Management is considered to be both an art and science. Explain.
Management is considered to be both an art and a science because it fulfills the criteria of both an art as well as a science.
Following are the features of management as an art and as a science:
Management as an Art: Management fulfills the following criteria for it to be called as an art.
Existence of Theoretical knowledge: All art forms presupposes the existence of certain the practical knowledge. Similarly, in management also there is a lot of literature available in various areas of management.
Personalised application: Art is concerned with personal application of knowledge. And the use of basic knowledge will vary from individual to individual. For example, two singers, two dancers or two actors will always differ in demonstrating their art. Similarly, A manager applies the scientific method and body of knowledge to a given situation or a problem in his own unique manner. A good manager works with a combination of practice, creativity, imagination initiative and innovation.
Based on Practice and Creativity: All art involves the creative practice of theoretical knowledge. For example music, we all know that there are seven notes in a musician but the musician uses these notes with his own creativity to make the music different. Similarly in management a manager applies his knowledge as per his own creativity and sometimes gives his own theories for use in a particular situation.
Management as a Science: Management fulfills the following criteria for it to be called science.
Systematised body of knowledge: Science is a systematic body of knowledge. The principles of science are based on a course and effect relationship. Similarly in management it is also a systematised body of knowledge, and it has its own theory and principles that developed over a period of time. Communication management has its own vocabulary.
Principles based on Experimentation: The scientific principles are first developed through observation and then tested by experiments. Similarly the principle of management evolved over a period of time on the bases of observation and experiments. The management deals with human beings and human behaviour therefore the outcomes of the experiments are not accurate. That's why management can be called an inexact science. Despite this the management scholars have been able to identify the general principles of management
Universal validity: Scientific principles have universal validity and application. Similarly in management the principles are also valid but their application and use is not universal. Because the principles of management are not as exact as the principles of science. However, they have to be modified according to the situation. These principles are used for training and development of managers.
Why is management considered to be a multi-dimensional concept?
Indian Railways has launched a new broad gauge solar power train which is going to be a path breaking leap towards making trains greener and more environment friendly. The solar power DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit) has 6 trailer coaches and is expected to save about 21,000 liters of diesel and ensure a cost saving of Rs 12, 00,000 per year. Name the objectives of management achieved by Indian Railways in the above case.
Management is a series of continuous interrelated functions. Comment.
Ashita and Lakshita are employees working in Dazzling enterprises dealing in costume jewellery. The firm secured an urgent order for 1,000 bracelets that were to be delivered within 4 days. They were assigned the responsibility of producing 500 bracelets each at a cost of Rs 100 per bracelet. Ashita was able to produce the required number within the stipulated time at the cost of Rs 55,000 whereas, Lakshita was able to produce only 450 units at a cost of Rs 90 per unit. State whether Ashita and Lakshita are efficient and effective. Give reasons to justify your answer.
List any two indicators of growth of an organisation.
Company X is facing a lot of problems these days. It manufactures white goods like washing machines, microwave ovens, refrigerators and air conditioners. The company’s margins are under pressure and the profits and market share are declining. The production department blames marketing for not meeting sales targets and marketing blames production department for producing goods, which are not of good quality meeting customers’ expectations. The finance department blames both production and marketing for declining return on investment and bad marketing. State the quality of management that the company is lacking? What quality of management do you think the company is lacking? Explain briefly. What steps should the company management take to bring the company back on track?
Coordination is the essence of management. Do you agree? Give reasons.
A company wants to modify its existing product in the market due to decreasing sales. You can imagine any product about which you are familiar. What decisions/steps should each level of management take to give effect to this decision?
A firm plans in advance and has a sound organisation structure with efficient supervisory staff and control system but on several occasion it finds that plans are not being adhered to. It leads to confusion and duplication of work. Advise remedy.
Ritu is the manager of the northern division of a large corporate house. At what level does she work in the organisation? What are her basic functions?
How does planning provide direction?
What is meant by staffing?
Identify the network of social relationships which arises spontaneously due to interaction at work.
What is informal communication?
State the meaning of controlling.
What is meant by capital structure?v
What is a Treasury Bill?
State any two advantages of branding to marketers of goods and services?
What makes principles of management flexible?
Under which consumer right does a business firm set up consumer grievance cell?
State the impact of demonetization on interest rates, private wealth and real estate.
Describe the steps involved in developing a marketing strategy.
A production manager at top level in a reputed corporate, Mr. Rathore holds the responsibility for ordering raw material for the firm. While deciding on the supplier for the financial year 2017-18, he gave the order to his cousin at a higher price per unit instead of the firm’s usual supplier who was willing to lower the rates for the order. Which principle of management was violated by Mr. Rathore? What are the positive impacts of following the above identified principle?
What is the marketing concept?
Explain the elements of communication in directing.
Krishna Furnishers Mart started its operations in the year 1954 and emerged as the market leader in the industry because of their original designs and efficiency in operations. They had a steady demand for their products but over the years, they found their market share declining because of new entrants in the field. The firm decided to review their operations and decided that in order to meet the competition, they need to study and analyze the market trends and then design and develop their products accordingly. List any two impacts of changes in business environment on Krishna Furnishers Mart’s operations. (Hint: increase in competition and Market orientation).
Discuss Maslow’s Need Hierarchy theory of motivation.
Explain the objectives and functions of the SEBI.
‘Bhasin’ limited was engaged in the business of food processing and selling its products under a popular brand. Lately the business was expanding due to good quality and reasonable prices. Also with more people working the market for processed food was increasing. New players were also coming to cash in on the new trend. In order to keep its market share in the short run the company directed its existing workforce to work overtime. But this resulted in many problems. Due to increased pressure of work the efficiency of the workers declined. Sometimes the subordinates had to work for more than one superior resulting in declining efficiency. The divisions that were previously working on one product were also made to work on two or more products. This resulted in a lot of overlapping and wastage. The workers were becoming indisciplined. The spirit of teamwork, which had characterized the company, previously was beginning to wane. Workers were feeling cheated and initiative was declining. The quality of the products was beginning to decline and market share was on the verge of decrease. Actually the company had implemented changes without creating the required infrastructure.
a. Identify the Principles of Management (out of 14 given by Henry Fayol) that were being violated by the company.
b. Explain these principles in brief.
c. What steps should the company management take in relation to the above principles to restore the company to its past glory?
What are the methods of recruitment?