Question

A proper matching of funds requirements and their availability is sought to be achieved by .

• A. Financial planning
• B. Financial control
• C. Capital budgeting
• D. Investment decisions

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In the context of business studies, the concept of matching funds requirements with their availability is fundamentally addressed through financial planning. Financial planning involves the strategic process of forecasting the financial requirements of an organization and coordinating these needs with available financial resources. This ensures that the organization has a cohesive plan to meet its strategic goals without encountering liquidity issues. 

Key elements of financial planning include:

• Estimation of Financial Needs: Identifying the short-term and long-term financial requirements.
• Capital Structure: Determining the mix of debt and equity to meet the financial needs.
• Developing Financial Policies: Creating policies for cash management, credit management, and capital budgeting to ensure optimal use of funds.
• Ensuring Availability of Funds: Coordinating with financial institutions or capital markets to secure necessary funding at the right time.

As outlined, financial planning strategically aligns available funds with requirement timelines, thereby stabilizing the organization's financial health and supporting its operational efficiency.

Answer 2

To determine which function seeks to achieve a proper matching of funds requirements and their availability, let's analyze each option in detail:

Options Analysis

Financial Planning (1)

Definition: Financial planning involves the process of estimating the funds required for the firm's operations and ensuring that these funds are available when needed. It includes forecasting future financial needs, setting financial goals, and developing strategies to meet those goals.

Why Correct: Financial planning is specifically designed to match the funds requirements with their availability. It ensures that the company has the necessary funds at the right time to support its operations and growth.

Financial Control (2)

Definition: Financial control involves monitoring and regulating the financial activities of a firm to ensure that they align with the company's financial plans and objectives. It includes budgeting, performance evaluation, and corrective actions.

Why Not: While financial control ensures that financial activities are in line with plans, it does not directly focus on matching funds requirements with their availability.

Capital Budgeting (3)

Definition: Capital budgeting is the process of evaluating and selecting long-term investments that are in line with the firm's strategic goals. It involves analyzing the profitability and risks associated with potential projects.

Why Not: Capital budgeting focuses on the evaluation and selection of long-term investments rather than the overall matching of funds requirements with their availability.

Investment Decisions (4)

Definition: Investment decisions involve choosing the specific assets in which to invest the company's funds. This includes decisions about the allocation of resources to different projects or securities.

Why Not: Investment decisions focus on the selection of specific investments rather than the overall matching of funds requirements with their availability.

Conclusion

The correct answer is: (1) Financial planning

Financial planning is the function that seeks to achieve a proper matching of funds requirements and their availability. It involves forecasting future financial needs and ensuring that the necessary funds are available when needed to support the company's operations and growth.