UMAN3011 Understanding Management

Assignment Brief

UMAN3011 Understanding Management

Learning outcomes assessed:

At the end of a module students will be expected to be able to:

1. Identify the principles of management and organisational structure in relation to size and purpose.
2. Explain the nature of management culture and how this may vary from one company to another as well as the impact it has on corporate success.
3. Identify the relationship between business planning and operations and the problems of ensuring consistency.
4. Illustrate the importance of effective communication between managers with different responsibilities.

Assignment Questions

Task 1:

You currently own a business or intend to run one in the future. As the owner, you will have the responsibility to manage and direct the activities of your staff. To manage your team, you must ensure your planning, leading, organising, controlling activities are carried out effectively and efficiently.

Briefly discuss the nature of your business highlighting how you will carry out your organising activities as a manager based on the four functions approach. (You would have agreed on the business to write on in week 3 which is noted by their tutor.) 10 marks

How does your business planning activities ensure you deliver effective customer service and achieve consistency? 5 marks

Suggest a possible structure for your business. Explain why you have adopted this structure and how the structure of a business can help it achieve its purpose. (10 marks). LO1, LO3 (suggested word count=400)

Task 2: 

Organizational culture has been described as a system of shared meanings and common beliefs, held by organizational members that determines, in a large degree, how they act towards each other. The owner of the organisation, the mission and vision, the behaviour of top management have all been described as some of the sources of management culture.

Explain the nature of management culture and highlight any two ways you may want to express the organisational culture of your business above based on Edgar Schein’s first level of culture – Artefacts (Behaviours, processes, policies, systems). 10marks

In a paragraph, how can your leadership style impact on the culture of your organisation? (During your tutorials in week 6, you will have written about your leadership style and how it is relevant to the success of your business) 5 marks

1. Identify the principles of management and organisational structure in relation to size and purpose.

Write a short mission and vision statement for your proposed business. How does this impact on the success of an organisation.(You should include the mission and vision statements written during week 5 tutorials as an appendix. 10marks. LO2 (suggested word count=400)

Task 3: 

Recently, your business experiences a downturn and affected your profits. You need to make some crucial staff downsizing decisions and merge with another organisation. These changes will have to be communicated to your staff.

Explain the importance of effective communication highlighting two ways managers can effectively communicate with their team. Why is it important these recent changes are effectively communicated?

You could support your answer with the use of relevant examples. (You are to include as an appendix the sample communication written to your staff during their tutorials in week 7) LO4 (suggested word count=400) 25marks

Task 4: 

Write a short reflective summary highlighting your experience learning managerial skills and functions from the beginning of the module to the end.

How has the knowledge you have gained understanding the principles of management, the nature of culture, communication and business planning be relevant to the way you will now manage your own business or carry out your managerial role in an organisation?

This report should highlight the things you are now able to do and things you will do differently. LO1,2,3,4 (suggested word count=300) 25marks (A copy of your weekly skills log should be included as an appendix)

Sample Answer

Understanding Management – UMAN3011

Business: FreshFix – Healthy Meal Delivery Service

Task 1: Planning, Organising and Structure

FreshFix is a small meal delivery business that provides freshly prepared, healthy meals to customers across a city. As the owner-manager, I will oversee all aspects of the business, from sourcing ingredients to customer service.

Organising Activities Using the Four Functions of Management

1. Planning: I will create weekly meal plans based on customer preferences, sales data, and seasonal ingredients. Clear targets will be set for production, delivery times, and customer satisfaction. Budget planning will ensure resources are used efficiently.

2. Organising: Staff roles will be clearly defined – kitchen staff for meal preparation, drivers for delivery, and customer service agents. I will develop rotas and standard procedures for ordering, cooking, packaging, and delivery. A central digital system will be used to track orders and stock.

3. Leading: I will motivate staff through regular team meetings, recognition of good performance, and training opportunities. Leading by example, I will promote teamwork, punctuality, and a focus on customer care.

4. Controlling: I will monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time deliveries, customer feedback, and cost control. Any issues will be quickly addressed through data analysis and staff input.

Planning for Customer Service and Consistency

Effective planning ensures that customer service standards are consistently met. For example, meal quality and delivery times will be regularly reviewed through customer feedback and quality checks. Using standard recipes and delivery protocols will help maintain consistency.

Business Structure

FreshFix will adopt a functional organisational structure, dividing the business into kitchen, delivery, and customer service departments. This allows clear lines of communication and accountability. As a small business, this structure is simple yet effective, ensuring focus and efficiency. It helps FreshFix achieve its purpose of delivering high-quality, healthy meals on time, with each team responsible for a key function.

Task 2: Culture, Leadership and Mission

Management Culture and Artefacts

Management culture refers to the shared values, norms, and behaviours within an organisation. It shapes how staff interact, make decisions, and solve problems. In FreshFix, I want to promote a culture of teamwork, health, and customer focus.

Based on Edgar Schein’s Artefacts level, I will express this culture in two ways:

1. Behaviours: Staff will be encouraged to greet each customer with friendliness and respect. Punctuality, cleanliness, and teamwork will be expected from all employees.

2. Systems: A rewards system will be in place for staff who exceed customer service goals. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) will guide food hygiene, delivery protocols, and customer complaint handling.

Leadership Style and Impact on Culture

My leadership style is democratic, meaning I will involve staff in decision-making and encourage open feedback. This will help build trust, loyalty, and motivation, creating a positive culture where staff feel valued and committed. In turn, this culture will improve customer service and business performance.

Continued...