Planning is the process in which an organization envisions its mission and develops the steps necessary to achieve it. Of the four management functions, planning, organizing, leading, and controlling, planning is the most important. Planning can be short or long term. Managers use short-term plans every day because they are easier to implement than long-term plans. Companies use long-term plans when planning a long-term vision (Pfeiffer 12-18). In both short-term and long-term planning methods, you need to achieve world-class results. As in any other process, planning has both advantages and disadvantages. Good planning provides a clear focus for the company, increases commitment, increases persistence and develops business strategies. In the first benefit of planning, important members focus on what is important to achieve the planned outcome. The second benefit of planning increases effort in the execution process. A plan-oriented company provides more energy in a specific project situation than a company that is not plan-oriented. In addition to this benefit, the effort helps reduce wasted time and maximizes productivity. The third benefit of planning is persistence. Persistence is important to achieve a goal and be successful; persistence is the willingness to continue a task regardless of changes in a plan. In the fourth benefit of planning, planners are encouraged to contribute their ideas and participate in the goal process at any time. Despite the benefits of planning, the planning process can also have disadvantages. The main disadvantage of planning is the misconception of members that planning solves problems. Because of their misunderstanding, planners rely on opinions rather... the middle of paper... Model, type, disadvantages, group decision-making methods." Business Reference - Small Business Encyclopedia, Business Biographies, Business Plans and Encyclopedia of American Industries. Advameg, 2011. Web. 24 September 2011. "Essential Goal Setting Guidelines for Time Management." Guide to Personal Time Management and Goal Setting 05 October 2011. .Pfeiffer, J. William. Strategic Planning: Selected Readings Amsterdam: Pfeiffer, 1991. Print "The Phases of Problem Solving".. 2011. .