The major function of management is:

Planning is a fundamental function of management as it involves setting objectives and determining a course of action for achieving those objectives. This process includes analyzing the current situation, forecasting future conditions, and identifying the resources needed to accomplish goals.

Effective planning is crucial for guiding all other management functions such as organizing, leading, and controlling, ensuring that every action is aligned with the organization's overall strategy. It helps to anticipate potential challenges and prepares the organization to address them, thereby facilitating a smoother operational process.

While forecasting, actuating, and organizing are all important aspects of management, planning lays the groundwork for each of these by establishing a framework and direction for the organization’s activities.