PRINCIPLES & PRACTICES OF MANAGEMENT (PPM) Question 1.

(a)Describe the functions of a manager as applicable to an Industry, also amplifycoordination as a task of the manager. Answer 1. (a)The Functions of ManagersPlanningPlanning involves selecting missio ns and objectives and the actions to achievethem, it requires decision makin, th at is, choosing future courses of action fromamong alternatives. No real plan ex ists until a decision-a commitment of human or material resources or reputation has been made.OrganizingOrganizing involves establishing an intentional structur e of roles for people tofill in an organization. It is intentional in the sense of making sure that all the tasksnecessary to accomplish goals are assigned and, it is hoped, assigned to people whocan do them best.StaffingStaffing involves f illing and keeping filled the positions in the organizationstructure. This is do ne by identifying work- force requirements; inventorying the people available; a nd recruiting, selecting, placing, promoting, appraising, planningthe careers of , compensating, and training or otherwise developing both candidatesand current job holders so that tasks are accomplished effectively and efficiently.LeadingLe ading is influencing people so that they will contribute to organization andgrou p goals; it has to do predominantly with the interpersonal aspect of managing.Le ading involves motivation, leadership styles and approaches, and communication.C ontrollingControlling is measuring and correcting individuals and organizational performance to ensure that events conform to plans. It involves measuring perfo rmance against goals and plans, showing where deviations from standards exist,an d helping to correct them.1 CoordinationCoordination is the essence of manager ship, for it achieves harmony amongindividual efforts toward the accomplishment of group goals. Each of the m anagerialfunctions is an exercise contributing to coordination.Coordination as a task of the ManagerIndividual often interpret similar interests in different wa ys, and their effortstowards mutual goals do not automatically mesh with the eff orts of others. It thus becomes the central task of the manager to reconcile dif ferences in approach, timing,effort, or interest and to harmonize individual goa ls to contribute to organizationgoals.Coordination is the orderly synchronizatio n or fitting together of theinterdependent efforts of the interdependent efforts of individuals in order to attain acommon goal. Coordination is an essential pa rt of all the managerial functions of planning, organizing, leading and control ling.