chairman. The researcher interest of this topic is to examine the importance of planning in an organization like Owerri north local government area, the effect of lack of good planning in order to attain organizational goal and best step to be used in planning techniques.

The local government has encountered problems of incompetent staff which may arise during recruitment and placement inadequate fund may equally hinder the functioning conflict because each department authority of responsibility assigned to them, also costs will be measured since emphasis is usually on efficient operation and consistency. Adequate and competent personnel should put in place in several department there should be mass, we co-operation between those who prepare the plan and those who implement it. The government should also support organization of giving them adequate manpower and makes funds available them.

1. STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

This study entitled the importance of planning in attainment of organizational goals a  study of Owerri North Local Government areas attempt to examine and elaborates the problems of planning in the public service and they includes