All-styles Departmental Store: Management Functions, Roles, and Theories

Management thought and practices

Allstyles departmental store

Introduction

All-styles is a departmental store, centrally located in the city. Being a general manager of the company, one needs to manage all the ten departments, performing a number of operations throughout the day. Company sells clothes of both men and women including electrical goods, furniture’s, carpets and other related products used on daily basis. With discussion to several other members within the department, general managers need to frame several promotional strategies and pricing policies of the stores to attract customers by meeting their expectations. For meeting the target sales effective planning needs to be done by concerning with the senior officials.

Besides publishing the newsletter internally,it is essential to enhance the performance its electrical products by discussing with the divisional managers. For the extension of its new stores new stores it is essential to discuss with the planners, builders and architects ensuring that the project won’t fall behind.To enhance the overall performance of the store it is essential to additional sessions to train the staff members through effective monitoring by the managers. Effective managerial practice and thoughts needs to be implemented to add value to the roles of managers through value addition to its products. Specialization is one such managerial practice adopted by Alstyle’s.

Task 1

A: FUNCTIONS AND ROLES OF MANAGEMENT: DEFINE AND IDENTIFY FUNCTIONS AND ROLES OF MANAGEMENT.

Within the organization structure several roles and functions needs to be performed by the managers navigating the external and internal capabilities concerning management. For achieving the goals of business managers defines processes and functions based on management.

Definition:Managerial functions are the process through which general managers of the organization accomplishesdesired goals (Robertson and Frick, 2018).Each function performed by the managers were backed by informed inputs and resulted outputs, providing a comprehensive guide.

Functions of Management

At Allstyles department store, the functions of the general managers are as follows:

1. Planning: The general manager at Allstyles department store needs to make plan for the work to be done as forming strategies, workforce planning, and set goals to be achieved. The planning in this store is related planning such as promotional plan and pricing strategy in the meeting. The manager set the sales target and make the plans to achieve the sales target.

2. Organizing: In this function the manager at Allstyles department store need to allocate the resources such finance and human resource, time as well as the efforts. The manager ensures the proper number of staff are available to meet the set targets and proper resources are available to the store.

3. Leading: The manager at Allstyles department store does the leading function to generate efforts as well as ensure the commitment towards set objective or goals. The manager guide and assiststhe divisional managers related to work as well as how the plan can be implemented successfully. Even resolving any problem and conflicts to work in right direction. It also involves motivating the staff for better performances.

4. Controlling: The managers at Allstyles department store also do the function of controlling with help of monitoring the progress, compare the actual performance with the plan. Even they take the corrective actions for success of plan. If in any department the salesare dropping or the deviation is observed by monitoring the progress, then managers take controlling measures by changing some strategy or plan.

Definition:Managerial role on the other hand helps managers in more efficient manners so that activities will be approached well. Managerial roles can define as one whichenable to maintain a balance in their workloads through simplifying, complex decision, information and associated activities (Meng and Boyd, 2017). Managers guides, directs, interacts and defines their role in the external and internal business environment by the means of their managerial role.

Broadly the managerial rolesat Allstylesare categorized into 3 kinds namely decisional, informational and interpersonal.

1. Decisional:At Allstyles, the managers act as an administrator direction entrepreneur, negotiator, and resource allocator and disturbance handler. Managers inspireentrepreneurs to implement and innovate new creative ideas (Heminway, 2017). Managers participate in negotiating with several external and internal stakeholders. Managers also allocates the resources in such a manner that its requirement will be full filled as and when required. Managers also remove the hurdles and impediments occurred while working. The decisional managerial role involves the roles like disturbance handler, negotiator, entrepreneur and resource provider or allocator.

2. Informational:Here managers play a role of conveying requisite message and related informationabout clothes & trends for the company (Plakhotnik, 2017). Managers monitor the operations to enhance outcomes this can be done by delegating instructions to the subordinates. Being a spokesperson, managers do external branding of the organization. The informational managerial role involves the roles like monitor, spoke – person as well as disseminator.

3. Interpersonal:Managers outlines and maintains professional relationship with the leaders (Form, Schlichting and Kaembach, 2017). Motivates the employees and sometimes takes subordinate’s responsibility along with that they also perform ceremonial obligations representing company.The interpersonal managerial role involves the roles like leader, liaison as well as figure - head.

B. IDENTIFY AND DISCUSS THE ACTIVITIES IN THE CLIPS THAT FALL UNDER A SPECIFIC FUNCTION AND OR ROLE

Managerial functions and related activities performed by the manager’s plays a vital role for the overall performance and productivity of the organization. Based in the different 6 clips and activities performed by the General manger, Rebecca, her function as well as role as a management is found and discussed below in a detail:

CLIP 1: MANGEMENT FUNCTIONS AND OR ROLES

In first clip, the function which is played by the GM Rebecca is planning as they are discussion about the strategy of store’s price and promotion with its team which will be implemented by the staff of this store. Even she is playing the function of leading its departmental managers to communicate about the reduction of price that is allowed on its products during sale to its staff members with respect to promotion message.Rebecca as the GM Allstyles department store is playing the role of interpersonal as a leader, she is asking to explain about the strategy of promotion and price of their store from its different department’s managers for their next end of the season sale.

CLIP 2: MANGEMENT FUNCTIONS AND OR ROLES

In the second clip, the GM Rebecca is attending the meeting with the Senior Executives who are from Allstyles head office. The meeting is related to the sales target of their store for the coming 1 year. She also discusses about the rival store brands opening which seems her to be same of their store(King et al., 2018). Here, she is carrying out the function of planning as the sales target for future is set in the meeting with senior executives.The role of the Rebecca in this clip playedis a decisional roleas an entrepreneur, the decision of the stores the sales target is made and another role is aninformational as monitor,she discusses about the rival companies target by contributing in the planning.

CLIP 3: MANGEMENT FUNCTIONS AND OR ROLES

In the third clip, the GM Rebecca is playing the leading function which involves the motivating as well as leading shop - workersto perform the best.As three workers were given the stars - badges for reaching the sales target in the last month at her store. She has taken her photographs for publishing in its Allstylesinternal newspaper. Rebecca is playing the interpersonal role by motivating its staff as the leader by giving badges and giving recognition in their newspaper.

CLIP 4: MANGEMENT FUNCTIONS AND OR ROLES

In the fourth clip, the performance of the division of electrical products was reviewed with its manager and found to be poor level of performance. Here, the controlling function is performed by the management of Allstyles as performance is reviewed and Rebecca as GM suggested to attend the additional training based on the motivation of the staff as well as performance monitoring of the staff to the division manager of the electrical products(Hamadamin and Atan, 2019). Here,she is playing the functionof leading by suggesting the training to a manager. The general manager’s role into this clip is aninformational as a monitor, based on the performance review the General Managers has provide solution of the training which will help in improving the performance of the division by proper motivation and monitoring their performance timely by the manager of electricaldecision.

CLIP 5: MANGEMENT FUNCTIONS AND OR ROLES

In the fifth clip, the meeting is organized with the architects, planners as well as builders for the progress of extension of their new store of Allstyles. The GM Rebecca has found that these people are not working as per schedule and plan. Here, the controlling function is performed by the mangers as she is trying to meet and discuss about the schedule delay. The function of controlling is performed by the general manager Rebecca as by monitoring helps to know the progress and take the time action for the delay in the store extension(Malone, 2018). The informationalroleas a monitor is performed by meet the architects, planners as well as builders, she playing the role of a monitor of the project.

CLIP 6: MANGEMENT FUNCTIONS AND OR ROLES

In the sixth clip, there is a dispute and conflict between its 2 departmental managers for the stock of new products like electronic exercising bicycle as well as electrical products. The solution was found that these products will be placed or stocked near the equipment of Gym for 6 months because there was no space in both the departments. The manager will take decision based on the monitoring of the sales and if sales is not well then relocated to another department(Mohajan, 2017).Thus, the function of organizing and leading is performed by resolving the conflicting and allocating the resource or product. The decisional role as a disturbance handleris performed on the conflict resolving between 2 department and the stock placement at right place dure to the shortage of place.

 

C. DISCUSS THE IMPORTANCE OF THESE FUNCTIONS AND ROLES FOR ALL STYLES AND OTHER BUSINESS

The importance of diverse functions and roles are discussed below for the Allstylesdepartmental stores as well as other business.

Planning

1. Planning helpsAllstyles as well as other business in providing directions by assuring that objectives are asserted determining the actions to be served. Well established objects help the employees in accomplishing it for the benefit of the company through planning phase.

2. Change of risk be decreased due to efficient planning done by managers of Allstyles and other business as the upcoming changes be predicted well in advance (Oprakash et al.,2020). Through planning task will be completed by determining formerlyin an unpredictable way.

3. Wasteful and overlapping activities at Allstyles and other businesswill be decreased through planning by the way of assisting in evading confusion and chaos. Planning guarantees accuracy in actions and understanding work without any delay.

4. Planning also encourages innovative philosophies and aids the decision-making mechanism, its primary functions at Allstyles and other businessis to plan the project in such a way that challenges be overcome for the business growth.

Decision Making

1. Helps Allstyles and other businessin achieving business objectives within the limited the limited time frame and budget. Through utilizing the resources upto an optimum level and gaining employee’s satisfaction at workplace desired results will be achieved.

2. Motivates the employees of Allstyles and other businessby providing the overall framework and guidelines following which they need to achieve the organizational goals taking right decision.

3. Optimum utilization of resources at Allstyles and other businessis possible only by making right decision-making mechanism(Larson-Garciaet al., 2018).Organization resources includes material, money, man, market information and machine any wastage or leakage of these resources due to wrong decision causes harm to the organization.

4. It also helps in choosing the best alternative capable to solve multiple problems with the single solutionat Allstyles and other business. Several accounting, statistical and financial technique adopted for the same.

Influencing, is the ability of manages for empowering the overall development of people, ensuring easier and ultimate environment of work. Managers influence the employees, by having an effective interpersonal skill. It is significant because, initially employees need to understand themselves before influencing others. Interpersonal skill of manager at Allstyles and other businessincludes tactics, behavior, contingencies and traits. Also, the mangers can use its potential and personal power to influence workers.

Motivation, adds value to the employees and insights them for their future growth prospects. Motivation acts as key for organizational success, moreover it drives the employee’s energy and commitment towards their work. In absence of motivation, productivity and experience of the company be reduced. Communication and Teams are some of the other functions adding value to the organizationat Allstyles and other business. Due to its enhanced trend in recent times, more of the organization are following team-based model of operating as it is capable to deliver more productivity and efficient performance for Allstylesas a whole.

Task 2

Identifying Theories of Management

Management theories include all those concepts concerning strategies of management which are highly recommended as inclusive tools. It covers guidelines and frameworks implemented in modern-day organizations. Following are the recognized theories of leadership.

A.1^ST DEFINE THEORY, IDENTIFY ACTIVITIES AND DISCUSS WHERE AND HOW YOU SEE THE THEORY PRACTICED IN THE CASE.

F.W Taylor scientific management theory

Definition ofScientific theory: This theory states that forcing workers and other subordinates to work hard is not the best method to enhance results. Instead, it's better to make the task as simple as possible to improve productivity (Dellsen, 2018). Job security is one of the best ways to motivate employees and standardize Allstyles Department Stores. Money being a key motivation for work is capable of developing business. Over time, the collaborations have been increased between employers and employees, which other people also enjoy being a part of the team. 

This theory states the various principles that are required in the organization and these principles contains:

• Science, not regulation of thumb; this rule generally describes the efficiency of the organization should be done through the scientific study and not with the rule of thumb.

• Harmony not discord; this describe that the relations between the workers and the upper management needs to be complete harmony and the workforces and upper management needs to understand the value of each other.

• Mental revolution- This phase describe that everyone needs to work together and understand each other importance this can bring the better coordination and efficiency.

• Development of the person to their greater effectiveness- This technique relies on the capability of the employees and through the right training the organization can bring the growth and productivity.

Activity:In Clip or activity four, the performance of the division of electrical products was reviewed and studied with its manager and found to be poor level of performance for which the solution is provided for the training to motivate its staff as well monitoring the performance.

Here. by analyzing the problem of the performance issue and managers inability to motivate and no monitoring performance has result in the training suggestion to its manger for improving staff overall performances by proper motivation tactics and using the performance monitoring and management capabilities.In the case of Rebecca, when facing the poor performance and poor absence in staff this theory can work well because it can create the cooperation and understanding between the upper management and workforces.

B. 2^ND DEFINE THEORY, IDENTIFY ACTIVITIES AND DISCUSS WHERE AND HOW YOU SEE THE THEORY PRACTICED IN THE CASE

Definition ofSystem theory: To manage and plan Allstyles, the theory states an alternative methodology by proposing several components—human work harmoniously and optimally in the larger functions systems. As per the thesis, organization success is based on several critical elements such as interrelations, synergy and interdependence among several subsystems. Other than employees, there are several other significant components, such as business units, workgroups and departments. Practically the manager's needs to analyze events and patterns followed in the organization to determine the best management approach. Doing, so individuals are capable of cooperating with distinct programs and working collectively instead of isolated units. 

Activity:In the sixth clip or activity, there was conflict between 2 departmental managers for the stock of electronic exercising bicycle and electrical products. The manager suggested that these products will be stocked nearGym equipment for the six months due to no space in these departments. Further decision by manager will be on the monitoring of the sales and then will be relocated to another department. Thus, it ensures the system operates in better way in cooperative manner. It helped to reduce conflicts and improved interrelations.

To implement the theories mentioned above at ground levels, managers usually follow a combination or set of approaches simultaneously instead of implementing an individual theory. Initially, the theories are classified into X and Y. Further, the employees will be motivated while addressing management strategies so that the employees' personal efficiency be enhanced. Job inspiration or equity theory has practical applicability suitable in most circumstances and situations prevailing in the organization. Although payment and prevailing conditions are not enough the motivate workers or employees because of the universal applicability of the theory can finely be practised in this case (Daneshfardand Rad, 2020).

Conclusion

Several conceptual theories and frameworks adopted by the managers to enhance the organisation's overall productivity are considered to be significant aspects of management. The study focused on the management roles and functions adopted by Allstyles departmental stores. There are several issues involved with the managers' functioning; however, Allstyles is working towards enhancing the role and managers and employees. Several management thoughts and theories were applied at the ground level to eliminate competition prevailing in the dynamic market. For the extension of its new store, Allstyles discusses with the planners, architect and builders so that their existing performance be reviewed. The company adopted comprehensive management models for managing the operations well. Besides that, it is essential to follow the requisite managing styles and thoughts.

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