Controlling: Functions of Management
Controlling: Functions of Management
CONTROLLING
CONTROLLING
Controlling refers to the “process of ascertaining whether
organizational objectives have been achieved. Controlling
completes the cycle of management functions. Objectives
and goals that are set at the planning stage are verified as
to achievement or completion at any given point in the
organizing and implementing stages. When expectations
are not met at scheduled dates, corrective measures are
usually undertaken.
IMPORTANCE OF CONTROLLING
When controlling is properly implemented, it
will help the organization achieve its goal in the
most efficient and effective manner possible.
Proper control measures minimize the ill effects
of such negative occurrences. An effective
inventory control system, for instance,
minimizes, if not totally eliminates losses in
inventory.
STEPS IN THE CONTROL PROCESS
The control process consists of four steps, namely:
1. establishing performance objectives and
standards
2. measuring actual performance
3. comparing actual performance to
objectives and standards, and
4. taking necessary action based on the
results of the comparisons.
ESTABLISHING PERFORMANCE
OBJECTIVES AND STANDARDS
Sales targets — which are expressed in quantity or monetary terms;
Production targets — which are expressed in quantity or quality;
Worker attendance — which are expressed in terms of rate of
absences;
Safety record — which is expressed in number of accidents for given
periods;
Supplies used — which are expressed in quantity or monetary terms
for given periods.
STEPS IN THE CONTROL PROCESS
TYPES OF CONTROL
TYPES OF CONTROL AND THEIR RELATION TO
OPERATIONS
1. Feed forward
control
2. concurrent control
3. feedback control
FEEDFORWARD CONTROL
When management anticipates problems and
prevents their occurrence, the type of control measure
undertaken is called feedforward control. This type of
control provides the assurance that the required human
and nonhuman resources are in place before operations
begin. The manager of a chemical manufacturing firm
makes sure that the best people are selected and hired
to fill jobs. Materials required in the production process
are carefully checked to detect defects. The foregoing
control measures are designed to prevent wasting
valuable resources. If these measures are not
undertaken, the likelihood that problems will occur is
always present.
CONCURRENT CONTROL
When operations are already ongoing and
activities to detect variances are made,
concurrent control is said to be undertaken,
Itis always possible that deviations from
standards will happen in the production
process. When such deviations occur,
adjustments are made to ensure compliance
with requirements. Information on the
adjustments are also necessary inputs in the
pre-operation phase.
FEEDBACK CONTROL
When information is gathered about a
completed activity, and in order that evaluation
and steps for improvement are derived,
feedback control is undertaken. Corrective
actions aimed at improving future activities are
features of feedback control. Feedback control
validates objectives and standards. If
accomplishments consist only of a percentage
of standard requirements, the standard may
be too high or inappropriate.
COMPONENTS OF ORGANIZATIONALCONTROL SYSTEMS
1. strategic plan
2. the long-range financial plan
3. the operating budget performance
appraisals
4. statistical reports
5. policies and procedures
STRATEGIC PLANS
Strategic plan provides the basic control
mechanism for the organization. When there are
indications that activities do not facilitate the
accomplishment of strategic goals, these
activities are either set aside, modified or
expanded. These corrective measures are made
possible with the adoption of strategic plans.
THE LONG-RANGE FINANCIAL PLAN
The planning horizon differs from company to
company. Most firms will be satisfied with one year.
Engineering firms, however, will require longer term
financial plans. This is because of the long lead times
needed for capital projects. The financial plan
recommends a direction for financial activities. If the
goal does not appear to be where the firm is headed,
the control mechanism should be made to work.
THE OPERATING BUDGET