Running head: THE FOUR MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS
The Four Management Functions at National University
Student’s Name
National University
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THE FOUR MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS
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The Four Management Functions at National University
With a non-traditional approach to higher education, National University has stood out by
offering a convenient alternative to traditional universities. Students are able to attend afternoon
and online classes. Classes are offered at an accelerated one class per month format, which
provides flexibility to those seeking a higher education. Currently the second largest private,
non-profit university in California, it depends on highly skilled administrators, professors, and
support personnel to lead the way. The four functions of management are demonstrated on a
daily basis, they consist of: Planning, Organizing, Leading, and Controlling. These
functions help to accomplish the university’s goals of educating a diverse group of students.
Planning
School administrators make decisions that guide the university. The university
continually evaluates the effectiveness of their current strategies; they identify new ways to
improve. The university looks ahead to new emerging requirements and opportunities.
Management continually scans ahead to implement short and long term plans. The strategic
plans are made from long term future goals. The ability to plan ahead has enabled National
University to continue to meet current and future student needs.
Organizing
The university is able to perform its mission by structuring and providing guidelines to all
its employees. Structuring is done by dividing the university into five schools and one college.
This approach allows the grouping of similar degree plans and provides a smaller manageable
sub-group, which can be managed by its own director. National University’s arrangement of
similar courses and teachers provides another layer of control to the university’s chain of
command. The function of organizing is to provide a clear picture of who is charged with
completing certain tasks.
THE FOUR MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS
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Leading
The job of aligning people with the goals of the university is one of the main functions of
its managers. The ability to motivate and inspire students is accomplished by professors who are
the face of the university. Professors play a vital part of the leadership role. They guide the daily
activities all students assigned to their class. They are able lead and guide students by providing
tools and resources. The university would not be able to accomplish its mission without the
leadership roles that are undertaken by staff members. Leadership is clearly demonstrated
throughout the university.
Controlling
Controlling is done by monitoring the university’s planned activities to ensure they are
being done correctly. This function is done by making observations to all planned activities.
Activities are evaluated and adjusted to ensure they are aligned with the planned goals. Some of
the adjustments are done after the fact. Student class surveys are one of the tools which are used
by the university to evaluate the effectiveness of its programs. The function of controlling is an
ongoing process that requires constant observation both during and after plan events.
4 Conclusion
The job of managers is to use their resources efficiently and effectively to accomplish
the university’s goals. Managers use the four functions to accomplish their mission. The
functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling are used by the university’s staff
members to manage all of its operations. National University’s ability to use the four
management functions will continue to provide higher education opportunities to a diverse group
of students.
THE FOUR MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS
Reference
Robbins, S., & Coulter, M. (2014). Management (12th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson
Prentice Hall.
