NAME: FRAGATA, ADRIAN AYCARDO

COURSE & YR: 2ND YEAR - BSCE

CODE: CE301g-NWa

LEARNING ACTIVITY 2.1

1.) Explain why studying management history is important. (Explain your answer in not
less than 100 words)
What early evidence of management practice can you describe?

-It is crucial to study management history because it offers essential insights into how
managerial techniques have changed over time and the lessons we can learn from
them. It helps individuals in understanding the past significance of management ideas,
concepts, and principles, enabling a deeper understanding of their applicability and
effectiveness. Individuals can obtain more information on managerial successes and
failures by studying historical case studies, which can guide decision-making today and
strengthen strategic thinking. Additionally, learning from the succeeds and mistakes of
the past allows people to innovate, develop critical thinking, and ultimately increase
managerial effectiveness in the present.

2.) What early evidence of management practice can you describe? (Explain your
answer in not less than 100 words)

-Early management techniques in various components of their business and trade

activity are demonstrated by the example of Venice in the fourteenth century. The
operations of the Venetians exhibited components of contemporary organizational
techniques. The arsenal's assembly-line-like procedure, in which materials were added
at each stop while warships were floated down canals, is an example of production line
management. Furthermore, their attempts at effective resource management are
highlighted by the usage of storage and inventory systems. The Venetians showed an
early understanding of employee well-being by using human resource management
strategies, such as controlling the labor force and offering breaks. Last but not least,
their accounting system shows a dedication to monitoring revenues and costs,
demonstrating financial management techniques.

LEARNING ACTIVITY 2.2

1.) Describe the important contributions made by the classical theorists. (Explain your
answer in not less than 150 words)
-The classical theorists, including Frederick Winslow Taylor, Max Weber, and Henri
Fayol, made significant contributions to the field of management with their theories and
principles.

Frederick Taylor, known as the "father" of scientific management, introduced the

concept of using scientific methods to define the most efficient way of performing work
tasks. His Principles of Scientific Management emphasized optimizing productivity by
analyzing and standardizing work processes. Taylor's ideas revolutionized the
manufacturing industry and led to substantial productivity improvements.

Max Weber's contribution focused on the concept of bureaucracy as an ideal

organizational structure. Weber's bureaucratic model highlighted division of labor, a
clear hierarchy, explicit rules and regulations, and impersonal relationships within
organizations. While his ideal bureaucracy might not exist in reality, his theory provided
a framework for understanding and theorizing about work in large groups.

Henri Fayol developed a comprehensive set of principles known as the 14 Principles of

Management. Fayol's principles covered various aspects of management, including
planning, organizing, commanding, coordinating, and controlling. His belief that
management was a universal activity applicable to all types of organizations set the
foundation for modern management practices.

The classical theorists laid the groundwork for management principles and theories that
are still relevant today. Taylor's scientific management approach highlighted the
importance of efficiency and productivity. Weber's bureaucracy theory provided insights
into organizational structures, while Fayol's principles offered a comprehensive
framework for managing organizations. Their contributions paved the way for further
advancements in management thinking and continue to influence management
practices across different industries.

LEARNING ACTIVITY 2.3

1.) What did the early of OB contribute to our understanding of management? (Explain
your answer in not less than 150 words)

-The early contributors to Organizational Behavior (OB) greatly influenced our

understanding of management. Individuals such as Robert Owen, Hugo Munsterberg,
Mary Parker Follett, and Chester Barnard recognized the significance of people in
organizations and emphasized managing them as valuable assets. Their ideas laid the
groundwork for modern management practices, including employee selection
procedures, motivation programs, and work teams.
However, the most substantial contribution to the field of OB came from the Hawthorne
Studies. These studies, conducted at the Western Electric Company in the 1920s,
initially aimed to investigate the impact of lighting on worker productivity. Surprisingly,
the researchers found that productivity increased as lighting conditions varied,
regardless of whether light intensity was increased or decreased.

Harvard professor Elton Mayo and his associates joined the study in 1927 and
conducted further experiments that explored different factors influencing worker
behavior. The results indicated that social norms, group pressure, acceptance, and
security had more significant effects on individual work behavior than monetary
incentives. This led to the conclusion that human behavior and group dynamics play a
vital role in organizational management.

The Hawthorne Studies and the early OB advocates' ideas have since shaped our
understanding of motivation, leadership, group behavior, and development in
organizations. Today, managers incorporate elements of the behavioral approach in job
design, team collaboration, and communication. The emphasis on human behavior and
its impact on organizational outcomes remains a fundamental aspect of contemporary
management theories and practices.

2.) Why were the Hawthorne Studies so critical to management history? (Explain your
answer in not less than 100 words)

-The Hawthorne Studies were critical to management history because they

revolutionized management beliefs about the role of people in organizations. These
studies revealed that factors beyond the physical environment, such as social norms,
group pressure, acceptance, and security, significantly influence individual work
behavior and productivity. The findings challenged the prevailing notion that productivity
is solely driven by external factors like lighting intensity or monetary incentives. Instead,
the studies emphasized the importance of understanding and addressing human
behavior and group dynamics in managing organizations effectively. The Hawthorne
Studies stimulated a shift towards a behavioral approach in management, shaping how
managers design jobs, work with teams, and communicate in contemporary
organizations.

LEARNING ACTIVITY 2.4

1.) Explain what the quantitative approach has contributed to the field of management.
(Explain your answer in not less than 100 words)
-The field of management has benefited significantly from the quantitative approach. It
has improved decision-making processes in many different fields by applying
quantitative tools including statistics, optimization models, information models, and
computer simulations. Resource allocation, task scheduling, and inventory management
have all been enhanced with the use of linear programming, critical-path scheduling
analysis, and other techniques. The quantitative approach has also been extremely
important in fostering initiatives for continuous improvement and promoting quality
improvement in the context of comprehensive quality management. In general, the
quantitative approach has given managers the approach and resources they need to
make data-driven decisions, optimize procedures, and improve organizational
performance.

2.) Describe total quality management. (Explain your answer in not less than 100 words)

-Total Quality Management (TQM) is a management philosophy focused on continuous

improvement and meeting customer needs and expectations. It recognizes that
customers include not only external buyers but also internal stakeholders such as
employees and suppliers. TQM relies on accurate measurements of critical variables in
organizational processes, utilizing statistical techniques to gather data. These
measurements are then compared against established standards to identify and
address issues. TQM emphasizes the importance of continual improvement to enhance
product or service quality. In the context of queue management, a quantitative
technique employed by Whole Foods, TQM contributes to effective decision-making in
areas such as planning, control, budgeting, queuing, scheduling, and quality control.
While specialized software has made these techniques more accessible, some
managers may still feel apprehensive about their implementation.

LEARNING ACTIVITY 2.5

1.) How do systems theory and the contingency approach make managers better at
what they do? (Explain your answer in not less than 100 words)

-Systems theory and the contingency approach make managers better at what they do
by providing a comprehensive understanding of organizations and management.
Systems theory helps managers recognize the interconnectedness and
interdependencies within an organization, enabling them to coordinate activities and
ensure all parts work together to achieve goals. The contingency approach
acknowledges that different situations require different management approaches,
prompting managers to adapt their strategies and techniques accordingly. This flexibility
allows managers to effectively navigate diverse organizational contexts, enhancing their
decision-making and overall managerial effectiveness.
2.) How do societal trends influence the practice of management? What are the
implications for someone studying management? (Explain your answer in not less than
150 words)

-Studying societal trends is essential for anyone interested in a career in management

since they have an important effect on how management is practiced. The workplace is
continually changing as a result of changes in demographics, technology, cultural
norms, economic conditions, and environmental concerns. These developments have
an impact on how businesses run, interact with their staff and clients, and adjust to
outside factors. For instance, the rise of environmentally friendly procedures and
corporate social responsibility activities can be attributed to the growing significance of
sustainability and environmental awareness. To be competitive and maintain a good
reputation, businesses must take into account the environmental consequences of their
operations and align their goals with society expectations.

Similarly, traditional business models have been impacted by advances in technology

and the shift to digital. A change in managerial strategies is now necessary due to the
growth of electronic commerce, automation, and data-driven decision-making, which
calls for a thorough understanding of technology and its consequences. Management
methods have also been impacted by cultural developments including shifting worker
demographics and the focus on work-life balance. To recruit and keep top talent,
managers must be responsive to other viewpoints, promote inclusive settings, and
provide flexible work schedules.

People can gain a broad understanding of the business environment by studying

management in the context of societal changes. It gives them the knowledge and
abilities to prepare for and take advantage of new challenges and opportunities.
Managers may adapt their strategy, promote innovation, and successfully manage
businesses in a constantly changing environment by keeping up with societal trends.