Chapter 11 Management Functions and Decision Making ©2008 Thomson/South-Western

Management Activities Planning — analyzing information and making decisions about what needs to be done Organizing — determining how plans can be accomplished most effectively and arranging resources to complete work Implementing — carrying out plans and helping employees work effectively Controlling — evaluating results to determine if company objectives have been accomplished Chapter 11 Management Functions and Decision Making

Chapter 11 Management Functions and Decision Making Levels of Management Supervisor — manager who directs the work of nonmanagement employees Mid-manager — manager who spends most of his/her time on one or two management functions such as planning or controlling Executive — top-level manager who spends almost all his/her time on management functions and decisions that affect the entire company Chapter 11 Management Functions and Decision Making

Time Spent on Management Functions Chapter 11 Management Functions and Decision Making

Responsibilities of Supervisors Communicate the goals and directions of management to employees. Explain employee concerns and ideas to management. Evaluate and improve employee performance. Encourage employees to do their best work. Use resources efficiently. Chapter 11 Management Functions and Decision Making

Managing Day-to-Day Activities Scheduling work Work schedules — identify tasks to be done, employees assigned to the work, and time frame for completion Communicating with employees Controlling quality Chapter 11 Management Functions and Decision Making

Improving Supervisory Skills Formal training programs provided by company Management classes outside the company Work coach — experienced manager who meets regularly with a new manager to provide feedback and advice Self-study — classes, meetings, professional associations Chapter 11 Management Functions and Decision Making

Using Management Information Management information systems Business research Marketing Product development Human resources Financial Chapter 11 Management Functions and Decision Making

Steps in Problem Solving Identify the problem. List possible solutions. a. Collaborate with others with experience. Analyze the solutions. Select the best solution. Evaluate the results, and if working – continue, and if not working – go back to Step 1. Chapter 11 Management Functions and Decision Making