PLANNING AND DECISION MAKING TECHNIQUES: AN EFFECTIVE TOOL FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

PLANNING AND DECISION MAKING TECHNIQUES: AN EFFECTIVE TOOL FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

ABSTRACT

This research work is poised to look into ‘’Planning and Decision Making Techniques: An Effective Tool for Local Governments. (A case study of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Kogi State) The research work is divided into five chapters with each chapter linking each other. The objectives of the research work among others include: To investigate into planning and decision making techniques for local government in Kogi State and to ascertain who these management functions can bring about efficiency and achievement of goals and objectives at the local government level, so that the resources of local government can be effectively optimized, managed and controlled. Two methods of data collection were used i.e. the primary and secondary sources of data and the data was analyzed using simple percentage method for easy understanding. The findings revealed that effective planning is the most effective variable that has direct casual influence on local government performance. At the end of the research work, it was recommended that: planning and decision making techniques must be made use of in the local government and local government staffs must go for refresher courses to broaden their professional and academic horizon on planning and decision making taken.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1  BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

There is no doubt that the pace of change in the global community presents fresh challenges daily to all human organizations. It then means that since we live in a world of change, every human organization, be it private or public must be able to master change in order to survive. If it manages well, it will progress and grow. As the rate of change in our environment is constantly increasing, we must find better and new ways to understand, anticipate, cope with and exploit change. Planning ahead is the key management function for dealing with change in a positive and purposeful way. Any human organization that does not plan and manage its future may not have future.

In line with this study, planning and decision making techniques will be centred on local government management/administration. Since local government is crucial and an instrument for social transformation at the grassroot, it is very crucial and important to carry out a study that would facilitate planning and decision making techniques in respect of local government management.

Planning on the other hand is anything that involves selecting in the present a course of action for the future, which is aimed at achieving objectives. It is deciding in advance of what should

be done, how it supposed to be executed, when it is to be executed and who is to execute. Planning is required at every strata of an organization. (Babasola, 1987).

Planning is a cardinal management function of every manager. In planning, we formulate the organization’s objectives and how it is realized. Planning also includes the selection of policies programmes and procedures that leads to the attainment of the organization’s aims. Hence, planning is a decision making process. Koredele K.O. (1990)

On the other hand, decision is a systematic and articulated process of thought and deliberations that culminate into choosing a decision among alternatives. Decision is a flexible, sequential process. Managers and all stakeholders must be rational when involved in the decision making. Hence, considerable time and efforts are needed in evaluating problems establishing alternative course of action assessing their outcomes before choosing a solution (Babalola OPcit)

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PLANNING AND DECISION MAKING TECHNIQUES: AN EFFECTIVE TOOL FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS