Open a terminal (Ctrl+Alt+t) and type in the following commands:
sudo apt-get install gnome-panel
sudo apt-get install gnome-panel
This will install the required package.
gnome-desktop-item-edit ~/Desktop/ –create-new
gnome-desktop-item-edit ~/Desktop/ –create-new
The Create Launcher window opens. Select application, give a name for the launcher, the command you want it to execute and then OK.