Step 1: Understanding planning.
Planning is a fundamental management function that involves setting goals, formulating strategies, and outlining tasks to achieve objectives efficiently.
It acts as a roadmap for an organization’s future activities.
Step 2: Types of planning based on duration.
Planning can be classified according to time span:
- Short-term planning: Covers immediate objectives (e.g., quarterly or annual plans).
- Middle-term planning: Involves intermediate goals (3–5 years).
- Long-term planning: Involves vision-oriented or strategic goals (beyond 5 years).
Step 3: Why all types are included.
Since organizations require a combination of short, middle, and long-term strategies to ensure growth, planning covers all time horizons.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Therefore, planning is short-term, middle-term, and long-term — hence, the correct answer is (D) All of these.