Business Organisation & Management Management in simple terms means the act of getting people together to accomplish desired goals. Management is made up of planning, organising, resourcing, leading or directing, and controlling an organisation for the purpose of accomplishing a goal.
A manager's job is to maintain control over the way a business organisation does things, while also leading, directing and inspiring their staff . A key managerial responsibility is resources. This means finding the right people (Human Resource Management, HRM) or money (Financial resources), or whatever else is required to keep an organisation running. Other resources that a manager may be responsible for include:
InformationTecnology (IT)- ensuring effective IT systems are being used in the organisation
Materials - making sure materials are used productively and with minimum waste
Time - ensuring time is used efficiently across operations
Buildings, machinery and equipment - ensuring safety, appropriateness, maintenance and efficient use
Managers have responsibility for the many services that allow organisations to operate efficiently. Specific duties for managers vary according to the degree of responsibility and authority they have. Business Management roles can be found in all of the following example areas:
Retail - supermarket or store manager
Manufacturing - production or personnel manager
Utilities - operations manager (electricity, gas and water supply)
Construction - project management
Distribution - distribution/logistics manager
Hotel & Catering - hotel manager
Transport - ICT and business services manager
Managers can exist at different levels in an organisation: Senior management is generally a team of individuals at the highest level of organisational management who have the day-to-day responsibilities of managing a big company or corporation. People with even greater levels of responsibility, such as a Board of Directors and those who own the company (shareholders), will focus on managing the senior management, rather than the day-to-day activities of the business.
Large organisations may have many managers: Managers in charge of different regions (Regional Managers); Managers in charge of different aspects of the business, for example they might manage a department (sales) or particular function (IT). These mid-level managers develop departmental plans, set goals and deadlines, implement procedures to improve productivity and customer service. Mid level managers may also be involved in the hiring or dismissal of employees (HR Managers).
HR Management Human resource management (HRM) refers to the management of an organisation's most valued assets - the people working in the organisation who individually and collectively contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the business. It is one of the specialist management roles in any medium or large organisation. HR Managers usually require specific education and training in order to accomplish their tasks, and often achieve their roles after years of experience in business.
Getting into Business Management Educational requirements for business organisation and management vary widely depending on the size and complexity of an organisation. In small companies a two-year Higher Certificate from a Third Level College would be desirable. Some work experience may also be required for positions in office management. In larger organisations where specialist management roles are performed, higher business and management qualifications are usually looked for, such as level 7/8 Degrees.
Outlook Employers typically seek applicants with commercial awareness for management positions. Business studies graduates should have the edge here because they develop specific skills: business analysis; marketing; research methods; sensitivity to organisational needs; and good quantitative skills during their studies. Those wishing to enter into HR should try to ensure that this topic is part of their degree programme.
