Question 1

(a) Do you think management is an art or a science?

(b) Describe using suitable examples the basic management functions.

Question 2

(a) Using suitable examples explain the three (3) main managerial skills.

(b) The informational role of a manager involves several activites. Identify the three (3) main categories of activities and describe using suitable examples the activities carried out.

Question 3

(a) List the components of the general environment.

(b) Discuss how the various components of the general environment impact the business of local budget airline AirAsia.

Question 4

Mini case study

Read the case below and answer the questions that follow.

Organisation A

This organisation is a manufacturing firm. Managers are expected to fully document all decisons and good managers are those who can provide detailed data to support their recommendations. Creative decisions that involve significant change or risks are not encouraged. Managers of failed projects are openly criticised and penalised so managers try not to implement ideas that deviate much from the status quo.

Employees are required to follow extensive rules and regulations in this firm. Managers supervise employees closely to ensure there are no deviations. Management is concerned with high productivity regardless of the impact on employee morale or turnover. There are distinct departments and lines of authority and employees are expected to minimise formal contact with other employees outside their functional area or line of command. Performance evaluations and rewards emphasize individual effort but seniority determines pay rise and promotions.

(a) Identify the management approach practiced by Organisation A. Justify your reasoning.

(b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of this type of management approach?

At least 5 citation and references Chicago style with Author date method.