Evaluating the effectiveness of planning in the sustainability of tour companies in Uganda. A case study of 3 selected tour companies

Abstract

This study was carried out to the effectiveness of planning in the sustainability of tour companies in Uganda (a case study of 3 selected tour companies in Uganda. It was guide by objectives to identify the planning practices used by tour companies in Uganda, determine the importance of planning on performance of Tour companies in Uganda and to find out the problems tour companies face in planning Two survey instruments were used for data collection from the 50 respondents who were considered, a set of questionnaires and an interview guide. These were reinforced with onsite observations. Data collected from the respondents was entered, coded and managed in Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). The results obtained found that most of the tour companies have documented vision and mission statements which are reviewed when need arises. The companies also involve the management in the formulation of mission and vision statements. Another planning practice is that companies do external as well as internal environmental analysis to ascertain the effects of various factors on their operations before formulating their plans. Thus, the strategic planning practices in the tour company follow the formal planning process and involvement of key stakeholders such as employees in the planning process. Respondents were asked their views on the importance of planning to tour companies. The study recommends that tour companies need to have formal documented mission and vision which should be formulated by directors and be reviewed annually, the employees should also be involved in the planning process so as to expedite the implementation phase and to avoid unnecessary delays in work.