This web page describes an experiential activity that can be used to illustrate the four functions of management: planning, leading, organizing and controlling. Complete instructions are provided as well as discussion questions.
Type of Material:
Assignment/Exercise
Recommended Uses:
This is intended as an in-class activity with a guided/facilitated discussion after the exercise.
Technical Requirements:
No special technical requirements except accessing Word document via web portal.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Students will understand and experience the four functions of management:
Planning
Organizing
Leading
Controlling
Target Student Population:
Entry-level business class
Entry-level management class
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
None
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The instructions on how to conduct this exercise are clear, step-by-step information is provided, and additional information necessary is provided in an embedded link.
Suggestions on how to facilitate the discussion after the exercise are included.
This activity-based exercise focuses on experiential learning through group roleplay that is effective in assimilating the basic elements of management.
Concerns:
There could be limited use of this exercise because it is intended only for an in-person class and therefore is not appropriate for an online course or a hybrid course environment.
It's only a single activity-based exercise that might not necessarily cover all four basic elements of management in a comprehensive manner.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The exercise illustrates behaviors and nonverbal aspects of management that can be very helpful for students who have not experienced management or acted as a manager.
Effective as a tool for experiential learning as it encourages interaction and exchange of opinions and ideas during debriefing.
Concerns:
Instructors would need to develop specific goals or objectives beyond emphasizing the four roles of management for the exercise and possibly for the discussion to make this more relevant for their course and to integrate with the textbook or other materials.
Follow-up and in-depth debriefing sessions are needed to maximize learning from the experience-based activity.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
This appears to be easy to use in a classroom
It is engaging for students because they can participate
The instructions are easy to follow.
Material access and utilization are user-friendly and straightforward.
Concerns:
Instructors may need some preparation
The exercise may take more than limited class time
Cannot be used in online class
Creative Commons:
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