UNIT I STUDY GUIDE Management in Today’s Environment Course Learning Outcomes for Unit I Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to: 9. Define the five components of management: planning, organization, staffing, directing, and control. 10. Apply managerial skills, principles, and decision-making strategies to the implementation of business best practices. Reading Assignment In order to access the following resource(s), click the link(s) below: Balogh, J., & Logman, J. (2008). 7 actions for simplifying the planning cycle. Financial Executive, 24(2), 49-52. Retrieved from https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direc t=true&db=bth&AN=31214899&site=ehost-live&scope=site Bond, S. D., Carlson, K. A., & Keeney, R. L. (2008). Generating objectives: Can decision makers articulate what they want? Management Science, 54(1), 56+. Retrieved from http://link.galegroup.com.libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/apps/doc/A182605176/ITBC?u=oran 95108&sid=ITBC&xid=509effc2 Zhu, Y. (2014). The mediating effects of managerial skills on the relationship between managerial values, ethical leadership, and organizational reputation. Journal of Asia-Pacific Business, 15(4), 335–359. Retrieved from https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direc t=true&db=bsu&AN=99462817&site=ehost-live&scope=site Unit Lesson YouTube Video for Unit I Click here to view the video for Unit I (1m 36s). Click here to access a PDF of the video transcript. What is management? Authors and professionals in business and professions who use management do not exactly agree. Not only have they not agreed in the 110 or so years that management ideas have been published, but also in the thousands of years management has been practiced! Most experts, however, agree BBA 3602, Principles of Management 1 that the word management means orchestration of people, an organization, and resources to GUIDE get work UNIT x STUDY accomplished (Rao & Pande, 2010). Title Discussion of managerial orchestration, tasks, and skills can temporarily set aside leadership considerations. Contrary to some myths, though, truly effective and constructive management entails substantive leadership abilities and effort (Rao & Pande, 2010). Certainly, there are popular (and often outdated) images of the manager as a cigar-chomping, cross, get-me-results-or-else business executive, but research shows that good managers inspire us to follow them instead of managing by intimidation. There are various ways to look at management. Here in Unit I, we will focus on the components of planning, organization, staffing, directing, and controlling as groundwork for our subsequent units. ? ? ? ? ? Planning is deciding what to do, when to do it, how to do it, and who will do it to perform a specific job or achieve a certain goal (Rao & Pande, 2010). Planning follows a system, including even simple ones you keep in your head, such as for household tasks. It is based on gathered information; it lays out alternatives so the most promising can be selected as the planning decision, and it is flexible so planning can continue when inevitable issues crop up and plans must change. Organization combines people and object resources and times their application (synchronizes them) so the task will succeed as indicated in planning. Organization can be formal and firm once set (establishing departments in a business) or flexible and fast-paced (organizing a holiday party). What becomes obvious is that whoever is responsible for organizing also needs authority to organize, or the result will be frustration and stalemate for all involved. Staffing entails leadership, as do the other components, and includes managing personnel. Staffing involves assigning people to create organizational effectiveness, developing them in their roles, and appraising how they are doing. Managing people means caring for them and seeing to their welfare in a professional setting. Caring is a leadership function. Staffing may seem like nothing more than assigning a person to a duty or job, but, if performed effectively, staffing will carefully take into account that person’s desires, talents, prospects, and interpersonal ‘fit.’ Directing (or, as it is also called, supervising) is often more visible than other management components. A manager gives instructions and guidance, watches to understand the progress and results of efforts, and remains flexible enough to shift previous directions when conditions change. Leadership is visibly exercised in directing, as the art of leadership includes how to give direction. Controlling means guiding the effort to compliance or matching previously set expectations. Controlling, like the other components, requires the manager to have the authority to control the effort and ensure the task is completed. If a manager cannot control it, then likely a higher-level managerial decision to delegate authority was ineffective (Rao & Pande, 2010). Management is considered executive level and is usually well compensated because it is thought to be more sophisticated and complicated than most jobs. Any way you look at the parts of management, their occurrence is rarely simple. If we view them as functions or roles, then we see in actual examples that these functions or roles are being performed at the same time; if we view these components as phases, then different phases for different efforts are occurring at the same time. All managers need a combination of instruction on principles and basics, specific training, self-reflection on how they want to manage, and experience. In these eight units, we will work on the first-mentioned education piece of managerial preparation. Sailors assigned to Naval Station Ingleside, Texas, work together to organize relief supplies for survivors of Hurricane Katrina at a Salvation Army drop-off point. A good wrap-up to this overview of managerial components is the practice of decision-making strategies. A manager can make a decision suddenly or instinctively, but unless the issue being decided is simple or completely within the realm of the manager’s knowledge, rapid decisions can be ineffective and costly. (Antoine, 2005) BBA 3602, Principles of Management 2 Not every decision fitsx into a deliberate UNIT STUDY GUIDE process. Indeed, an attribute of good leadership Title is to know when there has been enough consideration applied and when the effort needs a decision, even an imperfect one, to proceed to success. People feel inspired when decisions are made clearly and quickly and when it seems apparent that a manager has made the decision that best fits the issue. However, managers will still need to make decisions in complicated situations or when there will be major consequences to resources or resulting events. Quarter Master 1st Class Andrew Lowe instructs a group of chief petty officer selects on a navigation, ship handling, and seamanship trainer at Afloat Training Group Middle Pacific. Scholars, successful business executives, and government officers (especially military leaders) (Cutright, 2008) have published certain methodologies that are useful as decision-making strategies for the manager. Most of them feature the following (with some variation): 1. Recognize what the actual problem or issue is. To do so, deliberate carefully and avoid emotions stemming from a sense of urgency or other stresses. 2. Gather relevant facts about the problem, making sure that no detail is missed. 3. Think of alternatives or choices. To be fair, consider as many possibilities as can be handled in the time available. 4. Compare alternatives fairly, avoiding bias. Assign values to advantages and disadvantages to provide a rational weighting of options. 5. Choose the best alternative for the organization you manage. Decide what to do based on that choice (Bond, 2008). As we have explored, management involves leading, organizing, and controlling as well as familiarity with roles, functions, and components. In Unit I we considered the components of planning, organization, staffing, directing, and controlling, and we reflected on what must be done to be effective with each one. We also explored the manager as decision-maker. We have all made quick decisions, but when decisions entail costs and other consequences, we need a process that helps us make the best decision with the information available at the time. Practitioners and scholars have developed decision-making processes for managers to use, and we reviewed one typical version. Most importantly, take away this fact: You can manage! References Antoine, M. (2005). US Navy 050902-N-2006A-001 Sailors assigned to Naval Station Ingleside, Texas work together to organize relief supplies for survivors of Hurricane Katrina at a Salvation Army drop-off point [Image]. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US_Navy_050902-N-2006A001_Sailors_assigned_to_Naval_Station_Ingleside,_Texas_work_together_to_organize_relief_suppli es_for_survivors_of_Hurricane_Katrina_at_a_Salvation_Army_drop-off_point.jpg Bond, S. D., Carlson, K. A., & Keeney, R. L. (2008). Generating objectives: Can decision makers articulate what they want? Management Science, 54(1), 56+. Retrieved from http://link.galegroup.com.libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/apps/doc/A182605176/ITBC?u=oran 95108&sid=ITBC&xid=509effc2 BBA 3602, Principles of Management 3 Cutright, E. (2008). US Navy 080826-N-0995C-007 Quarter Master 1st Class UNIT Andrew Lowe instructs x STUDY GUIDE a group of chief petty officer selects on a navigation, ship handling, and seamanship Title trainer at Afloat Training Group Middle Pacific [Image]. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US_Navy_080826-N0995C007_Quarter_Master_1st_Class_Andrew_Lowe_instructs_a_group_of_chief_petty_officer_selects_on _a_navigation,_ship_handling,_and_seamanship_trainer_at_Afloat_Training_Group_Middle_Pacific.j pg Rao, P. S., & Pande, H. S. (2010). Principles and practice of management (Rev. ed.). Mumbai, India: Himalaya. Suggested Reading In order to access the following resource(s), click the link(s) below: Please read Chapter 1, Section 1.5 to learn more about best practices tied to management. Liu, Y., & DeFrank, R. (2013). Self-interest and knowledge-sharing intentions: the impacts of transformational leadership climate and HR practices. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 24(6), 1151–1164. Retrieved from https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direc t=true&db=bsu&AN=85750169&site=ehost-live&scope=site BBA 3602, Principles of Management 4 Purchase answer to see full attachment

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.