ABSTRACT
This paper defines the four functions of management and the operations management
theory. It then provides an analysis of how the functions of management the operations
management.
THE FOUR FUNCTIONS OF MANAGEMENT
Planning: It is an act of formulating a program for a definitive course of action. The
management defines a goal and puts forward its strategies to accomplish the objectives
defined.
Organizing: To divide the work force into specific groups and giving each group a specific
task. Organizing also involves ensuring that a smooth flow of information and
co-ordination exists between these groups. Thus the basic aim of organizing is to simply
divide the work load and define the tasks while setting up deadlines in such a way that
although different groups do different things but they all work together with the help of
each other towards achieving the same goal which has been predefined.
Leading (Motivating): Leading or motivating is simply to influence the employee in such a
way that their output for the task given is most competent. This includes communication
with the work force, recognizing and dealing with the problems they might be facing and
also giving them good incentive to put in their best. Incentives can include best
performance awards. Further on leading also comprises of maintaining discipline within
the organization.
Controlling: This includes the analysis of the rate of achievement as compared to the
objectives defined. If the rate of achievement is less than the original objectives, then
specific measures are taken to make certain satisfactory results by increasing the efficiency
of the output by the work force. If the analysis shows a flaw in the original objectives, then
they are to be corrected.
OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT THEORY
Operations management deals with all the operations within an organization. Activities
that are included in operations management are quality control, logistics, evaluations,
managing purchases, inventory control, product design and production control.
Operations management is simply defined as The design, operation and improvement of
the internal and external systems, resources and technologies that create product and
service combinations in any type of organization. [Robert H. Lowson p.5]
It is important for an organization to concentrate in on the product. Releasing a product in
the market should be affordable and of a better quality than what other competitors are
offering. This is one of the main factors that would secure the sale of the product.
Primarily the organization should work towards designing a product that would have
demand in the market. Producing something that is already provided a large number of
