1. Define management.
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Solution:
According to Harold Koontz and Heinz Weihrich "Management is the process of designing and
maintaining an environment in which individuals, working together in groups, efficiently accomplish
selected aims"
According to Robert L.Trewelly and M.Gene Newport "Management is defined as the process of
planning, organizing, actuating and controlling an organization's operations in order to achieve
coordination of the human and materials resources essential in the effective and efficient attainment
of objectives."
According to Kreitner "Management is the process of working with and through others to
effectively achieve organizational objectives by efficiently using limited resources in the changing
environment."
2. Name any two important characteristics of management.
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Solution:
i) Management is a Multi-dimensional
There are three dimensions in Management
a) Management of work
Management means getting things done with the efforts of other people. Objectives of the
organization may differ but they have to achieve their goals. In hotel industry, the customer
satisfaction and taste of the food are considered as a main objective whereas in hospital, the patient
should be well-treated. All these goals can be accomplished only by the efforts of the people. These
are the solutions to accomplish the goals such as proper decision making, planning, preparation of
budgets assigning the responsibility and the authority to be delegated.
b) Management of people
Organizations greatest assets are "human resources or people". The major difficult job for the
manager is "getting things done with the efforts of other people". Management involves working with
people and getting organisational objectives achieved through them. The superior-subordinate
relationships are created because of organised activities.
C) Management of operations
Management requires the production process which entails the flow of materials, labour force,
technology and desired output for consumption. This is interlinked with the management of people
and work.
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D) Management is a continuous process
Management is a process that never stops. The business has unlimited life. The continuous existence
of business requires a brain that functions continuously. Managerial programs should be charted out
to the minute details possible on daily basis. It is the activity of fixing the program on one side and
monitoring it on the other side. Deviations are immediately detected and corrected.
3. Ritu is the manager of the northern division of a large corporate house. At what level
does she work in the organisation? What are her basic functions?
Solution:
Ritu works at the middle level of organization.
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Ritu is performing the basic functions in the organization are as follows;
o
Provides a link a between the top level management and acts as a supervisor to her division.
o
Interpreting the management for the effective functioning of the unit
o
Create an organizational structure in order to fulfill the business policies.
o
To find out the suitable leader/coordinator to implement the functions.
o
To collect the instructions from other departments such as finance, marketing, production etc.
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o
To motivate the employees for higher efficiency and rewarding them for their efficiency
o
Compling reports, statistical analysis and other records about the Quality, quantity and time of work
in the respective departments and forwarding the same to the top management.
o
Recommeding new or revised polices periodically to the top management for their departments to
give better performance.
4. Why is management considered a multi-faceted concept?
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Solution:
Management is considered as multi-faceted concept;
Management of work
Management means getting things done with the efforts of other people. Objectives of the
organization may differ but they have to achieve their goals. In hotel industry, the customer
satisfaction and taste of the food are considered as a main objective whereas in hospital, the patient
should be well-treated. All these goals can be accomplished only by the efforts of the people. These
are the solutions to accomplish the goals such as proper decision making, planning, preparation of
budgets assigning the responsibility and the authority to be delegated.
Management of people
Organizations greatest assets are "human resources or people". The major difficult job for the
manager is "getting things done with the efforts of other people". Management involves working with
people and getting organisational objectives achieved through them. The superior-subordinate
relationships are created because of organised activities.
Management of operations
Management requires the production process which entails the flow of materials,labour force,
technology and desired output for consumption.This is interlinked with the management of people
and work.
5. Discuss the basic features of management as a profession.
•
Solution:
A profession is an occupation based on highly specialized skill. The practice of the profession is
controlled by professional body which sets the code of conduct which the members are expected to
observe. Management meets the following criteria of profession:
a) Existence of knowledge
Successful management requires specialized knowledge. Without high degree of training and skill,
the complex task of modern management cannot be carried out.
b) Acquisition of Knowledge
Excellent management professionals are produced by management training reputed management
institutes. Student for such institutes are carefully selected and trained through highly specialized
management program.
c) Professional Association
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A professional body to formulate code of conduct and regulate the practice of members is essential in
any profession. There are management associations in several countries. In Indian we have All
Indian Management Association and India Management Development Association.
d) Ethical Standards or Code of Conduct
Ethical standards are set by the professional body. Every professional is expected to follow these
standards. There are no universally accepted formal ethical standards for management profession.
However, the All India Management Association laid down a code of conduct for its members.
Management has a great degree of characteristics of a formal profession. This is a relatively new field
of specialization. Management falls short in certain criteria to be recognized as a full fledged
profession even though it is fast moving towards that direction. Management falls short on the
following areas to be recognized as a full fledged profession like medicine or law.
6. Coordination is the essence of management. Do you agree? Give reasons.
Solution:
Each and every department must have a good relationship with other departments.Coordination is
considered as an important function of management. If there is no coordination between the
departments, the other functions are not useful for the organization.
•
o
Management function revolves round making arranging things; moving thing is an organization in
relation to overall objective of the organization.
o
Thus coordination can be considered the core function of management which ensures all the factors
in the business work together smoothly.
Coordination is an important management function. It is the task of integrating the activities of
different departments and functional areas of an organization according to the common program.
The purpose of coordination is to ensure the smooth functioning of various activities in perfect
harmony. Estimated demand for goods in the market should guide the production targets which in
turn should decide the procurement of raw-materials and labour deployment. Absence of
coordination will result wastage and shortage in various areas and overall inefficiency of the
organization. It is the process whereby an executive develops an orderly pattern of group efforts
among his subordinates and secures unity of action in the pursuit of common purpose.
7. "A successful enterprise has to achieve its goals effectively and efficiently." Explain.
•
Solution:
A successful association is one where the management is functioning properly in balanced manner.
Management assembles and coordinates group efforts in achieving organizational
goals. It adds effectiveness to the goals of the enterprise.
Efficiency in utilizing the physical resources directly result in reduced cost. Management prepares the
program for utilization of resources and monitors the utilization of such resources. It continuously
strives to keep cost under control to generate maximum profit out of it.
8. Management is considered to be both an art and science. Explain.
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Solution:
The controversy with regard to the nature of management, as to whether it is a science or art, is
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very old. Learning of science basically involves the assimilation of principles while learning of art
involves its continuous process.
Management As a Science
Science is based on logical consistency, systematic explanation, critical evaluation and experimental
analysis. It establishes the relationship between causes and their effects. Management is regarded as
a science because the following characteristics of science are applicable to management as well.
Existence of systematic body of knowledge
Management is often referred as management science. There is a systematic body of knowledge as
part of the management study.
Scientific methods of observation
Management principles evolved from scientific methods of observation. The cause effect relationship
which normally part of science is applicable in management also. Therefore management principles
are accurate and reliable.
Universally accepted principles
Management principles are universally valid. The established principles of modern management have
universal applicability. Principles of division of labour and specialisation, unity of command etc. are
accepted everywhere.
Predictability of results based on cause / effect relationship
The result of application of any management technique can be predicted due to the direct cause /
effect relationship. Management theories have been formulated after carefully observing the behavior
in the organization and market to the application of management techniques.
As Art
The meaning of Art is related with the bringing of a desired result through the application of skills. It
is concerned with the understanding of how a particular work can be established. It is application of
skill and knowledge to achieve the desired results. Following features of art is present in
management.
Practical knowledge
Practical knowledge is highly essential to implement management principles. A manager is to work in
real situations to experience the pressure and gain skill in taking wise decisions. While theoretical
knowledge provides a firm foundation to further polishing the skills, it can never substitute
experience.
Personal skill and creativity
Success of a manger is largely dependent on his personal skill. He should be able to establish a
cordial relationship in the organization without compromising on discipline. An efficient manager is
the one who knows how to maintain the delicate relationship between these two objectives.
Tangible results
Efficiency is always judged on the basis of results. Management is continuous process of goal
oriented march. Thus the art of management is achieving the results.
Constructive Objectives
Managerial objectives are creative and constructive. It is always striving to achieve better and better
results every time. It builds up economic strength and nurtures the existing achievements.
Perfection thorough practice
Each moment of practice fine tunes the skills of an artist. Management is also a skill that can be
perfected by practice. Experienced managers handle stress with relative ease. They often suggest
right solutions to problems that often crop up in business.
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9. Do you think management has the characteristics of a full fledged profession?
•
Solution:
A profession is an occupation based on highly specialized skill. The practice of the profession is
controlled by professional body which sets the code of conduct which the members are expected to
observe. Management meets the following criteria of profession:
Existence of knowledge
Successful management requires specialized knowledge. Without high degree of training and skill,
the complex task of modern management cannot be carried out.
Acquisition of Knowledge
Excellent management professionals are produced by management training reputed management
institutes. Student for such institutes are carefully selected and trained through highly specialized
management program.
Professional Association
A professional body to formulate code of conduct and regulate the practice of members is essential in
any profession. There are management associations in several countries. In Indian we have All
Indian Management Association and India Management Development Association.
Ethical Standards or Code of Conduct
Ethical standards are set by the professional body. Every professional is expected to follow these
standards. There are no universally accepted formal ethical standards for management profession.
However, the All India Management Association laid down a code of conduct for its members.
Management has a great degree of characteristics of a formal profession. This is a relatively new field
of specialization. Management falls short in certain criteria to be recognized as a full fledged
profession even though it is fast moving towards that direction. Management falls short on the
following areas to be recognized as a full fledged profession like medicine or law.
10. Coordination is the essence of management. Do you agree? Give reasons.
•
Solution:
Coordination is considered as an important function of management. If there is no coordination
between the departments, the other functions are not useful for the organization.
Management function revolves round making arranging things; moving thing is an organization in
relation to overall objective of the organization. Thus coordination can be considered the core
function of management which ensures all the factors in the business work together smoothly.
Coordination - Nature and Importance
Coordination is an important management function. It is the task of integrating the activities of
different departments and functional areas of an organization according to the common program.
The purpose of coordination is to ensure the smooth functioning of various activities in perfect
harmony. Estimated demand for goods in the market should guide the production targets which in
turn should decide the procurement of raw-materials and labour deployment. Absence of
coordination will result wastage and shortage in various areas and overall inefficiency of the
organization. It is the process whereby an executive develops an orderly pattern of group efforts
among his subordinates and secures unity of action in the pursuit of common purpose.
Elements of coordination
The key elements of coordination are as follows:
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Balancing: The activities of one department must be properly balanced and supported by other
departments in order to achieve optimum results.
Integration: It is the unification of all diverse group efforts, which are brought together to produce
best possible results. This results in better performance of the firm.
Timing: The business activities should be planned in such a way that the functions of every
employee and department are performed according to a time schedule.
The nature / characteristics of coordination can be summarized as follows:
a. Coordination is needed at all levels
Coordination is an essential function at all levels of management. The content and scope of
coordination will vary at different levels. However it is part of duty of every managerial personnel
right from operational level to the top management.
b. Coordination is the essence of management
Management function revolves round making arranging things; moving thing is an organization in
relation to overall objective of the organization. Thus coordination can be considered the core
function of management which ensures all the factors in the business work together smoothly.
c. Objective of Coordination
The objective of coordination is to unify, integrate and harmonize the different activities in the
undertaking towards common objective.
11. "A successful enterprise has to achieve its goals effectively and efficiently." Explain.
Solution:
Effectiveness
Completing the given task at the right time. (i.e) doing "right" things, setting right targets to achieve
an overall goal. It is also called as end result or end product. It is not enough to complete the task.
The task should be completed in most economical way also.
Example - Mr. X has to produce 100 units per week. But he is capable to produce only 75 units. So
he wanted to outsource another 25 units to Mr. Y at the rate of Rs.200 per unit. Now Mr. X has to
spend Rs.5,000 for Mr. Y. In this case, the cost is considered as too high. Another aspect efficiency is
also important in work culture.
Efficiency:
Efficiency means doing things (i.e) completing the tasks in the most economical way (based upon
good input to output ratio)
Example- The target of a person have to produce 500 units per year. He can easily accomplish his
task but it is difficult to maintain efficiency.
12. Management is a series of continuous interrelated functions. Comment.
Solution:
There are three dimensions in Management
Management of work
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Management means getting things done with the efforts of other people. Objectives of the
organization may differ but they have to achieve their goals. In hotel industry, the customer
satisfaction and taste of the food are considered as a main objective whereas in hospital, the patient
should be well-treated. All these goals can be accomplished only by the efforts of the people. These
are the solutions to accomplish the goals such as proper decision making, planning, preparation of
budgets assigning the responsibility and the authority to be delegated.
Management of people
Organizations greatest assets are "human resources or people". The major difficult job for the
manager is "getting things done with the efforts of other people". Management involves working with
people and getting organisational objectives achieved through them. The superior-subordinate
relationships are created because of organised activities.
Management of operations
Management requires the production process which entails the flow of materials, labour force,
technology and desired output for consumption. This is interlinked with the management of people
and work.
Management is a continuous process
Management is a process that never stops. The business has unlimited life. The continuous existence
of business requires a brain that functions continuously. Managerial programs should be charted out
to the minute details possible on daily basis. It is the activity of fixing the program on one side and
monitoring it on the other side. Deviations are immediately detected and corrected.
Management is a group activity
Management of an organization involves coordinated efforts of many people. Decisions,
communication, implementation, feed back and further decision all take place in the management
process. The success depends on how effectively the top management could motivate the lower
levels and how much each individual or department cooperates towards achieving the targets.
Management is a dynamic function
Management has to adapt to the changing environment. Depending upon the tastes and preferences
of the customer; the organization has to change their products frequently.For example- Reliance has
entered in to the retail market in major cities and satisfies the customer.
Management is an intangible force
Management is intangible i. e. it cannot be seen but it can be felt through the performance of the
workers. Mismanagement if any is quickly noticed and is a sign of poor management. While efficient
management reflects the efforts of the workers.
Decision Making
Management process involves decision making at various levels for getting things done by others.
Decision making basically involves selecting the most appropriate alternative out of the several.
Integrates human and physical efforts
Management is an activity integrates the resources. They are brought together in the organizational
framework. All these factors work in coordinated motion to achieve the objectives.
Science as well as art
Management involves systematic study. There are predetermined rules and regulations in business.
At the same time it cannot be considered a pure science. It is influenced by the human side. The skill
efficiency in leading a team is more of art than science. Therefore management is said to be an
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activity in which art and science inseparably linked.
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