FOUNDATIONS OF MANAGEMENT

FOUNDATIONS OF MANAGEMENT

Objective: This course presents a thorough and systematic coverage of management
theory and practice. The course aims at providing fundamental knowledge and
exposure of the concepts, theories and practices in the field of management. It focuses
on the basic roles, skills and functions of management, with special attention to
managerial responsibility for effective and efficient achievement of goals.
Unit I
Introduction: Definition, nature, scope, importance, Functions of management and
manager, Managerial roles and skills.
Evolution of management thought and Management thinkers: Classical Approach,
Neo Classical Approach, Quantitative approach, Behavioral approach, Systems
approach, Contingency approach. Contributions of F. W. Taylor, Henry Fayol, Mary
Parker Follet, Chester Bernard, Max Weber, Peter, F. Drucker, Gilbreths, Henry Gantt,
Abraham Maslow, Herzberg and McGregor.
Unit II
Planning: Importance, types of plans, and process of planning, business forecasting,
MBO: Concept, importance, process, benefits and limitations.
Strategic management: Nature, importance, purpose, types, process and major kinds
of strategies, McKinsey's 7-S Approach.
Decision-Making: Importance, types, steps and approaches, Decision Making in
various conditions, Decision tree.
Unit III
Organizing: Concept and process of organizing, Formal Vs Informal organization,
Organizational structure: Types of Organizational structure, Bases of
Departmentalization. Line &Staff: concept, line-staff conflict.
Authority & Power: concept, responsibility and accountability. Delegation: concept,
importance, factors affecting delegation, effective delegation, Span of Management,
Decentralization and centralization, Staffing, importance and process. Coordination:
Concept, importance, difficulties and techniques to ensure effective coordination.
Unit IV
Control: Concept, importance, characteristics, process of control, types and techniques
of control.
Comparative study: Japanese Management and Z-culture of American Companies,
Chinese Style Management,
Modern management techniques: an overview of various latest techniques: Business
process Re-engineering, Business outsourcing, knowledge management, E-Business
Management.
Note: Relevant Case Studies should be discussed in class.