Functions of Management
Andrew van Hemert
University of Phoenix
MGT/330
March 3, 2008
Functions of Management
There are four functions of management. There is Planning, Organizing, Leading, and controlling. Management is a living breathing element of a team, group, or business. Good management needs to be able to adapt to the changes that affect the four functions of management and be able to produce the most effective means to being efficient as possible.
Planning
Planning is the management function of setting the direction and systematically making decisions about the goals and tasks that an individual, group, team, or organization will achieve. Planning is the formal expression on management’s intent. (McNamara, 2008).
A plan defines the execution of strategic goals, methods, and resources needed to carry out the plan. (McNamara, 2008). In order to understand the plan we have to know and understand the strategy of the business. Strategy is the long term plan of action designed to achieve a particular goal. Strategy planning defines the tactical and operational planning of an organization. “To be fully effective, the organization's strategic, tactical, and operational goals and plans must be aligned—that is, they must be consistent, mutually supportive, and focused on achieving the common purpose and direction.” (Thomas S. Bateman, Scott A. Snell, 2007, p.18).
The basic planning process is a decision process which is similar to the decision making process. With planning there is the situational analysis where the goal, issue, or task is identified or conceived. Then the decision is made as to the appropriate action to accomplish the goals or task. After the goals are established the best appropriate plan is selected ...