Active learning ideas
The control process is the final link in the management functional chain. It involves monitoring activities to ensure they are being accomplished as planned and correcting any significant deviations. Students learn the four key steps: establishing standards, measuring actual performance, comparing performance against standards, and taking corrective action.
Activity 01
Students 'manufacture' a paper product in an assembly line. A 'Control Manager' must set quality standards (e.g., exact measurements). After a round, they measure the output and must decide on 'corrective actions' for the next round.
What are the four steps of the control process?
Activity 02
Groups are given a hypothetical department budget and a mid-year 'actuals' report showing significant overspending in one area. They must investigate the cause and present a plan for corrective action to the 'Board.'
Why is it important to establish clear performance standards?
Activity 03
Students reflect on 'micromanagement.' They pair up to discuss where the line is between 'effective control' and 'stifling micromanagement' in a workplace like a creative ad agency.
How do managers determine when corrective action is necessary?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Control is only about punishing people who do a bad job.
Control is primarily about information and improvement. Using 'positive deviation' examples (where performance exceeds standards) helps students see that control also identifies best practices to be shared.
You only need to 'control' at the end of a project.
Concurrent control (during the process) is often more valuable than feedback control (after the fact). Assembly line simulations help students see how catching an error early saves significant resources.
Methods used in this brief
Performance Appraisals
This topic covers the methods used to evaluate employee performance, such as 360-degree feedback and management by objectives (MBO). Students will analyze the benefits and challenges of performance appraisals.
8 methodologies
Managing Change and Conflict
Students investigate the causes of organizational change and the strategies leaders use to manage resistance. They will also explore conflict resolution techniques to maintain a productive work environment.
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