PRDV221: Introduction to Management

Read the introduction and section 1.1, which introduce the fundamental principles of management and provides an example of a real-world implementation of these managerial concepts. You may also find it useful to consider the exercise questions provided at the end of the reading.

Read this section, which includes a discussion of the ten key roles that managers fulfill. It also establishes a framework for understanding the nature of the work that a manager regularly performs. Be sure to complete the exercise questions at the end of this reading.

Read this section, which establishes the concept of leadership and makes a clear distinction between a manager and a leader. Review the concepts of leadership and strategy as well as the framework for implementing these concepts cohesively. As you read through the text, pay particular attention to the definitions for leadership, entrepreneurship, and strategy. Be sure to complete the exercise questions at the end of this reading.

Read this section, which reviews the P-O-L-C (Planning, Organizing, Leading, and Controlling) framework. This framework outlines the four principle functions of management. Be sure to complete the exercise questions at the end of the reading.

Read this section, which reviews how managers analyze economic, social, and environmental elements to support the effective execution of customer service within an organization. Be sure to complete the exercise questions at the end of the reading.

Read this section, which explains how to distinguish between individual- and group-level performances. While there are indeed differences between the two, managers strive to make sure that individual and group-level performances are compatible. It may be helpful for you take notes that compare and contrast the distinctions between individual and group-level performances. Be sure to pay particular attention to the illustrative tables and graphs located throughout this reading. Also be sure to complete the exercise questions at the end of the reading.

Read this section, paying particular attention to the concept of a managerial tool guide. This guide seeks to help you understand your own learning style so that you may more fully respond to and manage the learning styles of others. This material also provides you with an opportunity to apply what you have learned in your analysis of the gauge-discover-reflect process of managing, which should help you

1. identify your knowledge and capabilities about something;
2. obtain enough information about it so you can establish effective goals and develop a plan to work toward achieving those goals; and
3. examine the difference between what has happened and what should have happened in a particular situation.

Be sure to complete the exercise questions at the end of this reading.

Read this article and consider the following questions: Why is it important to understand your learning style? Why does a manager need to be aware of an employee's learning style? What is your learning style preference? How can this information help you become a more effective learner?

Read this article and consider the following questions: How is today's work environment different from that of the past? How did the division of labor theory change an organization's productivity? Do companies in the modern business world still embrace the classical approach, the qualitative approach, and the organizational behavior approach? If so, how?

Read this article and consider the following questions: What does management mean to you? What are some key functions of managers? Does your current manager, or a manager you are familiar with, effectively perform these key management functions? If not, why? What is the difference between a manager and a leader?