Management Case

1. Briefly describe the four management functions.

a. Planning: This function is vital; without it, the other functions are nonexistent. The planning process consists of defining goals, establishing which strategy is appropriate, and developing incremental plans to coordinate activities to reach the primary goal. Generally, this function is carried out by top management. However, middle managers can also plan according to the unit they are overseeing.

Example: Preparing for the grand opening of a Tim Hortons franchise:

o Which location?

o Who are the competitors?

o Adopt the Tim Hortons organizational climate and culture.

b. Organizing: This function helps determine which tasks to partake in, who will take on which activities, how it will be completed and determine the lines of communication (mentioned in the book as an authority relationship, pg. 8).

o Hire employees (the recruitment and selection process)

o The placement of the various beverage machines to allow maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

c. Leading: Working with and through people to achieve the organizational goals. This includes but limited to motivating coworkers, direct the work of individuals or teams, ensure the communication channel chosen is effective and resolve any issues that may occur.

o Incentive programs

o Human Rights and Employment Equity Act

o Job Titles and Job Descriptions

d. Controlling: Once all the other 3 functions are established, the controlling function should occur. This function consists of making sure that the plan is on the right path; this is also involves monitoring and evaluating the performance of the individuals who are partake in accomplishing the organizational goal. However, if things do not go as planned, then manager or the like must get the performance back on track before any or further damage is done. Precisely, this function entails monitoring, comparing and correcting if necessary.

a) Are drive-thru orders serviced with targeted time frame?

 If yes, continue to motivate the employees

 If no, collectively come up with ways to meet the target (get everyone involved)

It was introduced by Henri Fayol who proposed there were 5 functions: planning, organizing, commanding, coordinating, and controlling. However, the textbook is organized by four functions (mentioned above). The function is not limited to managers, it can apply to students, teams and/ groups and etc... The functions are significant to everyone. Collectively, these functions help individuals to implement efficiency and effectiveness.

2. Briefly list and describe the skills required by managers.

The 3 management skills that Robert L. Katz founded were:

a) Technical Skills: knowledge of or proficiency in a given field. Examples: Computer engineering, Accounting, Marketing. However, it does not hurt to have a general understanding