Which function of management involves defining goals for the company’s future direction and determining the missions and resources required to achieve those targets?

Planning is the fundamental function of management that focuses on the future course of action. It involves: • Defining objectives and goals, • Identifying the resources needed, • Deciding how, when, and by whom tasks will be performed. Planning is often referred to as the bridge between the present and the future, ensuring that an organization moves systematically towards its objectives. It is a preparatory step that lays the foundation for all other functions of management (organising, staffing, directing, and controlling). By anticipating changes and challenges, planning enables managers to reduce uncertainty and achieve desired results.