Planning is looking ahead and controlling is looking back. This is a partially correct statement. It can be analyzed in the following points:

a. Planning is considered to be a psychological process which is considered of thinking what is to be done in advance and the method of doing it.

b. It involves setting up of goals and the actions by which the goals can be achieved.

c. This is a mental task which is involved with deciding about the future actions of the organisation. So it is rightly said that planning is looking ahead.

d. Controlling is a process of assessing past performance and evaluating it against the set standards.

e. So controlling is said to be a function of looking back.

f. However, planning is a futuristic concept but it is based on past experiences. It cannot take place without taking a look at past performances.

g. Controlling is the process of assessing the past performance but it AIMS at improving future performance. If the performance of the organisation is not according to the set standards then required corrective actions must also be taken.

h. In conclusion both planning and controlling are backward-looking and forward-looking functions.