Principles of Management Module 1

Questions and Answers

Which of the following best defines efficiency in management?

The ability to adapt to changes in the environment.

Developing long-term strategies for the organization.

Effective use of resources such as people and equipment. (correct)

Accomplishing tasks that help an organization reach its goals.

Nonmanagerial employees are responsible for overseeing the work of others.

False

Name the four functions of management.

Planning, Organizing, Leading, Controlling

The process of defining the organizational purpose and ways to achieve it is known as ______.

planning Signup and view all the answers

Match each type of manager with their main responsibility:

Top Managers = Make decisions about the direction of the organization Middle Managers = Manage the activities of other managers First-line Managers = Direct nonmanagerial employees Nonmanagerial Employees = Work directly on a job or task Signup and view all the answers

What did Taylor believe about worker output before implementing scientific management?

It was only about one-third of what was possible. Signup and view all the answers

Taylor's scientific management principles emphasized using the scientific method rather than common sense.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the best known example of Taylor's scientific management efforts?

the pig iron experiment Signup and view all the answers

Taylor achieved productivity improvements in the range of _____ percent or more.

200 Signup and view all the answers

Match the following aspects of Taylor's scientific management to their descriptions:

Scientific method = Systematic analysis of work Economic incentive = Higher wages for better performance Worker selection = Matching abilities to tasks Productivity improvement = Increase in work output by 200% or more Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Management Definition and Importance

Management involves getting things done effectively and efficiently through people.
Key concepts:
- Effectiveness: Doing the right tasks to reach organizational goals.
- Efficiency: Utilizing resources like people, money, and equipment properly.

Organizational Structure

An organization is a structured arrangement of people aimed at achieving specific goals.
Common characteristics include defined goals, a workforce, and a specific structural organization.

Types of Employees in Organizations

Nonmanagerial employees: Work directly on tasks without overseeing others (e.g., associates, team members).
Managers: Individuals who direct the work of others, categorized into:
- Top Managers (e.g., CEO, President): Make strategic decisions.
- Middle Managers (e.g., Division Manager): Oversee other managers.
- First-line Managers (e.g., Supervisor): Direct nonmanagerial employees.

Functions of Management

Four primary functions:
- Planning: Defining the organization's purpose and methods to achieve it.
- Organizing: Structuring work to meet goals.
- Leading: Directing work activities of others.
- Controlling: Monitoring and correcting performance.

Managerial Roles

Managerial roles reflect the specific actions and behaviors expected of a manager.
Henry Mintzberg emphasized the significance of these roles for understanding management.

Scientific Management

Frederick Winslow Taylor is regarded as the "father" of scientific management, focusing on improving production efficiency.
Taylor’s methods included:
- Analyzing tasks to find the most efficient ways of performing them.
- Matching workers to jobs based on skills and providing training.
- Monitoring performance and offering supervision for efficiency improvement.
- Dividing responsibilities between managers (planning) and workers (execution).

Frank and Lillian Gilbreth's Contributions

Focused on eliminating wasteful motions in work tasks.
Known for reducing movements in bricklaying, increasing productivity while minimizing fatigue.
Developed methods like motion studies and the "therbligs" classification to analyze and optimize work activities.

General Administrative Theory

Henri Fayol identified management as a distinct activity, separate from other business functions.
Developed 14 principles of management applicable in various organizational contexts.
Max Weber contributed to understanding organizational structure with his bureaucratic model, emphasizing hierarchy and rationality.

Quantitative Management

Evolved from military problem-solving techniques post-World War II, applying statistical and mathematical methods to business.
Focused on decision-making processes using models and simulations.

The External Environment's Impact on Management

Changes in customer preferences, competitor actions, and pressure from social movements significantly affect businesses.
The general environment includes economic, political/legal, sociocultural, demographic, technological, and global factors.

Adaptability in a Global Environment

Managers must navigate global complexities, adapting to diverse cultures and practices.
Regional trading alliances and varying global organization types reshape the international business landscape.

Description

This quiz covers the foundational concepts of management as presented in Module 1 of MGT 101. Learn about the definition of management, its importance, and the distinctions between effectiveness and efficiency in organizational settings. Test your knowledge and understanding of these essential principles.