Identify the major information that should be gathered in order to design an effective planning and control system Justify the importance of such information

The major information that should be gathered to design an effective planning and control system includes:

1. Organizational goals and objectives: The goals and objectives of an organization provide direction for planning and control activities. Understanding the overall mission and vision of the organization helps to develop strategies and plans that are aligned with the desired outcomes.

2. Resources available: The resources available to the organization such as financial, human, and material resources need to be identified and evaluated. This information helps to determine the feasibility of plans and strategies and to allocate resources effectively.

3. Market trends and competition: Understanding the market trends and competition is crucial for developing effective plans and strategies. It helps to identify opportunities and threats in the market and to develop plans that are aligned with the market demand.

4. Performance metrics: Performance metrics help to measure progress towards achieving goals and objectives. They provide feedback on how well plans and strategies are working and help to identify areas where improvements are needed.

5. Risk assessment: Risk assessment helps to identify potential risks and uncertainties that could affect the success of plans and strategies. It helps to develop contingency plans and to mitigate risks to ensure successful outcomes.

The importance of gathering this information is to ensure that planning and control activities are effective in achieving organizational goals and objectives. Without this information, plans and strategies may be misaligned with the market demand, resources may be misallocated, and risks may not be adequately addressed. Gathering this information helps to ensure that plans and strategies are realistic, achievable, and aligned with the overall mission of the organization