Overview of Management

ABSTRACT

i. Abstract.

ii. Primary functions of management.

iii. Responsibility for each function at Kudler Fine Foods.

iv. Uses of technology and the internet at Kudler Fine Foods.

v. How technology and internet affects its management.

vi. Example from Kudler illustrating each of the five forces from Porters

Model.

vii. Conclusion.

viii. References

ABSTRACT

Management is defined as the use of people and other resources to accomplish objectives. Management by necessity involves the creation of an environment in which people can use other resources to reach stated goals of the organization. It also involves the implementation of the functions of management--planning, organizing, leading and controlling. Management is a pervasive aspect of the operation of all organizations. According to Gomez-Mejia 2002, it defines management traditionally as referring to individuals responsible for making resource allocation decisions and with the formal authority to direct others. Any successful organization relies heavily on its’ management and the failure also on them, Therefore, management can be looked upon as a two sided coin that can lay on any side depending on where it lands upon when tossed. Care must be taken such that the side of predicted outcome could be gotten always.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS OF MANAGEMENT

Functions of management in today's rapidly changing competitive world, the human element of management is becoming more and more significant. A successful manager must have the knowledge and expertise of effective concepts as it relates to leading. Management is a function, a discipline, and constant action to be done. They are the professionals who practice this discipline, carry out the functions, and provide these tasks needed for effective running of the organization. According to Gomez-Mejia 2002, they are divided into four namely: Planning and Strategizing, Organizing, Leading and Controlling.

Planning and Strategizing is selecting priorities and results (goals, objectives, etc.) and how those results will achieved. Planning typically includes identifying goals, objectives, methods, resources needed to carry out methods, responsibilities and dates for completion of tasks. Examples of planning are strategic planning, business planning, project planning, staffing planning, advertising and promotions planning. Planning activities includes setting out organization objectives and mapping out how this can be accomplished. In Kudler foods, the planning is done by Kathy Kudler who can be looked upon as the strategic manager. The idea was to stock a wide selection of the freshest ingredients as well as all of the tools a gourmet cook could ever want under one roof so to prevent moving from one store to another for that which is needed and also to be done. Kudler foods had a mission statement and a vision as identified previously.

Organizing is allocating and configuring resources to accomplish the preferred goals and objectives establishing during the planning processes. According to Gomez-Mejia 2002, it defines organizing as involving specifying how the firm’s human, financial, physical, informational, and technical resources are arranged and coordinated to perform tasks to achieve desired goals. Organizing activities can be self, group or a committee depending on where you are functioning at that point in time. Organization in Kudler foods was evident, by the creation of various departments to address each need that was envisioned originally.

Leading is establishing direction and influencing people to follow that direction. According to Louis 2002, it is defined as energizing people to contribute their best individually and in cooperation with other people. Communication is crucial in this role,