Module 2: Introduction

Lesson 2.1: Introduction to Management

Please Refer to the Case study SA Breweries price rules “sank my business” on page 23 of your

textbook.

Case Study Questions

Question 1

Based on the information provided in the case study above, would you consider Mr. Mofokeng a

good manager? Provide reasons for your answer.

Question 2

What plans should Mr. Mofokeng have had in place in order to ensure that his business survived in

the long term?

Question 3

If you were Mr. Mofokeng, on which key performance areas would you have focused in the first few

months to ensure that the business survived?

Question 4

Despite the pricing issue discussed in the case study, how could Mr. Mofokeng have

created a competitive advantage for his business?

Paragraph Questions

Question 1

Briefly explain the role of business organisations in a market-driven economy.

Question 2

Explain to a non-manager what management encompasses by focusing specifically on the

management functions.

Question 3

Describe the differences between strategic, tactical and operational planning.

Question 4

Briefly discuss five major challenges faced by managers in South Africa.

Question 5

Indicate the differences between conceptual, interpersonal and technical skills.

Essay Question

In less than 600 words, describe what the job of a general manager of a medium-sized hotel entails.

Lesson 2.2: The Evolution of Management Theory

Please refer to the Case study: The Scientific approach to management on page 54 of your textbook.

Case Study Questions

Question 1

What are the main advantages and disadvantages of the scientific approach to management for a

business organisation operating in a very volatile business environment?

Question 2

Which of Taylor's viewpoints regarding management are still appropriate to use in a modern

business organisation?

Question 3

Criticise Taylor's approach to management from a humanistic perspective.

Paragraph Questions

Question 1

Provide three reasons why management should understand the different schools of thought on

management.

Question 2

State the differences between the scientific school and the human relations school of management.

Question 3

Briefly explain Max Weber’s bureaucratic approach to management.

Question 4

Critically compare the management concepts “total quality management” and “re-engineering”.

Question 5

Critically discuss any three contemporary approaches in terms of their relevance to managing

business organisations in South Africa.

Essay Question

To build the new stadium for the Soccer World Cup, many jobs were provided to unskilled workers

to create an income for them. Critically assess the relevance of at least five approaches to

management when managing a workforce comprising mostly workers with little or no experience in

the building industry, working with highly skilled specialists (such as engineers and project

managers).

Lesson 3: Managing In a Changing Environment

Please refer to the case study: The south African business environment on pg 83 in your textbook.

Case Study Questions

Question 1

Draw a diagram that depicts the micro, market and macro business environment - as

well as all their sub-environments.

Question 2

Populate the diagram (see Question 1) with the issues discussed in the case study

above. For example, if you find information in the case on 'inflation rates', list 'inflation rates' under

the heading 'economic environment', which is obviously part of the macro- environment.

Question 3

The case study provides you with plenty of important information regarding the

South African business environment. However, not all sub-environments of the macro and market

environments have been dealt with in the case study. On which sub- environments could you not

find any information in the case study?

Paragraph Questions

Question 1

Depict the business environment, and its sub-environments, diagrammatically.

Question 2

Briefly explain the nature of the business environment.

Question 3

Defend the use of the systems theory in management theory as an approach to

managing in the modern business environment.

Question 4

Explain how Porter's five-forces model can be used to determine the profit potential

of the mining industry.

Question 5

Recommend three ways in which management can prepare for change in the business environment.

Essay Question

Write a report in which you try to convince a critic of the systems approach to

management of the value of this approach in today's business world. (Your report

should not exceed 600 words.)