Define each of the top three levels of management. Identify at least two examples of positions

 

 

Define each of the top three levels of management. Identify at least two examples of positions contained at each level. Discuss a manager's personal responsibilities at each level of management.

Develop a response that includes examples and evidence to support your ideas, and which clearly communicates the required message to your audience. Organize your response in a clear and logical manner as appropriate for the genre of writing. Use well-structured sentences, audience-appropriate language, and correct conventions of standard American English.

 

 

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writing model  

 

 

Levels of Management

Writing Performance:

Score Point 1

Writing Trait:

Commentary:

Focus & Meaning

There is inadequate or no focus and meaning provided in the response. The writer fails to establish a controlling idea or bottom line. Additionally, the writer demonstrates no understanding of the purpose of the task and provides no adaptation to the intended audience. The response satisfies no parts of the task. The response does not demonstrate an understanding of audience by including relevant details to make the ideas clear and convincing. ("The top three managements are: Top Manager, Middle Manager, and First Line Manger. The Top Managers include; CEO, CFO, COO, CIO, AND VP. Well the CEO has to do all of the big thinking in the company.")

Content & Development

There is inadequate or no content and development of ideas in the response. The writer fails to develop ideas, using no business concepts or terms. Details, business concepts, and terms are not used to explain and illustrate the evidence. Although the writer identifies some positions within the level of middle management, he/she does not describe the middle managers' responsibilities in professional terms. ("The Middle Managers incude; Regional Manager, Distric Manager, General Manager, and Plant Manager. Their responability is the make sure that everything runs perfect in the company.")

Organization

The writer provides inadequate or no organization of ideas. The writer demonstrates no evidence of structure. Additionally, there is no evidence of paragraphing or grouping of information, logical connections, and transitional devices. There is no evidence of paragraphing or grouping of information. The response does not include a conclusion that summarizes its main points. ("The top three managements are: Top Manager, Middle Manager, and First Line Manger. The Top Managers include; CEO, CFO, COO, CIO, AND VP. Well the CEO has to do all of the big thinking in the company. The Middle Managers incude; Regional Manager, Distric Manager, General Manager, and Plant Manager. Their responability is the make sure that everything runs perfect in the company. The First LIne Managers include; Office Manager, Shift supervisor, Department Manger, Shipping Manager, and Teaching and training Manager. Their responsability's include that everyone is doing what they need to be doing while at work. To make sure everyones schedule is good and to make sure that everyone stays happy.")

Language Use & Style

There is inadequate language use and style exhibited by the writer in the response. The writer demonstrates impersonal or unclear and incoherent language and word choice, no awareness of audience, and major errors in sentence structure and usage. The sentences are too informal and do not effectively communicate the purpose to the intended audience. ("Well the CEO has to do all of the big thinking in the company. ... Their responability is the make sure that everything runs perfect in the company. ... Their responsability's include that everyone is doing what they need to be doing while at work.")

Mechanics & Conventions

The writer's control of mechanics and conventions is inadequate in the response. Errors are so severe in punctuation, spelling and usage, grammar, and sentence structure that they significantly interfere with the communication of the message and undermine the authority of the writer. The response demonstrates inadequate use of punctuation (i.e., apostrophes, colons, commas, hyphens, italics, parentheses, periods, quotation marks, and semicolons). ("The top three managements are: Top Manager, Middle Manager, and First Line Manger. The Top Managers include; CEO, CFO, COO, CIO, AND VP.") The response demonstrates inconsistent use of capitalization and inadequate spelling. ("The First LIne Managers include; Office Manager, Shift supervisor, Department Manger, Shipping Manager, and Teaching and training Manager. Their responsability's include that everyone is doing what they need to be doing while at work.")

The top three managements are: Top Manager, Middle Manager, and First Line Manger. The Top Managers include; CEO, CFO, COO, CIO, AND VP. Well the CEO has to do all of the big thinking in the company. The Middle Managers incude; Regional Manager, Distric Manager, General Manager, and Plant Manager. Their responability is the make sure that everything runs perfect in the company. The First LIne Managers include; Office Manager, Shift supervisor, Department Manger, Shipping Manager, and Teaching and training Manager. Their responsability's include that everyone is doing what they need to be doing while at work. To make sure everyones schedule is good and to make sure that everyone stays happy.

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Writing Performance:

Score Point 2

Writing Trait:

Commentary:

Focus & Meaning

There is minimal focus and meaning provided in the response. The writer suggests a controlling idea or bottom line but demonstrates minimal understanding of the purpose of the task. The writer demonstrates more self-absorption than adaptation to the intended audience. In doing so, the writer completes few parts of the task. The response does not illustrate an understanding of audience by including sufficient relevant details to make the ideas clear and convincing. ("Middle managers make many important decisions which may include how effectively the company which gives them a net profit runs. Main focus of middle managers is to motivate employees to do focus work and concentrate on making the business they work for better. Middle manager provide good working environment.")

Content & Development

The content and the development of ideas in the response are minimal at best. The writer develops ideas incompletely and inadequately, using few business concepts and terms. There is minimal evidence that explains or supports the overall message. The writer touches on each level of management but does not develop the ideas adequately. ("The first line managers certain responsibilities that they have to fulfill to make the department or the area they work in better. Some of the major responsibilities first line manager have to do are , they have operate their department, assign work to people who work in their department , they inform the middle and the top managers with the concern a business is facing.")

Organization

There is minimal organization of ideas in the response. The writer demonstrates little evidence of structure. There is little use of paragraphing or grouping of information, logical connections, and transitional devices. The introduction includes little background information about the topic and moves directly into the supporting details. The writer does use transitions to indicate new information about the different levels of management, but the lack of paragraphing makes the response difficult to follow. ("Here are three kinds of manager's one top manager, two middle managers, and three first line managers. All the managers have responsibilities to make their company or firm successful. Top managers are the authority who runs the business and everybody else report to them. Top managers are the CEO, COO, CFO of the company who directs the middle managers and first line managers to get the job done. Top managers need the least amount of technical skills because they people who do all the technical work for them but they need to have all the other needs to perform their job better. Top managers are the leader, everybody follow them, they are the figure head and they have more responsibility out of all the managers. The second type of managers is middle managers, who are the general manager, regional, plant manager and divisional manager.")

Language Use & Style

The writer's use of language and style is minimal in the response. The writer demonstrates unprofessional language and word choice, with little awareness of the intended audience. The writer makes basic errors in sentence structure and usage. Some sentences in the response are awkwardly structured and do not effectively communicate the writer's intended message to the audience. ("Middle managers make many important decisions which may include how effectively the company which gives them a net profit runs. Main focus of middle managers is to motivate employees to do focus work and concentrate on making the business they work for better. ... The first line managers certain responsibilities that they have to fulfill to make the department or the area they work in better.")

Mechanics & Conventions

There is minimal control of mechanics and conventions in the response. There are patterns of errors in punctuation, spelling and usage, grammar, and sentence structure that substantially interfere with the communication of the message and undermine the authority of the writer. The response minimally demonstrates grammar (i.e., minimal use of subject-verb agreement, pronouns, parallel structure, and sentence structure, with frequent fragments and run-ons). ("Top managers are the authority who runs the business and everybody else report to them. Top managers are the CEO, COO, CFO of the company who directs the middle managers and first line managers to get the job done. Top managers need the least amount of technical skills because they people who do all the technical work for them but they need to have all the other needs to perform their job better. Top managers are the leader, everybody follow them, they are the figure head and they have more responsibility out of all the managers.")

Here are three kinds of manager's one top manager, two middle managers, and three first line managers. All the managers have responsibilities to make their company or firm successful. Top managers are the authority who runs the business and everybody else report to them. Top managers are the CEO, COO, CFO of the company who directs the middle managers and first line managers to get the job done. Top managers need the least amount of technical skills because they people who do all the technical work for them but they need to have all the other needs to perform their job better. Top managers are the leader, everybody follow them, they are the figure head and they have more responsibility out of all the managers. The second type of managers is middle managers, who are the general manager, regional, plant manager and divisional manager. They are called middle managers because they are above the first line managers and below the top managers. Middle managers make many important decisions which may include how effectively the company which gives them a net profit runs. Main focus of middle managers is to motivate employees to do focus work and concentrate on making the business they work for better. Middle manager provide good working environment. The third kinds of managers are the first line management. Some of the first line managers will be the office managers, department manager. The first line managers certain responsibilities that they have to fulfill to make the department or the area they work in better. Some of the major responsibilities first line manager have to do are , they have operate their department, assign work to people who work in their department , they inform the middle and the top managers with the concern a business is facing. All three kinds of management is important to run a business because all three managers have some kind of responsibility to fulfill to make the business up and running.

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Writing Performance:

Score Point 3

Writing Trait:

Commentary:

Focus & Meaning

There is limited focus and meaning provided in the response. The writer establishes a controlling idea or bottom line but demonstrates little understanding of the purpose of the task. The writer demonstrates self-absorption with little adaptation to the intended audience. Overall, the writer only completes some parts of the task. The response states a limited central/controlling idea or bottom line that does not clearly identify the purpose of the task. ("The people in any businesses or an organization that supports, oversees, and assures that the work determinations and performance activities of others are regulated are known as managers.") The response does not illustrate an understanding of audience by including relevant examples to make the ideas clear and convincing. Although the writer defines the general functions of a manager at each level, the examples are vague and do not describe the personal responsibilities of individuals in those positions. ("The first and highest level of management is known as the top managers. They are the ones that come up with the strategies, missions, and purposes on how the organization should run. Top managers focus on the long run of the organization, such as problems and opportunities. They are usually tactical thinkers that even under uncertain circumstances or pressure they are able to make practical decisions. In a typical business the chief executive officer, chief operating officer, and president would be in the top managers' category. They are the ones that make sure the world and the organization are connected. The top managers oversees that the organization is performing the best it can to meet short term goals as well as advancing in plans for long term goals.")

Content & Development

The writer provides limited content and development of ideas in the response. Ideas are developed briefly and inconsistently, using limited business concepts and terms. The content in the body paragraphs includes limited details that explain each paragraph's main idea. For example, the explanations and details used to describe the position of a bank manager do not adequately develop the concept of middle management. The response needs to include the duties of a bank manager and how they differ from other levels of management. ("The second level of management is known as the middle managers. These managers' work and report to the top managers while still helping the lower levels to progress. Middle managers are the ones to put the plans and strategies to action to achieve the goals or objectives of the organization. The middle managers consist of division managers, branch managers, and regional managers. For example, the manager of a bank, that manager is responsible that the whole branch is running accordingly and is meeting the goals that are set for each branch.")

Organization

The organization of ideas is limited in the response. The writer demonstrates evidence of structure, but the response lacks paragraphing or grouping of information, logical connections, and transitional devices. The response lacks a conclusion; the last paragraph is a body paragraph about middle management. The writer needs to include a conclusion that summarizes information about the levels of management in the business hierarchy. ("The third level of management is known as the first line managers. This category includes the team leaders, supervisors, and department heads. They report and work with the middle managers on implementing work purposes. They lead in smaller work groups that have non managerial workers. An example of this would be the team leader on the teller line at the bank. That team leader is responsible for the workers on the teller line, making sure the tellers are performing their duties.")

Language Use & Style

The use of language and style is limited in the response. The writer demonstrates less professional language and word choice, some awareness of audience, and control of voice. The writer relies on simple sentences with insufficient sentence variety and word choice. These elements combine to create a limited message that does not effectively communicate the purpose to the intended audience. The writer uses the word "they" to begin many sentences throughout the response, and the repetitive sentence structure does not effectively communicate the purpose to the intended audience. ("They are the ones that come up with the strategies, missions, and purposes on how the organization should run. Top managers focus on the long run of the organization, such as problems and opportunities. They are usually tactical thinkers that even under uncertain circumstances or pressure they are able to make practical decisions. In a typical business the chief executive officer, chief operating officer, and president would be in the top managers' category. They are the ones that make sure the world and the organization are connected.") The sentence structure used to begin each paragraph is repetitive as well, and it creates an unsophisticated tone in the response. ("The first and highest level of management is known as the top managers. ... The second level of management is known as the middle managers. ... The third level of management is known as the first line managers.")

Mechanics & Conventions

There is limited control of mechanics and conventions in the response. Several noticeable errors in punctuation, spelling and usage, and grammar and sentence structure may interfere with the communication of the message and undermine the authority of the writer. Although there are some errors, the response demonstrates generally correct grammar (i.e., adequate use of subject-verb agreement, pronouns, parallel structure, and sentence structure, with few fragments and run-ons) and punctuation. ("The top managers oversees that the organization is performing the best it can to meet short term goals as well as advancing in plans for long term goals. ... These managers' work and report to the top managers while still helping the lower levels to progress.")

The people in any businesses or an organization that supports, oversees, and assures that the work determinations and performance activities of others are regulated are known as managers. In organizations, the highest level consists of the board of directors or board of trustees. They are the affiliates voted by stockholders to represent their interests in the organization. Below that level are the top managers, who are responsible for how the whole organization performs and is running smoothly. Next are the middle managers who administer the work of departments or divisions in an organization. Last on the levels of managers are the first line managers and they are responsible for overseeing non managerial workers and report to middle managers. The first and highest level of management is known as the top managers. They are the ones that come up with the strategies, missions, and purposes on how the organization should run. Top managers focus on the long run of the organization, such as problems and opportunities. They are usually tactical thinkers that even under uncertain circumstances or pressure they are able to make practical decisions. In a typical business the chief executive officer, chief operating officer, and president would be in the top managers' category. They are the ones that make sure the world and the organization are connected. The top managers oversees that the organization is performing the best it can to meet short term goals as well as advancing in plans for long term goals. The second level of management is known as the middle managers. These managers' work and report to the top managers while still helping the lower levels to progress. Middle managers are the ones to put the plans and strategies to action to achieve the goals or objectives of the organization. The middle managers consist of division managers, branch managers, and regional managers. For example, the manager of a bank, that manager is responsible that the whole branch is running accordingly and is meeting the goals that are set for each branch. The third level of management is known as the first line managers. This category includes the team leaders, supervisors, and department heads. They report and work with the middle managers on implementing work purposes. They lead in smaller work groups that have non managerial workers. An example of this would be the team leader on the teller line at the bank. That team leader is responsible for the workers on the teller line, making sure the tellers are performing their duties.

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Writing Performance:

Score Point 4

Writing Trait:

Commentary:

Focus & Meaning

There is adequate focus and meaning in the response. The writer establishes a controlling idea or bottom line and demonstrates a basic understanding of the purpose of the task. Additionally, the writer adapts the message to the intended audience and completes many parts of the task. The writer demonstrates an adequate understanding of the purpose, conveying the particular tone necessary for the response. Additionally, the writer addresses all parts of the prompt task by identifying positions at each level of management and describing the responsibilities of managers with those titles. ("Management is the ability to get things done effectively and efficiently with and through individuals. There are 3 main types of managers in the business world. Top level managers, middle managers, and first line managers. All three of these levels have different responsibilities within a company to get things finished effectively and efficiently. Without management in a company there is a very good chance of confusion, which can inevitably affect the company in the long run.")

Content & Development

The response provides adequate content and development. The writer develops ideas adequately, using some business concepts and terms. The main ideas of the body paragraphs support the overall message. The body paragraphs are devoted to the top three levels of management in sequential order, and the writer provides details that illustrate responsibilities of an individual in a specific management position at each tier in the business hierarchy. ("The first level of management is the top level managers. They are most often the highest ranking individuals of the company. The most obvious positions of this level of management is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the President of the company. This level has to make sure the needs of the employees, investors, and customers are met. The managers at this level have to make sure they abide by any of the laws that are out there and make sure everything below them is running smoothly. Many believe this position can do whatever they feel like doing. This is correct in a way but they have to make sure they please the people and make sure the company is moving in the right direction. In order to make sure the company is moving in the right direction they set up the companies aim through goals and objectives that are sent down the ladder to the lower level managers. The main management function this level needs to know is planning and organizing. To even consider being this level of management you must have excellent decision making, and interpersonal skills. The top level managers have their eyes on the future and want to spread the messages down to lower level managers so that the entire company can have their sights on the same goals.")

Organization

The organization of ideas in the response is adequate as well. The writer demonstrates a generally unified structure while employing the use of some paragraphing or grouping of information, logical connections, and transitional devices. Logical connections and transitions between paragraphs are used adequately, but the writer should consider including transitions between sentences within the paragraphs to create a better flow of ideas. ("Lastly, first line managers are the lowest line of managers in a company. These managers are leading the non managerial workers every day. They supervise the line duties in the manufacturing part of the company. They are also very important for feedback from the workers on their satisfaction. The levels above this level can then review the information they get from workers, consider, and take neccasssary actions to better the employee happiness. Two positions that go with first line managers are office managers and head nurses.")

Language Use & Style

The writer exhibits adequate use of language and style in the response. The writer employs appropriate professional language and word choice, awareness of audience, and control of voice. The writer generally uses correct sentence structure with some variety. Language use and word choice are generally appropriate and professional in nature. The response includes some business terminology to describe the functions of management at each level. ("This level has to make sure the first line managers are doing there job efficiently and effectively. They also must satisfy the needs and wants of the top level managers. The ideas and goals top level managers make are carried out by this level of management and are spread up between individuals that seem best fit for the job. GM's make sure everyone in the company at this level and below this level understand their roles in the company. They make sure people get things done and get things done on time. The main management functions this level needs to know is an even combination of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. To get an opportunity at this level of management individuals must have a balance of technical, interpersonal, and decision making skills. Middle level managers have knowledge of what the top level managers want in the future and how they can achieve these goals through other levels within a company.")

Mechanics & Conventions

There is adequate control of mechanics and conventions in the response. Although there are some errors in punctuation, spelling and usage, grammar, and sentence structure, they do not significantly interfere with the communication of the writer's intended message. The response demonstrates generally correct grammar (i.e., adequate use of subject-verb agreement, pronouns, parallel structure, and sentence structure, with few fragments and run-ons), although the confusing structure of some sentences may interfere with the clarity of the writer's message. ("The main management function this level needs to know is planning and organizing. To even consider being this level of management you must have excellent decision making, and interpersonal skills. ... The main management functions this level needs to know is an even combination of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.")

Management is the ability to get things done effectively and efficiently with and through individuals. There are 3 main types of managers in the business world. Top level managers, middle managers, and first line managers. All three of these levels have different responsibilities within a company to get things finished effectively and efficiently. Without management in a company there is a very good chance of confusion, which can inevitably affect the company in the long run. The first level of management is the top level managers. They are most often the highest ranking individuals of the company. The most obvious positions of this level of management is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the President of the company. This level has to make sure the needs of the employees, investors, and customers are met. The managers at this level have to make sure they abide by any of the laws that are out there and make sure everything below them is running smoothly. Many believe this position can do whatever they feel like doing. This is correct in a way but they have to make sure they please the people and make sure the company is moving in the right direction. In order to make sure the company is moving in the right direction they set up the companies aim through goals and objectives that are sent down the ladder to the lower level managers. The main management function this level needs to know is planning and organizing. To even consider being this level of management you must have excellent decision making, and interpersonal skills. The top level managers have their eyes on the future and want to spread the messages down to lower level managers so that the entire company can have their sights on the same goals. Middle managers are exactly that. They are the middle men/women of top level managers and first line managers. These positions take orders from top level managers to get things down on their own with the aid of the people below them. Two positions that go with middle managers are general manger (GM) and department head. This level has to make sure the first line managers are doing there job efficiently and effectively. They also must satisfy the needs and wants of the top level managers. The ideas and goals top level managers make are carried out by this level of management and are spread up between individuals that seem best fit for the job. GM's make sure everyone in the company at this level and below this level understand their roles in the company. They make sure people get things done and get things done on time. The main management functions this level needs to know is an even combination of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. To get an opportunity at this level of management individuals must have a balance of technical, interpersonal, and decision making skills. Middle level managers have knowledge of what the top level managers want in the future and how they can achieve these goals through other levels within a company. Lastly, first line managers are the lowest line of managers in a company. These managers are leading the non managerial workers every day. They supervise the line duties in the manufacturing part of the company. They are also very important for feedback from the workers on their satisfaction. The levels above this level can then review the information they get from workers, consider, and take neccasssary actions to better the employee happiness. Two positions that go with first line managers are office managers and head nurses. Office managers are the individuals that supervise and organize the workers below them. Like every other level, they make sure everything is running smoothly. This level of management also has goals that must be reached at a certain time to keep things flowing. This level may be the lowest line of managers but they play a large part in the company's effectiveness, efficiency, and employee satisfaction. In the end, management is very important in the business world. They organize ideas and set goals that must be carried out from level to level. If there is a slip up somewhere in the line there are other individuals around that can pick up the mistake or make sure that person gets a grip on things and continues moving in the right direction. If a company can have mangers that display great effectiveness and efficiency then that company will progress as time moves on.

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Writing Performance:

Score Point 5

Writing Trait:

Commentary:

Focus & Meaning

There is good focus and meaning established in the response. The writer establishes and maintains a clear controlling idea or bottom line and demonstrates a general understanding of the purpose. The writer adapts the message to the audience and completes most parts of the task. The response focuses well on the controlling idea with details about the top three levels of management. The writer incorporates a description of a manager's role and responsibilities at each level in an organization, which contributes directly to the writer's main idea. ("The highest manager in the top level is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has a very important role in the company. They must meet the needs of employees, customers, investors, communities, and the law. Proctor and Gamble's former CEO, A.G. Lafley, says the job of top managers is to 'link the external world with the internal organization, make sure the voice of the consumer is heard, and shape values and standards'. Top managers have many aspects of the company to handle, which may explain why they are paid so well. They are the ones that keep the company running at optimal efficiency. The next in command is the Chief Operating Officer (COO), who has to be responsible for the daily operation of the company. They routinely report to the highest ranking executive, usually the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Operating Officer can also hold the title of President, which would make them second in command behind the CEO.")

Content & Development

The response provides good content and development of ideas. The writer develops ideas clearly, using business concepts and terms. Supporting details, including business concepts and terms, are used to develop the examples effectively. The writer discusses the responsibilities of various line-level managers and rounds out the paragraph with an example about a manager at a McDonald's restaurant. ("The line level of management consists of team leaders or supervisors, who are people in charge of a small work group composed of non managerial workers. Typical job titles at this level include department head, team leader, and supervisor. According to WileyPLUS, 'the leader of an auditing team is considered a first line manager as is the head of an academic department in a university'. Line managers are responsible for work that makes a direct contribution to the organization's outputs. Their most important job is to manage the employees working directly under them. The line managers perform employee evaluations, create schedules, and deal with problems that might develop. They also inspire employees to make changes happen. These changes are what the upper management of the organization wants to occur. A manager at McDonalds is a good example of a team leader. Team leaders are expected to do the same things the crew does, although technically, their job is to supervise. McDonalds managers will make sandwiches, cook meat and chicken, take orders at the front register or drive thru window, cook fries, and wash dishes, just as any member of their crew would. According to Sunnyglitter, 'Supervisors will mainly be counting drawers and preparing deposits, taking inventory, creating a weekly schedule for crew members and a monthly schedule for managers, handle customer complaints, paperwork, orientation, and training sessions for new employees'. Managers that work at fast food places and restaurants are not only bosses, but they are leaders that will get their hands dirty and help the employees when short staffed or help is needed on a full night.")

Organization

There is good organization of ideas in the response. The writer demonstrates a mostly unified structure and consistency in the use of paragraphing or grouping of information, logical connections, and transitional devices. Logical connections and transitions within paragraphs or between sentences are used well. ("The next level of managers are the middle managers. The middle managers are in charge of relatively large departments or divisions consisting of several smaller work units. Middle managers work with top level managers, coordinate with peers, and support lower levels to develop and pursue action plans that implement organizational strategies to accomplish key objectives. A dean of a university is a good example of a middle manager.")

Language Use & Style

There is good use of language and style in the response. The writer demonstrates appropriate professional language and word choice, with some evidence of voice and a clear sense of audience. Additionally, the use of well-structured and varied sentences adds to the effectiveness of the overall message. The writer uses a variety of sentence lengths and structures throughout the response, which makes the response more interesting for the readers. ("A dean is a person with significant authority over a specific academic unit, over a specific area of concern, or both. They have many responsibilities, including approving faculty hiring, setting academic policies, overseeing the budget, fundraising, and other administration. Such a dean is usually a tenured professor from one of the departments, but gives up many of their teaching and research activities upon assuming the deanship. Plant managers are another example of a middle manager. Their job is to oversee production and efficiency of employees to make sure the plant is running smoothly, efficiently, and safely. They are also the people who watch over and organize the daily operations of manufacturing plants and similar places.")

Mechanics & Conventions

The response exhibits good control of mechanics and conventions. There are a few errors in punctuation, spelling and usage, grammar, and sentence structure, but they do not interfere with the writer's intended message. The response demonstrates good use of punctuation (i.e., apostrophes, colons, commas, hyphens, italics, parentheses, periods, quotation marks, and semicolons). ("Proctor and Gamble's former CEO, A.G. Lafley, says the job of top managers is to 'link the external world with the internal organization, make sure the voice of the consumer is heard, and shape values and standards.'")

Levels of Management In the business world, there are three levels of upper management: the top level, the middle managers, and the team leaders. Each manager position holds a vital role in keeping the company running smoothly and up to date. The managers may be the top level of management, but any big changes or ideas have to go through the Board of Directors first. The Board of Directors oversees the performance of the company to make sure it is being run right. The highest ranking members of management are the top level managers. These members include the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Information Officer (CIO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), President, and Vice President. These top managers constitute an executive team that reports to the board and is responsible for the performance of an organization as a whole or for one of its larger parts. The top managers have large amounts of power, but they still have to answer to the Board of Directors. Each member of the Board of Directors is chosen by stockholders to represent their ownership interests when the big decisions of the company are being made. The highest manager in the top level is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has a very important role in the company. They must meet the needs of employees, customers, investors, communities, and the law. Proctor and Gamble's former CEO, A.G. Lafley, says the job of top managers is to "link the external world with the internal organization, make sure the voice of the consumer is heard, and shape values and standards." Top managers have many aspects of the company to handle, which may explain why they are paid so well. They are the ones that keep the company running at optimal efficiency. The next in command is the Chief Operating Officer (COO), who has to be responsible for the daily operation of the company. They routinely report to the highest ranking executive, usually the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Operating Officer can also hold the title of President, which would make them second in command behind the CEO. The next level of managers are the middle managers. The middle managers are in charge of relatively large departments or divisions consisting of several smaller work units. Middle managers work with top level managers, coordinate with peers, and support lower levels to develop and pursue action plans that implement organizational strategies to accomplish key objectives. A dean of a university is a good example of a middle manager. A dean is a person with significant authority over a specific academic unit, over a specific area of concern, or both. They have many responsibilities, including approving faculty hiring, setting academic policies, overseeing the budget, fundraising, and other administration. Such a dean is usually a tenured professor from one of the departments, but gives up many of their teaching and research activities upon assuming the deanship. Plant managers are another example of a middle manager. Their job is to oversee production and efficiency of employees to make sure the plant is running smoothly, efficiently, and safely. They are also the people who watch over and organize the daily operations of manufacturing plants and similar places. According to snagajob.com, "Plant managers might oversee an entire location, or just a section of the operation. Plant managers maintain optimum operation by assigning workers, creating and keeping work and production schedules, hiring and training new employees, collecting and looking through data to find places of waste or places of improvement, keep an eye on worker safety and plant safety, monitor the production equipment to make sure that it stays in good working order, and repair or replace the equipment when needed". Plant managers are important especially when it comes to keeping machines at optimal efficiency. The line level of management consists of team leaders or supervisors, who are people in charge of a small work group composed of non managerial workers. Typical job titles at this level include department head, team leader, and supervisor. According to WileyPLUS, "the leader of an auditing team is considered a first line manager as is the head of an academic department in a university". Line managers are responsible for work that makes a direct contribution to the organization's outputs. Their most important job is to manage the employees working directly under them. The line managers perform employee evaluations, create schedules, and deal with problems that might develop. They also inspire employees to make changes happen. These changes are what the upper management of the organization wants to occur. A manager at McDonalds is a good example of a team leader. Team leaders are expected to do the same things the crew does, although technically, their job is to supervise. McDonalds managers will make sandwiches, cook meat and chicken, take orders at the front register or drive thru window, cook fries, and wash dishes, just as any member of their crew would. According to Sunnyglitter, "Supervisors will mainly be counting drawers and preparing deposits, taking inventory, creating a weekly schedule for crew members and a monthly schedule for managers, handle customer complaints, paperwork, orientation, and training sessions for new employees". Managers that work at fast food places and restaurants are not only bosses, but they are leaders that will get their hands dirty and help the employees when short staffed or help is needed on a full night. There are many different labels for managers, such as top managers, middle managers, team leaders, supervisors, line managers, staff managers, and general managers. However, they all have the same purpose: trying to better the company and keep it running at full capacity. Some positions may be higher than others and the pay may be drastically different, but at the end of the day they are all striving for a successful company. "Everything You Want to Know About Being a McDonald's Manager." HubPages. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Sept. 2014. "Plant Manager Job Description." Snagajob. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Sept. 2014. "Schermerhorn Management" www.wiley.com/college/schermerhorn

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Writing Performance:

Score Point 6

Writing Trait:

Commentary:

Focus & Meaning

There is very effective focus and meaning in the response. The writer establishes and maintains an insightful controlling idea or bottom line and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the purpose of the task. Additionally, the writer clearly adapts the message to the intended audience and successfully completes all parts of the task. The writer clearly demonstrates a thorough understanding of the purpose of the task. All of the details included in the response relate to the central/controlling idea or bottom line very effectively, and the response does not include additional or nonessential information. The prompt task requires the writer to define levels of management, give examples of job titles, and explain managers' responsibilities at each of the top three levels. The writer maintains the focus throughout the response by effectively describing the responsibilities of managers at each level and how they differ. ("The highest level of management is termed top management. Some job titles associated with this level include: president, vice president, chief executive officer, and managing director (Robbins, Decenzo, & Coulter, 2013). These managers will most likely be required to have many years of management experience. They usually have a very public job; if a press conference or public address is held, it will most likely be the top level manager delivering the speech. Top managers are not in charge of the day to day business activities. They are more concerned with setting goals for the organization and developing policy to ensure the organization is running efficiently. Some examples of organizational goals are profitability, employee retention, expansion, and increased efficiency. Not only do these individuals set goals, they also determine strategic plans to attain them. Before passing these goals off to the middle and line managers, the top level manager will make sure that the goals are ready for implementation; this includes but is not limited to the specificity of the goal, measurability, and attainability. These managers think more about making the company profitable in the long term, rather than focusing on short term tasks.")

Content & Development

The response demonstrates very effective content and development. The writer develops ideas fully and memorably, using appropriate business concepts and terms. The writer uses supporting details to develop ideas clearly, and relevant points explain and illustrate all prompt tasks very effectively. In the paragraph about middle management, the writer explains fully how middle managers are the liaisons between top management and the line-level managers. The details in the response create a clear picture of the challenges involved in middle management. ("While top management is concerned with the long term strategy of a company, the employees of middle management are involved in daily innovation to increase their overall performance in their department of the organization. Instead of concerning themselves with what will be happening next year, the middle manager is looking at a much shorter timeline. This manager is using the strategy and policy put in play by upper management to strengthen and evolve his team. The middle manager's team is composed of the line managers who oversee employee productivity. Much like their title, middle management, these employees often play middleman. They are responsible for communicating the policy and strategy laid out by the upper management. Middle managers are often seen as the enemy by lower level employees when corporations are going through hard times. Even though this group of individuals does not make the rules, they are the ones that have to bring the news of changing policy, new organizational goals, and even layoffs to employees under them on the ladder. Middle managers are said to have one of the most difficult jobs in an organization.")

Organization

The organization of information in the response is very effective as well. The writer demonstrates a cohesive and unified structure with effective use of paragraphing or grouping of information, logical connections, and transitional devices. The writer effectively groups information into body paragraphs according to managerial tiers, but transitional words or phrases should be included between paragraphs to guide the readers from one idea to the next. ("Middle managers are the individuals holding positions below top management and above line management. The job titles of employees holding these positions will typically be department head, project leader, district manager, and division manager (Robbins, Decenzo, & Coulter, 2013). One of the most important jobs that a middle manager will do will be carrying out the goals, strategies, and policies that have been developed by the top managers. Middle managers will often provide feedback to top management about organizational progress and implementation of policy.") The conclusion summarizes the main points of the response very effectively by reviewing the roles of each type of manager. The writer acknowledges that the three levels of management are interdependent and necessary to the success of an organization. ("In conclusion, all levels of management are vital to the success of an organization. It is pertinent to have strong and competent individuals holding positions in management at every level. Top managers must develop goals and policies, middle level must provide guidance and make important decisions, and first level managers must ensure productivity and efficiency standards are being met every day. Each level is dependent upon one another to ensure prosperity for the company.")

Language Use & Style

The writer demonstrates very effective use of language and style throughout the response. The writer employs precise, professional language and word choice, a defined voice, and a clear sense of audience. The use of well-structured and varied sentences adds to the effectiveness of the writer's message. The language and tone are consistent, precise, and professional. The writer makes good use of words and phrases related to the goals and objectives of managers at the top, middle, and line levels of management. Sentences are well structured and varied, demonstrating excellent voice and effective style throughout the response. ("A line manager is responsible for empowering employees with the tools that they will need to be successful in their position. Line managers are typically mentors for their workers, because first level managers are usually promoted directly from the positions which they will be overseeing. This gives a line manager knowledge and insight from personal and professional job experience. Training employees is another responsibility that falls within the scope of line management. Since the manager has most likely done the job that the employee is engaged in, he or she will be a great aid in keeping up training and new information within the field. Line managers are also team builders. These managers plan and implement programs and activities to strengthen relationships within their unit. First level managers work hand in hand with their employees every day and tend to invest a great deal into them both personally and professionally.")

Mechanics & Conventions

The writer demonstrates very effective control of mechanics and conventions. There are few or no errors in punctuation, spelling and usage, grammar, and sentence structure. The response effectively demonstrates correct grammar (i.e., excellent use of subject-verb agreement, pronouns, parallel structure, and sentence structure). ("An individual in a top level management position should spend most of his/her time developing strategy, taking interest in shareholders and what they want, and steering the company toward markets that will be most profitable for the business in the future and have greater returns on investments. In order to devote an adequate amount of time to these pressing issues, a top manager will have to delegate decision making responsibilities to a lower level of management.")