Management Discussion

Discussion 8

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Cora Burek posted Feb 28, 2021 8:57 AM

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The control function is important when it comes to ensuring that the right steps are being taken so plans can be carried out or if anything changes those plans can be modified. The control process entails establishing standards, measuring performance against the standards, and correcting deviations from standards and plans (Merchant, 1982). Controls are needed for a company because employees do not always act in the best interest of the company. By setting those controls it can act as a guard against unwanted behavior. To have good control the person in charge should be confident that no major issues will occur. This can be achieved by avoiding some behavioral problems and by implementing one or more types of control to protect against other problems. 

What I learned from the article is that a major part of the control function is making sure that other people do what should be done. One of the duties as a manager is to direct the activities of others and it should be important to use the control function. Another thing that I learned is that a good management control system stimulates action by spotting the significant variations from the original plan and highlighting them for the people who can set things right (Merchant, 1982). I can implement feedforward control for a test, by studying beforehand to make sure I get a good grade. I can then use concurrent control during a test, I would be mindful of the time I have left and making sure that everything is completed to my best ability. I would use feedback control by evaluating how I did on a test and if I did bad I would study harder for the next one.

References

Merchant, K. A. (1982, July 15). The Control Function of Management. MIT Sloan Management Review.  https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/the-control-function-of-management/.

Discussion 8

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Julia Clark posted Mar 3, 2021 8:38 PM

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Control function is to assure that everyone is productively doing their job to reach goals. Not everyone will do this, that is why reinforcing tasks and goals is important. According to Brech, “Controlling is a systematic exercise which is called as a process of checking actual performance against the standards or plans with a view to ensure adequate progress and also recording such experience as is gained as a contribution to possible future needs.”

I learned from this article how to go about controlling the function. There are multiple steps and it takes time to be able to observe everyone and their mindset, attitude, dedication, and communication. After observing, then you critique how, when, and where they do the job to get back on track of reaching a specific goal that is in the company's best interest. 

I would use control in my personal life by taking time to evaluate how much time I spend on my phone, watching tv or sleeping. These things do not help me succeed and reach my ultimate goal. I need to have a better mindset and set timely goals I can achieve to eventually reach my final goal in life. 

An instance I would use feedforward personally, is when I sit back to focus on what the goal is and how I can better myself to reach this goal. I use concurrent control while doing school work, I am able to decide if I need to take a break if I am on the right track, or if I need to continue to reach due dates. I use feedback to think about what I'm currently doing to decide if it needs improvement or if I need to pat myself on the back. 

MSG management study guide. (n.d.). Retrieved March 04, 2021, from  https://www.managementstudyguide.com/controlling_function.htm