BBM 103/05 Principles and Practice of Management

Semester 1 January 2011

Instructions:

1. This assessment covers topics you have learnt in Unit 1.

2. As this is an individual assignment, you are advised not to share with others.

3. Please answer all the questions.

4. Please write all your answers in essay format. Do not answer in point-form unless the questions mention “List” or “State”. It is not necessary to precede each answer with an introduction and end with a summary. Proceed directly with the answer.

5. The total marks for TMA 1 is 100 and this contributes 15% towards the total weightage of this course.

6. Do remember to submit the online and by the deadline with the report from turnitin.com.

1 Question 1

Henry Mintzberg is leading authority on management.

(a) Explain Mintzberg’s views on different managerial roles. [7 marks]

(b) Describe an example that will suitably illustrate each of the following three roles as defined by Mintzberg:- (i) Interpersonal roles [6 marks] (ii) Informational roles [6 marks] (iii) Decisional roles [6 marks]

Question 2

The Contingency Approach to management has been vaguely described as “taking action as required depending on the situation”.

(a) Describe what actually is the Contingency Approach with appropriate examples. (15 marks)

(b) Explain with relevant examples the difference between Contingency Management and Systems Management. (10 marks)

Question 3

Organisations are constantly striving to improve their efficiency and effectiveness in the highly competitive world.

(a) Explain the difference between efficiency and effectiveness. [10 marks]

(b) For each concept; efficiency and effectiveness, provide a suitable example that will illustrate your understanding [15 marks]

Question 4

There is an increased attention on business ethics in both industry and academia.

(a) When an ethical dilemma is brought up at the workplace, what steps will you perform to efficiency address the issue? [10 marks]

(b) For what are organisations socially responsible? Provide examples and definitions of: economic responsibility, ethical responsibility and discretional responsibility. [15 marks]