Introduction to Functional Areas of Management Unit 1

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of management in large organisations?

To influence the lives of thousands of people

To depend on certain big companies for employment

To achieve stated organisational goals as productively as possible (correct)

To maximise profits

What are the two aspects of planning in management?

Organising and motivating

Leading and controlling

Controlling and motivating

Conscious deliberation and visualisation, and creating a plan (correct)

What is the main purpose of planning in management?

To maximise profits

To determine the organisation's mission and goals (correct)

To control resources

To motivate employees

What does organising in management involve?

Developing a framework to deploy people and resources Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of matching the organisational structure to the company's needs?

It is very important for management Signup and view all the answers

What do large companies have influence over?

The lives of many thousands of people, and sometimes even nations Signup and view all the answers

What is the end result of the process of management?

To achieve stated organisational goals as productively as possible Signup and view all the answers

Who are the authors that consider planning to be the management function that determines the organisation's mission and goals?

Du Toit, Erasmus and Strydom Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of first-line managers?

To apply policies and procedures to achieve high productivity Signup and view all the answers

Which function of management involves the acquisition and maintenance of all employees and personnel?

Human Resource Management Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of time do top managers spend on planning and organising?

More than middle managers Signup and view all the answers

What type of skills do managers need to think about the entire organisation holistically?

Conceptual skills Signup and view all the answers

What is the main responsibility of the Operations Manager?

Converting raw materials into finished goods Signup and view all the answers

Who is an example of an administrative manager?

Chief Administrator of a hospital Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between top managers and first-line managers?

The amount of time they spend on planning Signup and view all the answers

What type of skills do managers need to interact with people?

Interpersonal skills Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of Research and Development?

Improving old products and developing new ones Signup and view all the answers

Which function of management involves the acquisition, use, and control of the organisation's money?

Financial Management Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of top management?

Long-term planning and designing the company's structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the main responsibility of middle management?

Implementing policies and strategies Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of management according to Peter Drucker?

To make people capable of joint performance Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a business according to the passage?

A satisfied customer Signup and view all the answers

What are the resources at the disposal of management?

Human, financial, physical, and information Signup and view all the answers

What is the link between top and lower levels of the organisation?

Middle management Signup and view all the answers

What are the functional areas of management that middle management splits into?

Marketing, Human Resource Management, Operations, and Finance Signup and view all the answers

What is controlling in the management process?

Checking and evaluating the results of the company Signup and view all the answers

What is the single most important thing to remember in management?

Results exist only on the outside Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of lower or first-line management?

Operational management of smaller sections Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Management

Large companies have a significant influence on people's lives and nations' economies, and their management requires specific skills.
Management is essential in both profit and non-profit organizations, including universities.

Definition of Management

Management is the process of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling resources to achieve organizational goals efficiently.
Planning involves deliberate consideration of what the business should achieve and creating a plan to reach those objectives.
Organizing involves developing a framework to deploy people and resources to achieve goals.
Leading involves motivating and directing employees to achieve plans and goals.
Controlling involves checking and evaluating results to ensure plans are being met and goals are attained.

Resources in Management

Human resources (personnel)
Financial resources
Physical resources (plant and machinery)
Information resources (computer systems)

What is Management?

Management is about human beings and their joint performance.
Its task is to make people capable of joint performance, making their strengths effective, and their weaknesses irrelevant.
Management deals with the integration of people in a common venture and is deeply embedded in culture.

Types of Management

Classified by level:
- Top Management (Board of Directors, CEO, Managing Director)
- Middle Management (department heads, implementing policies and plans)
- Lower/First-line Management (operational management, supervising employees)
Classified by function:
- Marketing
- Human Resource Management
- Finance
- Operations
- Research and Development
- Purchasing
- Administrative Management (general management)

Time Spent on Functional Activities

The amount of time spent on planning, organizing, leading, and controlling differs according to the level of management.
Top managers spend more time on planning and organizing, while lower managers spend more time on leading and controlling.

The 10 Roles of Managers

Every manager must perform certain roles and skills, regardless of their specialty or level, to fulfill their responsibilities.

Managerial Skills Required at Different Levels

Conceptual skills (thinking ability, strategic thinking)
Interpersonal skills (interacting with people, resolving conflicts, motivating groups)
Technical skills (specialized skills, performing tasks)
The importance of each skill varies depending on the level of management.

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Description

Learn about the importance of management in companies and organizations, and understand the process of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling resources to achieve goals.