Chapter 7

1.      What is management? 

Management is a process designed to achieve an organization’s objectives by using its resources effectively and efficiently in a changing environment.

2.      Describe the major functions of management. 

The major functions of management are planning (activities to achieve the organization’s objectives), organizing (resources and activities to achieve the organization’s objectives), staffing (the organization with qualified people), directing (employees’ activities toward achievement of objectives) and controlling (the organization’s activities to keep it on course).

3.      How do top managers differ from first-line managers?

Top line managers include the president and other top executives, such as the CEO, CFO or COO who have overall responsibility for the organization.  First-line managers are those who supervise workers and the daily operations of the organization; responsible for implementing the plans established by middle management and directing workers’ daily performance on the job. 

4.      What are some of the skills needed by managers? 

Skills needed by managers are leadership, technical expertise, conceptual skills, analytical skills and human relation skills.

5.      What is the systematic six step approach that leads to more effective decision making? 

The systematic six step approach is recognizing and defining the decision situation, developing options, analyzing options, selecting the best option, implementing the decision and monitoring the consequences.