Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Business
Lesson Topic: the need for planning operations
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe why operations planning is essential for meeting demand and controlling costs.
  • Explain the three stages of Capacity Planning and Analysis (measurement, gap analysis, adjustment).
  • Compare lead, lag, and match capacity strategies and identify appropriate contexts.
  • Apply a simple capacity‑gap calculation using the provided formula.
  • Evaluate common pitfalls and propose ways to involve cross‑functional teams.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Handout summarising capacity‑planning methods
  • Sample sales‑data worksheet
  • Calculator or spreadsheet software
  • Capacity‑gap calculation template
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: “Have you ever experienced a product being out of stock?” Connect this to previous lessons on demand forecasting and explain that today’s focus is on how operations planning prevents such issues. State that by the end of the lesson students will be able to calculate capacity gaps and select appropriate capacity‑adjustment strategies.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students answer the stock‑out poll and share responses (check prior knowledge).
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Explain why planning operations matters – matching supply with demand, cost control, strategic alignment (guided questions).
  3. Interactive activity (12'): In pairs, use the sample sales data to calculate current capacity with the given formula; complete worksheet (teacher circulates).
  4. Gap analysis discussion (8'): Groups compute the capacity gap, brainstorm adjustment options, and present findings (monitor understanding).
  5. Capacity‑strategy comparison (10'): Review lead, lag, and match strategies using a quick matching exercise (short quiz).
  6. Reflection & exit ticket (5'): Each student writes one key takeaway and one lingering question on a sticky note (exit ticket).
Conclusion:
Recap that effective operations planning links demand forecasts to capacity decisions, enabling businesses to meet strategic objectives while controlling costs. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding and assign homework: research a real‑world example of a company that used capacity planning to solve a production challenge.