Carefully read the case study below. 

Popular Management Theories Decoded Until the day computers can think, learn and feel emotions, humans will probably be the most complicated assets to manage. For this reason, proper management is vital to an organisation's success. Theorists have long speculated on what type on management is best for humans in the professional setting. Their management theories or collections of ideas that provide the framework for effective management strategy are implemented in modern workplaces to motivate and bring out the best in employees. It is important for managers to understand these different theories and know how to implement them. Some popular management theories are as follows: Scientific theory by Frederick W. Taylor - This one is a classic. Taylor's scientific theory poses some fascinating questions by diving deeper into the efficiency of work processes. Taylor was an engineer, and he experimented in various ways to determine the most efficient and effective ways to get tasks done. Taylor created four principles of his scientific management theory. First, each task should be studied to determine the most efficient way to do the task. This disrupts traditional work processes. Second, workers should be matched to jobs that align with both their abilities and motivation. Third, workers should be monitored closely to ensure they only follow best working practices. Fourth, managers should spend time training employees and plan for future needs. There are a few positives of this theory. Maximising efficiency is a great idea. Assigning workers to jobs based on their abilities and motivation levels is also an interesting idea that could have beneficial effects in some areas. Major flaws in the theory include the de-emphasis on teamwork. An incredible focus on specific and individualized tasks eliminates creative problem-solving and makes teamwork obsolete. The scientific management theory also encourages micromanagement. Administrative theory by Henri Fayol - Fayol developed six functions of management that work in conjunction with 14 management principles. This theory has a few core ideas that live on today. The six functions are Forecasting, Planning, Organising, Commanding, Coordinating and Controlling. 

The 14 principles are division of work, authority, discipline, unity of command, unity of direction, subordination of individual interests, remuneration, centralization, scalar chain, order, equity, stability of tenure of personnel, initiative and esprit de corps. Remembering all 14 principles can be challenging and makes more sense for a test on management than an entrepreneur running their business, but the principles apply in today's workforce. The bureaucratic theory by Max Weber Weber created the bureaucratic theory, which says an organization will be most efficient if it uses a bureaucratic structure. Weber's ideal business uses standard rules and procedures to organize itself. He believed this strategy was especially effective for large operations. His theory is based on five principles of task specialization, hierarchy, formal selection, rules and requirements, and impersonal. Some rules and standards are certainly necessary within every organization. On the other hand, it is not easy to implement many of these ideas and almost impossible to keep emotions out of business. Emotions should not always dictate decisions, but the best managers can relate to their employees on a personal level. Human relations theory by Elton Mayo- In stark contrast to Weber's bureaucratic theory of management, the human relations theory emphasizes relationships. Mayo believed that productivity increases when people feel like they are part of a team and valued by their co-workers. The human relations theory emphasizes praise and teamwork as motivational factors. While emphasizing personal factors is a good idea, it can be a touch of a good thing. A happy medium between the bureaucratic theory and human relations theory might be a better game for managers. Systems theory - 

The systems theory of management believes that each business is a system, much like a living organism, with numerous things going on to keep the operation rolling along the systems theory says everything needs to work Answer ALL the questions in this section. 

Question 1. Assume you are a manager of a shoe factory and in charge of 50 staff that are required to produce 5,000 shoes monthly. If you had a choice between the scientific management theory and the administrative management theory, which one of these theories will you employ in managing the staff and achieving the required output of 5,000 shoes monthly. In your response, indicate the management theory of your choice, provide a brief summary of the theory and give a detailed explanation of why you chose it and why you believe it will be best in managing the employees at the factory and achieving the required output of 5,000 shoes on a monthly basis. 

Question 2. Outline the pros and cons of the human relations approach and discuss at least FIVE (5) practices you will put in place to facilitate a Human Relations Approach in your institution.

Question 3. Elaborate on the systems theory and highlight why it is suitable for explaining the characteristic of the management environment.

Question 4. Some Contemporary Theories such as Total Quality Management (TQM), The Learning Organisation, and Re-engineering have not been mentioned in the extract. It will be remiss however not to acknowledge them. Based on this, explain the practices that you will put in place as a manager of a small clothing shop to ensure that your shop becomes a learning organization and that the processes of total quality management and reengineering are upheld.

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

1 If I was the manager of the store would choose the administrative theory proposed by Henry Fayol Considering the number of employees and the output to be produced per month Henry Fayols theory would ... View the full answer