Controlling - The Soul Of Management Process
Dictionary of Accounting terms defines Controlling as, "implementation of a decision method and the use of feedback so that the goals and specific strategic plans of the firms are optimally obtained. To do this, managers study accounting and other reports and compare them to the plans set earlier. These comparisons may show where operations are not proceeding as planned and who is responsible for what. The feedback that management receives may suggest the need to replan, to set new strategies, or to reshape the organizational structure".
Controlling is the final function of management- other funtions are Planning, Organizing, Co-ordination, Staffing, Motivation, Communication and Direction; thus it ensures that the plans are executed properly; it helps in monitoring the management activities; and rectifying / correcting the wrong one's by taking corrective suitable actions at the right time.
Controlling in an organization can be for time, materials, equipments, cost, budget, finance, operations, sales, etc. It can be done before the process begins (known as feedforward), during the process (known as concurrent), and after it finishes (known as feedback). Koontz and O'Donnell has rightly explained Controlling as, "the managerial function of Control is the measurement and correction of the performance of subordinates in order to make sure that enterprise objectives and the plans devised to attain them are accomplished".
The Control Process is divided into several stages which are explained below: -
STEP I: - The organization sets targeted standards.
STEP II: - They measure the actual outcome after completion of the task.
STEP III: - They make comparison between the Targeted / Expected Standards and the Actual Outcome/ Result.
STEP IV: - They take corrective actions if required or continues with the same process / strategy.
STEP V: - The management them monitors the action regularly by proper follow-up and feedback to check and measures its effectiveness.
Thus, it enables the management to compare the actual standards with the targeted one and set achievable, possible targets for the organization. "Control means to guide something in the direction it is intended to go" - Louis Allen.
However, there are certain requisites of an effective Controlling which are: -
1. The Goals has be Realistic and Descriptive, which should clearly specify the targets to be achieved, strategies for implementation / achievement of targets and also state why it is expected, what is expected, when it is expected and how it is expected.
2. It should be Flexible; for any modifications, rectification, changes in the formulated strategies.
3. It must be Measurable; since it compares the actual performance with the set target.
4. It should be Regular and Continuous activity; as it helps to find the deficiencies and suggest remedial measures in a continuous manner which ultimately eliminates wastages.
5. It must Facilitate Efficiency among and within the departments of the organization to enhance the overall productivity, profitability and co-ordination.
6. If there are certain shortfalls in the plan, it should suggest suitable solutions and remedies to overcome that.
Thus, Controlling is rightly defined as a management function of: -
1. Establishing benchmark or standards.
2. Comparing actual performance against them and,
3. Taking corrective action, if required.
Rupal Jain, Lecturer, Atharva Institute of Management Studies (Mumbai), and I can be reached at jainrupal@sify.com
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
Added: July 22, 2008
Comcast undecided on network management scheme - ZDNet
Washington Post Comcast undecided on network management scheme ZDNet - The FCC issued an order this week requiring Comcast to stop network management that discriminates against certain protocols, like BitTorrent. ... Comcast Says No New Traffic Management Plan Yet Comcast New Management System to Limit Speed of Heavy Net Users Comcast must stop discriminatory broadband management -