TABLE OF CONTENTS This chapter finally arrives at the all important issue: How does one ensure planning itself works? Surprisingly, it is not on the basis of indicators, although two of the 12 planning and scheduling principles describe indicators. It is on the basis of the selection and training of planners.
Dr. Stephen Paulson (1988) tells the story of John Smith who retired from the Navy. John was at loose ends for a while and began meeting daily for lunch with several of his friends. John naturally enjoyed cooking and the lunch group usually met at John's house where he made the sandwiches. Everyone would always chip in to pay for the lunch. The company and the sandwiches were good and soon more friends were coming around at noon time. Someone eventually suggested that John should lease a small shop where they could spread out and be more comfortable. There seemed to be enough income from everyone's contributions so John found a small place in Jacksonville Beach where the group could meet. Thus, John's Sandwich Shop was born.
At first, everything continued as before. John made the sandwiches and would join in the company and discussions around several tables. The "organization" of the establishment, so to speak, was simply John Smith. John took care of everything from opening the door in the morning, making the meals, and collecting the money to bussing the tables, sweeping the floor, and closing the door in the late afternoon.
As word...
