UGB261 Case Study: Analyzing Management at All Styles Department Store

This case study examines the management practices at All Styles Department Store, focusing on the role of General Manager Rebecca. The assignment analyzes the key management functions performed, including planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling, and their importance for the store's success. It delves into the application of management theories, specifically the Contingency Management Theory, to the store's operations. The analysis considers how these functions and theories contribute to effective leadership, decision-making, and overall organizational performance within the context of a large department store. The study explores the practical implications of these management concepts, providing a comprehensive understanding of how they are applied in a real-world business scenario to achieve organizational objectives.

Case study All style department
store
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
What management functions and or roles did Rebecca perform in the case and why is it
important for All styles department store and businesses alike...................................................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................7
Identify and discuss two management theories that are applicable to this case..........................7
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12
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INTRODUCTION
Management is considered as the art of obtaining things performed through developing the
best utilisation of available resources. Moreover, this is set of principles regarding to practices of
planning, arranging, guiding as well as controlling and application of these principles into
harnessing human, monetary and informational resources in effective and efficient way for
attaining the organisational objectives (Aboramadan, 2018). As per the case study, the
undertaken company is all styles department stores, it is known as the large shop into city centre.
It had around 10 departments that sell board range of goods related with men and women, cloths,
carpet, furniture and electrical goods. For instance, in this report, the management functions and
role did Rebecca perform and its importance for Allstyle department stores are described. In
addition to this, application of two management theories in respect of Allstyle department stores
are discussed in this report.
MAIN BODY
TASK 1
What management functions and or roles did Rebecca perform in the case and why is it
important for All styles department store and businesses alike.
Management is significant for a well thought-out life as well as essential to run whole
kinds of entities. Managing life means that obtaining things performed for attaining the
objectives of life as well as maintaining firms’ means getting things done with and through
another individual to attain their goals. There are four basic function management are planning,
arranging, leading as well as controlling (Ahrens, 2018). All these functions perform together
into development, implementation and realisation of firm’s targets. The four management
functions may be regarded as a procedure in which every function develops upon last activities.
In respect of Allstyle department stores, for becoming successful Rebecca’s as a general manager
required complying all these four functions management in appropriate way. So, as Rebecca
involved into various practices such as meeting with whole departmental managers, planning for
meeting and other through which it realised that its manager has to performs various
management functions and roles in effective and efficient way. Some functions that Allstyle
department store’s management performs for its effective performance are described below:
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Figure 1, Five Functions of Management
(Source: Five Functions of Management. 2020)
Planning: This is considered as a futuristic oriented as well as ascertains a firm’s direction.
This is a rational and systematic way of taking decisions which may impact the future of
organisation. Moreover, this function includes prediction of upcoming and attempting to control
events (Calás and Smircich, 2019). Also, this consists the ability for foreseeing affects of present
actions into long run within future. “Planning is a ongoing procedures of developing current
entrepreneurial decisions in systematically way as well as with effective possible understanding
of its futurity, arranging the potential in systematised manner that is require to perform these
decision and evaluating outcomes in respect of that decisions against expectation by systematic
review”. In respect of Allstyle department stores, its general manager Rebecca perform this
management function as it assists in planning meetings to communicate with their staff and
described the various strategy for upcoming seasonal sale and many more thing in more efficient
manner. Moreover, this also helps to develops strategic decisions for setting a direction for them.
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It can be helpful in brainstorming various alternatives to attain objective before selecting
effective course of action for their all ten stores.
Organising: The main purpose of this management function is to delegate the resources as
well as works to workforce for attaining objectives. Manager can required to perform with
another department of firm like human resource, finance, for organising budget as well as
staffing. With the help of this, it can strive for creating working atmosphere conducive to
productivity. Mainly, it considers aptitude and motivation of staff into account for matching
workers roles and work which will fit its abilities. In addition to this the function of organising is
concerned with determining the work which should be performed as well as grouping them
where it is required, delegating those task to workforce while describing its authority and
responsibility, giving power to these staff, developing relation among power and accountability
and at last co-ordinating all these practices. In respect of Allstyle department stores, their
manager during delegating the roles, assures and describes that their workers know its person
duties. Moreover, it also assures that staffs are allotted an effective amount of task and time for
accomplishing its work.
Staffing: This is considered as a function of recruiting as well as retaining appropriate
personnel for business both at non-managerial as well as managerial level (Dey, 2018). This
includes the procedures of hiring, training, improving, compensating and assessing staff as well
as maintaining these personnel with appropriate incentives and enthusiasm. As human resources
are most crucial factor for management so this is essential for all firms to hire appropriate
workforce. This kind of function is significantly essential as individuals are having different
skills, knowledge, experiences, behaviours, attitudes, age and many more which creates
complication into function. Thus, the management of organisation have to acknowledge about
operational competent, technical skills, psychological and sociological framework of personnel.
As per Kootz & O’Donnell, “ Staffing includes manning structure of firm by effectual selection,
assessment & development of workforce for filling the roles designed within structure”. In
respect of Allstyle department stores, its manager to hire the more competent staff within their
stores so that they can perform more effective manner into its growth and attain objectives. It is
important for them as it assists them to get more proficient subordinates and workers for
accomplishment of task in very structure way.
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Directing: It is considered as a function which is concerned with leadership,
communication, encouragement and direction so that staff performs its practices in most
effectual way as possible for attaining the specified objectives. The element, leadership includes
concern of instructions as well as guiding subordinates regarding system and process (Engel,
2017). Communication should be open in both manner so that information may be passed upon
to subordinates as well as feedback received from them. Encouragement is very essential as more
inspired individual’s highlights excellent performance with less direction from higher authorities.
Supervising its subordinates would drives towards ongoing progress report and ensures that
superiors’ directions are being appropriately performed. In respect of Allstyle department stores,
its general manager can direct its subordinates what to do or not. For example as per given case
in meeting it describes some promotional strategy and store pricing for upcoming end season sale
and many more. This function is important for them as it helps in to understand the staff and
direct them accordingly so that task can be accomplished in more effective way and attain
objectives at specified period.
Controlling: This function of management includes those practices which are considered to
assure that an event does not deviate from pre- organised plans. The practices involves
developing standards for task performance, evaluating performance as well as comparing this
with those set standards and undertaking effective actions when required to rectify any
deviations (Goodwin and Richards, 2017). In this function, managers generally observe its staff
as well as assess the quality of its task. So, for this, it can do performance appraisal and provide
workers feedback, facilitating optimistic reviews upon what they are performing effectively as
well as recommendation for improvements. As per Kootntz & O’Donnell, “Controlling is
regarded as the measurement and rectification of performance activities of assistant for
developing ensured that objectives and plans of business desire to gain them as being attained”.
In respect of Allstyle department stores, its manager can perform this management function to
establish standard performance, measure actual performance and many more. All these assist
their various stores to get high performance staff which can be helpful in accomplishing the
delegated work in more efficient way. Also, respective stores required to do some adjustment
based upon appraisal:
 Staff adjustment: The manager required to develop challenging decision like either to
reassign staff or not who provides low standard work to various task or fire them from
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project. It also required including other member into that team for accomplishing the
objectives.
 Budget adjustment: The manager of respective stores observe resources as well as budget
for assuring that they are utilising the resources which is available as well as not
performing above budget (Hewett, 2018). For example: Reviewing the poor performance
of the electrical products division with the manager. Poor staff absence figures had
contributed to this problem and Rebecca suggested that the manager should attend the
additional training sessions on staff motivation and monitoring of staff performance. So,
this will be considered into additional cost which has impact upon specified budget.
Therefore, they has to adjust the budget by cutting down the unnecessary cost.
Thus, all these five functions of management are interrelated with one another in closure
way. However, these functions are more indistinguishable as well as virtually recognisable upon
job. This is essential to put whole 5 function separately so that manager can be focused upon it as
well as deal with it in appropriate way.
TASK 2
Identify and discuss two management theories that are applicable to this case.
Management theories are considered as an accumulation of ideas which suggest general
rules for how to manage a firm and its operations in effective and efficient way. Moreover, it
also address how managers execute plan of action for attaining organisational objectives as well
as how it encourages staff for performing at its higher capability. Along with this, management
theories are referred as a concept that surround suggested strategies of management, that may
involve tools like guidelines as well as frameworks which can be executed into modern firms.
Usually they do not depend upon one single management theory but rather introduce various
concepts from different theories which are effective for its personnel and culture as well
(Kerzner, 2018). This is helpful in focusing, evolving as well as communicating. In respect of
Allstyle department stores, they can apply this into their workplace as it enables managers like
Rebecca to concentrate upon its main objectives. Also, when a management theory is executed,
this automatically streamlines the higher priorities for entities. The management theory that is
applied in respective stores are discussed below:
Contingency Management Theory:
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The contingency theory to management holds that administration techniques must be
dependent on situation. Moreover, it depends upon theory that management effectualness in
contingent or dependent upon interplay among applications of administrations behaviours as well
as particular circumstances. Respective theory is developed by Fred Fiedler in year 1950s-60s.
This theories is based upon the ideas that effectual leadership was directly associated to traits the
leader displayed in any provided circumstances. The beliefs that there exist a set of traits which
are appropriate for all situations as well as that distinct circumstances demand various traits of
leadership (Khorasani and Almasifard, 2017). Therefore, Fiedler then expanded that,
management should concentrates upon much wider organisation focused theory. This suggests
that there is no one approaches of management which is effective for all situations and firms. In
respect of All style department stores, if their manager opt this theory then they should become
capable to determine the specific style of management that is appropriate for all provided
circumstances. Moreover, it also willing as well as capable to utilise that management style in
quicker and effective way when required. In addition to this, this helps them to maintain the
alignment of its team as well as attaining a better fit within whole circumstances and projects.
For example: As all style department stores was a large shop within city centre and had tem
department that sells board range of products from men to women. Also, their manager performs
various activities like meeting with builders, architects, and planners to discuss progress on the
new store extension, poor performance of the electrical products division with the manager due
to their absences, departmental managers to explain the stores pricing and promotional strategy
for the next end of season sale and many more. So, this can be applied into respective firm as it
provides their manager a board range of ways for reacting towards issues such as disputes, poor
performance, in regular staff and many more. This also facilitates them essential discretion in its
decision making. Moreover, this enables respective store manager to blend policy if situations
demand it.
Administrative theory:
This is considered as the management theory which was developed by Henry Fayol, he is
the person who analysed the issues of firm from the viewpoint of manager as well as identified
their activities that may be categorised as financial, accounting, technical, and commercial and
many more (McGrath and Bates, 2017). This theory is related with 14 principles of management
which is formed by Henry Fayol. All of them are discussed below:
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 Division of work: This principle states that, task must be categorised among person based
on its specialisation, so as to assure its complete concentration upon effectual
accomplishment of work that is delegated to them.
 Authority and responsibility: This principle of management that is authority and
responsibility both are associated with one another. Authority considered to be the power
to provide order where as responsibility is regarded as being accountable. Therefore, to
whom the authority is provided for exacting obedience should be held responsible for if
anything happens wrong.
 Discipline: The persons should perform in firm should have to be well disciplined. This is
considered as behaviour, respect that is shown through staff towards another one.
 Unity of command: As per this principle, a person within firm should receive order from
other manager. If person has some kind of reporting relation with various managers then
more disputes can be raised to whom order has to be obeyed.
 Unity o direction: This means that whole person is performing various types of work so
they have to be directed towards the common organisational objectives.
 Subordinates of persons to general interest: A per this principle, the interest of firm and
person should be coincided for getting work completed. The individuals should not put
their personal interest over the common one if there is any dispute.
 Remuneration of personnel: The method of payment must be fair enough so that both
staffs as well as employers are satisfied.
 Centralisation: As per Fayol, centralisation means minimising significance of
subordinate’s role into firm as well as the extent towards which authority will be
centralised or decentralised depends upon type of company where manager is performing.
 Scalar chain: It means that there must be an appropriate hierarchy into firm which
provides effective flow of authority as well as communication. Moreover, this also
suggests that every person should understand that from whom they may get instruction
and towards whom they are responsible to.
 Order: It is mainly associated with systematic arrangement of things as well as
individuals within firm. It means that each material must be in their places as well as
there must a place available for all materials. Similarly, in respect of individuals,
effective man has to be in appropriate job (Raj, 2017).
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 Equity: Whole staff within firm should be treated in equal manner with respect of
kindliness as well as justice.
 Stability of tenure: The staff must be retained into firm; as new appointments may incurs
large number of selection as well as training cost.
 Initiative: As per this principle, the manager should encourage their subordinates to think
as well as take corrective actions for implementing the plan. It should be motivated in
order to take effective initiatives as this enhances energy as well as zeal among persons.
 Esprit de Corps: It is the principle which means that “Unity is strength”. So, each
personal should perform together for gaining synergy as well as establish cordial
relationship with one another.
Therefore, all the above 14 principles are stating that the manager have to interact with its
staff members, concentration upon effectual accomplishment of work, provide direction, staff
has to be well disciplined and many more (Wren and Bedeian, 2020). In respect of All style
department stores, the various activities which is performed by their general manager are
meeting with builders, architects, and planners to discuss progress on the new store extension,
poor performance of the electrical products division with the manager due to their absences,
departmental managers to explain the stores pricing and promotional strategy for the next end of
season sale and many more. So, through applying respective management theory along with 14
principle helps them to manage all the ten stores in effective way. Moreover, it will be also
helpful to resolve disputes, encourage their subordinates to think as well as take corrective
actions for implementing the plan. In addition to this, it also assists in systematic arrangement of
things as well as individuals within firm. All these will outcomes into enhancing productivity,
grabbing the attention of clients, staff satisfaction, can able to pay attention to whole process
related to stores such as supply distribute etc. as well as also in effective communication with all
other manager and subordinates.
CONCLUSION
As per the above report, it has been concluded that management plays crucial role in both
firm and individually manner. Moreover, they perform numerous roles as well as functions such
as planning, directing, co-ordinating and many more as this is helpful in handling the things,
reviewing the performance, resolving disputes and many more. In addition to this, there are
several management theories that are contingency theory, administrative theory and others that
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assist in communicating, evolving and focusing. Also, it permits manager to concentrates on its
main objectives for accomplishing it. Apart from this, it assists to resolve disputes, encourage
their subordinates to think as well as take corrective actions for implementing the plan,
enhancing productivity and others in effective and efficient way.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
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Dey, P. K. and et. al., 2018. Environmental management and corporate social responsibility
practices of small and medium-sized enterprises. Journal of cleaner production. 195.
pp.687-702.
Engel, Y . and et. al., 2017. Past career in future thinking: how career management practices
shape entrepreneurial decision making. Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal. 11(2).
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Goodwin, M. and Richards, K., 2017. Best practices in healthcare management begin with
self. Nursing Economics. 35(3). p.152.
Hewett, R. and et. al., 2018. Attribution theories in human resource management research: A
review and research agenda. The International Journal of Human Resource
Management. 29(1). pp.87-126.
Kerzner, H., 2018. Project management best practices: Achieving global excellence. John Wiley
& Sons.
Khorasani, S. T. and Almasifard, M., 2017. Evolution of management theory within 20 century:
A systemic overview of paradigm shifts in management. International Review of
Management and Marketing. 7(3).
McGrath, J. and Bates, B., 2017. The Little Book of Big Management Theories:... and how to use
them. Pearson UK.
Raj, K., 2017. Indigenous Management Practices-A Case Study on Street Vendors. International
Journal of Case Studies in Business, IT and Education (IJCSBE), ISSN: Applied, 1(2).
Wren, D. A. and Bedeian, A. G., 2020. The evolution of management thought. John Wiley &
Sons.
Online
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Five Functions of Management. 2020. [Online]. Available through:<
https://www.managementstudyhq.com/functions-of-management.html >
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