Running head: THE FOUR MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS The Four Management Functions at National University Student's Name National University 1 THE FOUR...

Running head : THE FOUR MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS 1 The Four Management Functions at National University Student’s Name National University THE FOUR MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS 2 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, Or ganizing, 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 evaluat es the effectiveness of the ir curr ent strategies ; they identify new ways to improve . Th e university look s ahead to new emerging requirements and opportunities. Management continually scan s ahead to implement short and long term plans. The strategic plans are made fr om 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 employe es. 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 arr angement 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 3 Leading The job of aligning peop le 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 gu ide 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 me mbers. Leadership is clearly demonstrated through out 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 ac tivities. 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. 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 4 Reference Robbins, S., & Coulter, M. (2014). Management (12th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.