Management and its Functions Essay

Management is the process of coordinating people and other resources to achieve the goals of the organization. One key characteristic is the ability to empower rather than order employees to do their jobs. Effective empowerment depends on the leader and the employees building mutual respect, trust, and commitment. Leadership also possesses the ability to communicate by fostering an ongoing dialogue rather than issuing mandates. Now the leadership and management are defined, we can move on to describe management in terms of its four functions. These functions are identified as planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. How well managers perform these key functions determines whether a business is successful. Planning, in its simplest form, is establishing organizational goals and objectives and deciding how to accomplish them. It is the primary function, often referred as the â€Å"first† management function because all the management functions depend on planning. Managers engage in planning by determining where the firm should be going and how best to get there. Once goals and objectives have been set for the organization, managers must develop plans (or actions) for achieving them. A plan could be defined as an outline of the actions by which the organization intends to accomplish its goals and objectives. The company that I work for, 7-Eleven, I, as a manager, set a goal to sell as many products as possible to increase the sales. I have to ensure that the customer knows about the products we are selling. My number one target is the customer and the way to achieve is through my employees, who can provide the outstanding customer service and thus, the customer will come back. After goal setting and planning, the second major function of the management is organizing. Organizing is the grouping of resources and activities to accomplish effective and efficient results. From the reading, â€Å"Organizing activities include attracting people to the organization, specifying job responsibilities, grouping jobs into work unit, marshaling and allocating resources, and creating conditions so that people and things work together to achieve maximum success† (Bateman, 2004). Let’s first consider the example of an inventor who creates a new product and goes into the market to sell it. Eventually, as business grows, he/she will find that he/she needs  help. To begin with, he/she might hire a professional sales representative. Later, he/she might need to hire full-time sales staff, other people to assist with production, and an accountant. As he/she hires new personnel, he/she must decide what each person will do, and generally how that person can best take part in the organization’s activities. The way I work toward the organizing for the benefits of my organization is by providing at least week training to my staff about the products we are selling and its prices, promoting products to the customers, and ways to deliver excellent customer service. After a week of training, I oversee the employee I have trained, what I call as â€Å"shadow shift,† in which the trainee is evaluated for his/her performance. In addition, I hold weekly meeting with my employees for any questions, concerns, issues, and/or responsibilities. I delegate tasks to my personnel on daily basis and ensure that their obligations are understood clearly. The leading function is concerned with human resources within the organization. It is the process of influencing people to work toward a common goal as well as proving reasons for people to work in best interests of the organization. In other words, â€Å"It is directing, motivating, and communicating with employees, individually and in groups† (Bateman, 2004). Leading and motivating are critical activities for a growing company. Obviously, different people do things for different reasons – that is, they have different motivations. Some people are primarily interested in earning as much money as they can. Others may be spurred on by opportunities to get ahead in an organization. It is part of the manager’s jobs to determine what factors motivate workers and to try to provide those incentives in ways that encourage effective performance. For me, directing and motivating the employees is the most important function for the success of the company. I always tell my employees, â€Å"Be happy, and keep customers happy.† I believe that the communication is very important to keep the firm running smoothly; a good manager would always take care of his/her employees and make sure that they are appreciated for the hard work they put in. Therefore, I always encourage my personnel to talk over any issues or problems, if they have any, with me. Not only this, I always value them and make them realize that they are the most important component of the company and without them the  company can not move ahead. This way, a good relationship and trust is built between me and the employees and hence, the employees stay happy. With this, it gives them motivation to work for the best interests of the company. Regardless of how hard managers try, sometimes business activities don’t go as planned. Then, the fourth function, controlling, comes into play that evaluates and regulates ongoing activities to ensure that organizational goals are achieved. Reckon a rocket, for instance, launched to place a satellite. Do personnel simply fire the rocket and then check back in few days to find out whether the satellite is in place? Of course not. The rocket is constantly supervised, and its course is regulated and adjusted as needed to get the satellite to its destination. Thus, during this function, changes might be made to the plans in order to attain better success in the future. Therefore, the performance is compared and actions are taken according if necessary. Another example would be suppose that a specific firm establishes a goal of increasing its profit by, let’s say, 15 percent in a year. To ensure that its goal is reached, management might monitor its profit on monthly basis. After three to four months, if its profits have increased by 4-5 percent, then management might assume that the plans are going according to the schedule. Then, probably no action will be taken. However, if the profit has only increased by 1-2 percent, then the firm might take some actions or make some amendments to the planning to get things back on track. I can relate controlling to my organization because when the target is not reached to sell as many products as possible, I lower the price on the materials to meet the demands of the customers. For instance, if there’s a specific drink that is not selling as planned, I would try to sell it by promoting it for buying one sandwich and getting the drink free. A successful organization understands not only basic management functions, but also how to integrate these functions – planning, organizing, leading, and controlling – to improve revenues and profit and to win customer satisfaction needs. Each function tends to lead naturally to others; and if any one of the four functions is not conducted in effective manner, the company’s performance might fail. References Bateman, Thomas S. (2004). Management: The New Competitive Landscape, 6e. The McGaw-Hill Companies. Retrieved on August 10, 2004 from https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/content/eBookLibrary/content/eReader.h

Advanced Research Writing Essay

The topic of online education, specifically relating to teaching writing in a distant learning environment was covered by Professor Kate Kiefer. Kiefer is a Professor and Writing Integration Coordinator at Colorado State University. She has a PH.D in rhetoric from Carnegie Mellon University and has written numerous published articles, including three textbooks. In the book â€Å"Brave New Classrooms†, Professor Kiefer writes a chapter titled, â€Å"Do Students Lose More Than They Gain In Online Classrooms?† Professor Kiefer tackles the difficult questions of just how much are students getting out of online writing classes. What is the goal of an online student? Kiefer clearly has an issue with distance education and voices her opinion of its inferiority to a classroom environment. Her numerous assertions of distance learning students not getting the complete education experience must be taken for what it is, an instructor’s point of view and not a student’ s. Online education is becoming more prevalent every day, because not everyone has the time or funding to get to and from a college campus. This method should be embraced by instructors and not talked down on, simply because there is no other option for so many. Professor Kiefer wholeheartedly states in her article, that she believes taking an online writing class is inferior to a traditional structured classroom environment. She states that she is not in the majority on this issue, but she speaks of the many difficulties that face a student and teacher online. One of Professor Kiefer’s most adamant points against online writing classes is the true lack of interaction a student can have. She talks of how so many online classrooms have students who do not participate and do only what is needed to pass the class. Kiefer suggests that on-line classes are often full of students who are looking to check a box and get that next check mark, which will take them to finish line and a degree. She also states how not having peer to peer interaction robs the online student of so much valuable education. In a writing class it is pivotal she states to have your fellow  students peer review your work and not just have the teacher looking at your assignment. She covers the issue of how universities are trying to add more and more students online, because when it all boils down to it, money is what they are after. Professor Kiefer goes over a few ideas of how to make an online writing class better, such as requiring participation in discussions, but eventually she feels that online instruction in writing classes, leave the student short of what a teacher would like them to learn in a class. Professor Kiefer is very adamant on the loss of personal interaction in online writing classes and how it diminishes the importance of personal interaction, which to some extent is very true. In a recent article published by the â€Å"Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks†, documenting over 125 traditional face to face classes, it found â€Å"very strong support for the existence of a community of inquiry that is shared within each class section†. (Fernandes, Oct 2013) While It may be almost impossible to capture the same type of peer to peer interaction in a distance learning course compared to a traditional classroom, the study does not take into account that many online students have a network of support they are able to bounce ideas off of. While the journal study names student networking as a weakness to online classrooms, it does not really mention the fact that many physical classroom environments have students that do not want to participate. Professor Kiefer also addresses the high dropout rate of online students. This makes me wonder if the dropout rate is due to non-flexibility within the school offering the classes of if it is students just not taking it seriously. A recent study published in â€Å"Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks† by the Dean of Online Education at Dallas Baptist University noted that â€Å"their university offers thirty-four online degree programs and Dallas Baptist University has maintained a 92% cou rse completion rate† (Shelton, Oct 2009). I would have liked to have seen professor Kiefer give the standard dropout rate of traditional classroom students at a university. It is very possible that online education is still in such an evolving state, that there are many different factors leading to a high dropout rate. Many schools have not properly trained their faculty in correctly dealing with online education, while some of it is definitely the daily lives of online students that get it in the way. Professor Kiefer makes many valid points on her topics, however the reasons  she gives regarding why students take online courses, are the exact reasons they must continue. People with jobs and forty hour work week can’t take time out to drive to the university every day. Online classes have been going for a number of years now, but it is still in its infancy compared to classroom instruction. There are still so many ideas created each day that can make this learning environment better. Professor Kiefer makes a good argument regarding the negative impacts of online writing classes, but the reason we have online classes to start with are why they can’t stop. The goals of online students are the same as other students, they want to better their lives and further educate themselves. That lifeline cannot be taken away, because there are doubts about its effectiveness. It is up to everyone to keep making strides and improving the experience of online education. Bibliography Fernandes, B. R. (Oct 2013). Measuring the Community in Online Classes. Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 17(3), pp 115-136. Kiefer, K. (2007). Do Students Lose More than They Gain in Online Writing Classes? In Brave New Classrooms. (Vol. 37, pp. 141-151). New York, NY: Peter Lang USA. Shelton, K. (Oct 2009). Does Strong Faculty Support Equal Consistent Course Completion?: It Has for Dallas Baptist University. Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 13(3), pp 63-66.

Educated, Unemployed and Frustrated

In today's society it is clearly obvious that times are rough. People are struggling and trying to find a secure career seems to be almost impossible. Millions and millions of people graduate college in the hope that finding the job of their dreams will come so easily. Sadly that is not the case and our newly educated individuals are unemployed. Most having to accept minimum wages positions just to keep up with today's fast paced world. After working so hard for years to make something of yourself, not to mention the debt you are left to pay after. It certainly takes a hefty toll on you emotionally and physically over time.Is there anything we can do to fix this crisis and get back on our feet? In the article Klein states â€Å"My generation was taught that all we needed to succeed was an education and hard work. † Which is absolutely true but it’s not our fault that job are not available. There isn’t anything we can do to change the economic slump. We can place blame and point fingers but it will never get us anywhere. I agree that action needs to be taken but how? Things would change if we could stand up for ourselves, like Portugal, protesting to send a message for change. When are we going to follow their footsteps?People need more of a push to actually want to get out and get a job. Taxes need to be lowered so that businesses can grow, which in turn will create more jobs and result in lower unemployment rates. We all know it’s easier said than done. In the state we are in with high taxes which has lead us to company downsizing and we all know where that leaves us. I am also very well aware that taking money away from the government also means taking away from our economy but there has to be some kind of happy medium. No one should be ashamed to take on positions that pay less than expected, we do what we need to do to get by.Maybe we should be patient and just not expect to get placed in an amazing job right out of school. We sh ould never lose hope in our future and look forward to what’s going to happen tomorrow. It can be really hard to get by these days but we need to look at the brighter side of things and be thankful you have your education, a job that at least pays that bills and your health. Do not get discouraged, you would only be holding back yourself. Never give up trying to accomplish your goals and do not let anything stand in your way of success. In the meantime continue to further your education and keep yourself distracted.Today it seems having to struggle from time to time is common. It’s sad to say that I do not see any change in the near future. We have limited choices and not only one person can make a difference. The only way to see if we can send a message to our government is to take a nationwide protest. Like Portugal, we can take a stand to become a better nation. The government needs to pay a lot more attention to the prevention of the increase in unemployment. Effec ts of unemployment may be devastating. Unemployment also leads to the more stress because there are no means for living.This could also lead to a larger crime rate. Being in such a helpless position, desperate people will start lashing out and stooping down to doing anything they need to just for a decent meal for the night. Stealing to make a living, starting riots and large rebellions to change the existing social order. When you have nothing and your think you have no means for living and are doomed to starvation. Then what else would any of us have to lose? Even though the concluding result is the most extreme and the rarest one but it is the end of this growing unemployment and lack of the government to stop it.

Perception Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Perception - Assignment Example In addition, we continue to modify our schemas as we experience new events or situations and learn from them, which enable our ideas and perceptions to evolve with time (Kesteren et al, 2012). Generally, schematic perceptions are based on events that we compare to other events, running the risk of oversimplifying events. Indeed, due to all the information that we take in, coupled with the need to simplify events and experiences, people tend to categorize events, which allows for immediate response based on established perceptions about these events (Kesteren et al, 2012). As a result, we do not need to perceive each football player whether from Spain, England, or Italy as unique categories, for example, instead identifying them as members of the football player category, which enables us to respond accordingly. Similarly, when one encounters other people, they tend to perceive them in terms of category, instead of unique individuals they have not encountered before, based on nationality, religion gender, or race. These categories are referred to as schemas and constitute cognitive or knowledge structures that organize incoming information, hence influencing how the individual perceives further information about events and people and responds to them (Kesteren et al,

Analysis of investment and management of portfolio Assignment

Analysis of investment and management of portfolio - Assignment Example The following part of the paper presents a detailed SWOT analysis and Porter’s five forces analysis of the Keppel Land Limited. SWOT analysis is used to analyze a company’s internal and external environments. By evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of an organization, one can assess the organization’s internal management efficiencies. In contrast, opportunities and threats assessment enables the marketer to get a clear view of the firm’s external environment. Diversified property business is one of the major strengths of Keppel Land. Since the company focuses on different areas of property business, it can take advantages of economies of scale and thus spread risk factors effectively. It is obvious that many areas of property business have seasonal demand variations, and this situation adversely affects firms that deal with limited number of property business segments. Therefore, diversified property business assists Keppel to keep its market position stable regardless of seasonal market fluctuations. Substantial asset portfolio is another notable strength of the organization. This strength adds to the firm’s market reputation and aids Keppel to easily capture investor attention. In addition, an improved asset portfolio benefits the organization to easily raise funds in times of needs. Finally, Keppel’s strong operational performance can also be considered as its potential strength. On the strength of better operational per formance, the firm can trim down its operating expenses to some extent. Furthermore, strong operational performance contributes to the organization’s good will. Increasing debt appears to be the major weakness of Keppel Land. The company largely uses debt financing approach to promote its expansion operations and this method adds to the firm’s net debts. Although debt financing is a potential approach to enhance an organization’s growth, over debt levels may threaten the firm’s long term sustainability.

Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Leadership - Essay Example Eisenhower and President John F. Kennedy. There are a couple different styles of leadership that a leader can use. President Eisenhower was a transactional leader, in that his style of leadership was systematic and was based on the idea of rewards and punishments associated with making decisions. This comes with the fact that he had a military background, which provided him the experience and knowledge base for him to exercise his leadership authority. Many of his actions were the result of defense and competition with the Soviets as his term of presidency was during the period where the United States was operating under the containment policy of trying to prevent the spread of Communism into the democratic sphere. Thus these programs, such as the development of nuclear weapons as well as the start to the NASA program served their purpose as showing the United States’ raw power. As a result, a majority of the way in which he dictated policy both in the United States and as in foreign policy was always based on that of defense and military authority (â€Å"Dwight D. Eisenhower†, 2011). President John F. Kennedy was an enthusiastic, young leader that was more inexperienced than his predecessor President Eisenhower. He also was a soldier who served as an officer in the Untied States Navy.

Sustainability Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Sustainability - Dissertation Example As the Comhar Sustainable Development Council (2011) in Ireland wrote about the history of the transitional cities movement: â€Å"The movement originates from a student project overseen by permaculture teacher Rob Hopkins at the Kinsale Further Education College in Ireland. The project involved writing an Energy Descent Action Plan, which looked at creative adaptations in the realms of energy production, health, education, economy and agriculture as a road map to a sustainable future for the town. The term Transition Town was coined by Louise Rooney and Catherine Dunne, two of Rob Hopkins students, who set about developing the Transition Towns concept presented it to Kinsale Town Council, resulting in the historic decision by Councillors to adopt the plan and work towards energy independence. Following its start in Kinsale, it then spread to Totnes, England where Rob Hopkins and Naresh Giangrande developed the concept. The movement currently has thousands of member communities worl dwide.† (Comhar SDC, 2011) The expansion of transitional towns programs around the world can have a major impact on the economy and particularly industry, real estate, and technology. The transitional towns movement creates new jobs in ‘green’ industries such as solar, hydrogen power, fuel cell technologies, hydropower, wind, geothermal, and tidal technologies for energy generation alternatives over oil based products. The focus on sustainability for communities in environmental harmony and balanced development in Permaculture and the transitional towns movement places a focus on the transformation of the home environment to incorporate new technologies that reduce the dependency of the local economy on fossil fuels and petroleum products. The additional focuses are in transportation, industry, and agriculture, implementing the best of environmental science and alternative energy research into already established businesses and organizations. From this process, th e movement takes its name of transitional towns which connotes the technological and ideological changes behind the organization. â€Å"As of October 2010 there are 321 ‘transition initiatives’ in Europe, mainly in England, as well as 8 in North America and 3 in Australia.† (Baez, 2010) While the small nature of the movement may make it seem isolated and lacking broader support or acknowledgement in the society at large, the rapidly expanding emergence of the transitional towns networks and interrelationship with other environmental organizations points to the impact that this movement can have on the local and international economy. The transitional towns movement can support the development of ‘green’ technologies such as hydropower, wind, solar, fuel cells, hydrogen, geothermal, and tidal energy sources in order to move communities away from economic and cultural development patterns that are environmentally destructive. For real estate developers and home owners, this means the integration of new sustainable energy technologies into the home environment, and from this comes many opportunity for new business and products. For example,