Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify a key characteristic of a 'good' plan.
Step 2: Analysis of Options:
Let's analyze the attributes listed.
(A) expensive & (B) time consuming: While planning can sometimes be expensive and time-consuming, these are generally seen as costs or drawbacks to be minimized, not desirable qualities of a good plan. A good plan should be cost-effective and efficient.
(D) rigid: A rigid plan is one that cannot be changed easily. In a dynamic and uncertain business environment, rigidity is a major weakness, as the plan cannot adapt to unforeseen circumstances.
(C) flexible: A flexible plan is one that can be adjusted or adapted to changing conditions without being completely abandoned. This is a crucial quality because the future is unpredictable. Flexibility allows managers to respond to new opportunities or threats.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Flexibility is universally considered an essential characteristic of a good plan. Therefore, (C) is the correct answer.