Question

A company was manufacturing 'LED bulbs' which were in great demand. It was found that the target of producing 300 bulbs a day was not met by the employees. On analysis, it was found that the workers were not at fault. Due to electricity failure and a shortage of workers, the company was not able to achieve the set targets and alternative arrangements were needed. To meet the increased demand, the company assessed that approximately 88 additional workers were required out of which 8 would work as heads of different departments and 10 would work as subordinates under each head The required qualifications and job specifications were also enlisted. It was also decided that necessary relaxation should be given to encourage women, persons from backward and rural areas and persons with special abilities to assume responsible positions in the organisation. All efforts were made to match the ability of the applicants with the nature of work.

a. Identify the functions of management discussed above

b. State the two steps in the process of each function discussed in the above para.

c. List any two values which the company wants to communicate to the society

Answer 1

a) The functions of management discussed above are staffing and controlling.

Quotation for ‘staffing’: Company assessed that approximately 88 additional workers were required out of which 8 would work as heads of different departments and 10 would work as subordinates under each head.
Quotation for ‘controlling’: It was found that the target of producing 300 bulbs a day was not met by the employees. On analysis, it was found that the workers were not at fault. Due to electricity failure and the shortage of workers, the company was not able to achieve the set targets and alternative arrangements were needed.

b. Steps in Staffing Function

Estimation of Required Manpower: As a first step, the number of persons and the kind of persons required in the organisation must be estimated. It involves the following two steps:

• Workload Analysis: It refers to the number of persons and the kind of persons required in an organisation
• Workforce Analysis: It refers to estimating the existing number of persons in the organisation.

Recruitment/Searching: It refers to searching for prospective candidates and convincing them to apply for job vacancies. For the recruitment process, internal sources (transfers and promotions) and external sources (advertising and placement agencies) can be used.

Steps in Controlling Function:

• Comparing Performance: After the actual performance is measured, it is then compared with the pre-defined standards. This helps in assessing whether there re any deviations/deficiencies in performance. Accordingly, it helps in identifying the required corrective actions to be taken
• Analysing Deviation: With the comparison of the actual performance with the set standards, deviations in performance are identified.

c. Values which the company wants to communicate to society

• Use of environment-friendly methods of production
• Women empowerment