Evolution of Management Theories Dr M Thenmozhi notes pdf

Important techniques of scientific management are: Time study, which fixes standard time for a job and helps in planning and incentive wages; Standardisation, which standardises tools, methods and working conditions to reduce wastage and improve quality; and Differential piece rate system, which pays higher rates to workers achieving standard output and lower rates to those below standard, thereby motivating higher productivity.

Coordination is important because it avoids conflicts and duplication of work, ensures smooth functioning by linking departments, and helps achieve organisational objectives efficiently. It improves utilisation of resources, reduces wastage and delays, and maintains good relations and discipline by harmonising the efforts of people and units.

Levels of management are generally classified into top, middle and lower (supervisory) levels.

Top level management (Board, CEO/MD, General Manager) is concerned with policy and strategy. It sets the organisation’s vision and long-term objectives, frames policies, takes major decisions regarding expansion and investments, and represents the organisation to external stakeholders.

Middle level management (departmental/branch/plant managers) converts top-level objectives into departmental plans and programmes. It coordinates between top management and supervisors, allocates resources within departments, implements policies, and controls performance by comparing results with targets.

Lower level (supervisory) management (foremen, supervisors) is responsible for day-to-day operations. It issues instructions to workers, maintains discipline and work schedules, ensures quality and timely completion of tasks, and reports problems and performance upward.

Thus, as we move downward, the focus shifts from strategic decisions to operational execution, while coordination remains essential at all levels.