Management Step-by-Step Basics Every ICT Student Must Know

Management Step-by-Step Basics Every ICT Student Must Know

• Current economic and social development has resulted great number of businesses that fulfill expanding human needs and wants.
• These businesses operate with an expectation of achieving specific objective while satisfying human needs and wants.
• There is large number of businesses but all the businesses are not operated successfully. Same time some of the businesses are closed.
• The success/Failure of a business depends on the extent to which businesses achieve its objective.
• If a business is to achieve its expected objective it has to use its resources productively.
• In general the nature of the resources that they are limited compared to the unlimited to the human wants.
• The resources such as labour, raw material, cash and machine are resources of the business (own by the business).
• Business should have the ability to utilize such resources to obtain maximum benefits while minimizing the waste. It means that a business should aim at obtaining a higher level of output with the limited resources. This objective is achieved through management.
• Management is the process of planning, organizing, leading, controlling the resources own by the business in order to achieve objective of a business efficiently and effectively. Effectiveness means using resources to obtain maximum output from the minimum resources.

Management Process

Management is a continuous process, consist of four main process/ management functions.

• Planning
• Organising
• Leading
• Controlling

Planning

It is a process of determining the objectives of the business and determining the activities to achieve the objectives.

Ex:
Objective: A Business constructing and selling houses plans to earn profit by selling quality houses to its consumers.

Activities:
Determining how the construction and selling will be carried out.
Determining required employees and resources.
Determining how to obtain the required resources?

Organizing

Organizing is the process of distributing required resources, job roles, tasks in order to implement the planned activities to achieve the objective of the business.

Ex:
Appointing managers to sales activity of the business.
Allocating employees & resources for each manager.

Leading

Leading is the process of directing human resources appropriately when implementing the planned process. They should be led by giving information and instruction and motivating them to do the relevant activity.

Controlling

Controlling is the process of finding out whether the business activities are implemented as planned, if not identify the errors and taking necessary measures to correct them.

How ICT Supports Management Functions

Planning

• ICT helps managers plan effectively by providing accurate and timely information.
• Data analysis tools (Excel, BI software) help forecast sales and trends
• Management Information Systems (MIS) support decision-making
• Project management software helps set goals, schedules, and budgets
Result: Better plans with minimum risk and maximum utilization of resources

Organizing

• ICT supports efficient organization of resources and tasks.
• Databases store employee, customer, and resource information
• ERP systems integrate departments (HR, Finance, Operations)
• Cloud platforms allow easy sharing of files and responsibilities Result: Smooth coordination and proper allocation of resources

Leading

• ICT improves communication, motivation, and leadership.
• Email, messaging apps, and video conferencing improve communication
• Learning Management Systems (LMS) support training and skill development
• Performance tracking systems help motivate employees Result: Strong leadership and motivated workforce

Controlling

• ICT helps managers monitor and control activities.
• Real-time reports and dashboards track performance
• Accounting and inventory systems control costs and resources
• Automated alerts identify errors and deviations quickly Result: Effective control and achievement of business goals

Management Hierarchy

Levels of management/hierarchy in an organization that defines authority, responsibility, and decision-making scope. 

Strategic Management(Top-Level Management)

Focuses on long-term goals and overall direction of an organization. It involves planning, implementing, and evaluating strategies to achieve objectives. People/positions in this level are: CEO, Managing Director, Board of Directors. They focus on Strategic planning, corporate vision, and major decisions.
Examples:

• A tech company deciding to expand into AI research over the next 5 years.
• A smartphone company decides to enter the electric vehicle market in the next 5 years.
• A large retail chain plans to acquire a smaller competitor to increase market share.
• A clothing brand develops a plan to enter European and Asian markets over the next 3–5 years.
• A pharmaceutical company invests heavily in developing a new drug pipeline for the next decade.
• A company decides to become carbon-neutral by 2030.
• A bank implements blockchain technology to streamline transactions and reduce fraud.

Tactical Management(Middle-Level Management)

Deals with short-term actions and plans to implement strategies. It translates strategic plans into actionable tasks. People/Positions in this lelel are Department Heads, Regional Managers, Branch Managers. They mainly focus on Tactical planning, resource allocation, and departmental coordination.
Examples:

• The marketing team creating a 6-month campaign to increase brand awareness as part of a long-term growth strategy.
• A company launches a 3-month social media campaign to boost sales of a new product.
• A restaurant manager prepares weekly staff schedules to ensure smooth operations.
• A retail store orders extra stock before a festival season based on predicted customer demand.
• HR organizes a one-week workshop to improve customer service skills.
• A store offers a 10% discount for a limited time to increase quarterly revenue.
• A software team sets a 2-week sprint to complete a feature for an app.

Operational Management(Lower-Level Management)

Focuses on day-to-day operations and processes to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. People/positions in this level are Supervisors, Foremen, Team Leaders, Section Heads. They maily focus Operational planning, task execution, and immediate problem-solving.
Examples:

• A restaurant manager scheduling staff, managing inventory, and overseeing daily customer service.
• A factory supervisor monitors the assembly line to ensure machines and workers meet daily production targets.
• A call center manager tracks daily customer complaints, resolves issues, and ensures service standards are met.
• A warehouse manager checks stock levels every day and restocks items to prevent shortages.
• A hotel manager schedules daily cleaning, equipment checks, and maintenance tasks.
• A restaurant manager assigns daily duties to chefs, waiters, and cleaners to maintain service quality.
• A shop owner records daily sales, expenses, and deposits cash in the bank.

Style of Management

Autocratic Management Style

Manager takes decisions alone with little or no employee involvement.
This managemet style is suitable when Quick decisions are needed.
Example: A factory manager strictly instructs workers on how tasks must be done.

Democratic (Participative) Management Style

Manager encourages employee participation in decision-making.
This managemet style is suitable whenTeam creativity and motivation are important.
Example: A school principal discusses plans with teachers before implementing changes.

Laissez-Faire Management Style

Manager gives employees freedom to make decisions and work independently.
This managemet style is suitable when Employees are skilled and self-motivated.
Example: An IT manager allows developers to choose their own methods to complete projects.

Paternalistic Management Style

Manager acts like a guardian, taking care of employee welfare while making decisions.
This managemet style is suitable when Employees expect guidance and support.
Example: A family-owned business providing benefits and job security to workers.

Bureaucratic Management Style

Management follows strict rules, procedures, and hierarchy.
This managemet style is suitable when Accuracy, safety, and consistency are critical.
Example: Government offices following formal procedures for approvals.