The important dimensions a plan as recognized by Gross, Crandall and Knoll are:
Complexity-occasioned by the number of parts within the plan and the interdependence of these parts.
Size-large activities frequently are termed molar while small activities are characterized as molecular. Presumably size could be associated with complexity since molar plans might be expected to have a larger number of parts than molecular plans.
Significance-in business and sometimes in family plans, significance may be determined by cost; anticipated income; anticipated effect upon members of the family or upon the employees; or the strategic nature of the plan in relation to the overall plan.
Comprehensiveness-in business comprehensiveness may be determined by the extent to which the plan cuts across departmental lines. In a family the extent to which family members are involved in or affected by the plan might be a criterion. T
Time-frequently plans have been described as long-range or short-range. Tasker's and Mumaw's investigations covered short-range planning. i.e. daily or weekly plans. Dawson defined the shorter of her long-range plans as covering up to one year; the longer plans covered from two to ten years.
No general agreement has been found as to the length of time which could be considered long or short range. For business planning LeBreton suggested that time might be thought of in four parts: preparation time required for developing a plan; the lead time required for beginning work on major parts; the time required for full implementation; and the distance ahead one wishes to anticipate the future as a basis for general planning.
Specificity-the extent to which the parts of a plan are considered in general terms, on the one hand, or in definite, unequivocal terms, on the other.
Completeness-a complete plan includes all the necessary components for judgments to be made as to its acceptance or rejection or for its expeditious implementation.
Flexibility-refers to some parts of the plan which are fluid in nature or subÂject to change. Miller refers to a flexible plan as one in which the parts can be arranged in any order, for example, writing letters to five persons.
Extensity-number of plans generated over a specified period.
Participants