MN4062QA Reflective Paper: Comparing Management Approaches

This reflective paper examines the learning experience from a six-week module on Principles of Management, focusing on traditional and contemporary management approaches. The paper reflects on the knowledge gained each week, from understanding the basics of management and the roles of managers to exploring various management theories like scientific management, human relations, and systems models. It discusses a case study on Ryanair and Apple, and the application of the POLC framework. The paper identifies similarities between traditional and contemporary approaches, such as the focus on interconnected components and the human element. The main difference lies in the rigidity of decision-making, with traditional approaches being more structured compared to the adaptability of contemporary approaches like the contingency approach and competing values framework. The reflection concludes that understanding both approaches is crucial for effective business management.

Reflective
Paper
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Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................3
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................6
REFRENCES...................................................................................................................................7
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INTRODUCTION
Reflective practice on previous experience helps students understand the positive as well
as effects aspects of past experiences and compared knowledge gained from the experience
(Mahon and O'Neill, 2020). This reflective paper focuses on the knowledge gained from the six
weeks module Principles of management. In the short reflection traditional and contemporary
approaches to management are compared and contrasted and the similarities and differences
between these approaches is reflected.
MAIN BODY
In the first week of the module basic elements of principles of management were covered
add information regarding structure of the module along with the timetable were provided. In the
first I was able to learn the importance of good management and skilled managers in an interface
from the first week of principles of management module. The second week of the module
included a case study discussion on management related to Ryanair organization. The case study
along with information about useful library search resources helped me understand they need and
concept of management in contemporary business organization.
I developed clarity about the fundamental concept of management and it's practicality in real life
organization. By attending third week I was able to understand the basic roles and
responsibilities of management along with the concept of managing internal and external
environment of a company. I gained knowledge about basic practice of management from third
week principles of management module. The management task I completed in the third week
which focused on teamwork and application of POLC improved my knowledge on management
in business firms as I was able to apply the management knowledge myself and develop
teamwork skills. POLC refers to planning organizing leading and controlling (Grosu, 2017).
The focus of 4th week of the module version foundational management theory. In this
week I gained more knowledge about management models as well as approaches of management
along with the computing values framework. I am now able to understand scientific management
as well as regional goal model of management. The 5th week of the module expanded my
knowledge on management theory as I was able to understand internal process model consisting
of management theory by Weber and Fayol. Webber and Fayol are credited with creating
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classical theory on management (Rachman, 2019). Apart from this I was able to understand
human relations model End it relation with the competing values framework.
The final week of the module included a case study on apple which helped me understand
the usage of various management models in a business. I learn about open system models and
improved my knowledge on competing value framework along with the contingency approach of
management. My referencing skills also improved by participating in the final week of principles
of management module. Each week of the principles of management module has helped me gain
effective knowledge of various management theory as well as the role of management in
contemporary organizations. I am now able to apply this knowledge in order to identify the
difference in similarities between traditional and current approaches to management.
The traditional approach to management includes the scientific theory of management
human relations approach to management and systems model of management. Competing values
framework and contingency approach to management are included in the contemporary
management approach (Sant'Anna and et. al., 2020). From the knowledge gained by participating
in the module principles of management I have identified that the primary similarity between
traditional approach to management and contemporary approach to management is the focus on
different components and they are interconnected we are working to facilitate effective
functioning of the company.
In case temporary approach to management competing frameworks model provides different
elements which compete for the limited resources of the company. The or values stated in the
competing values framework our collaborate create control and compete. On the other hand, in
systems approach to management which is included in traditional management approaches looks
at the organization as an entity consisting of multiple components which need to work together
so that the larger system can work optimally. This showcases that is the similarity of components
working together for effective functioning of the company in both traditional as well as
contemporary approaches to management.
Another similarity between traditional and contemporary management approaches is that
both management approaches include theories which focus on human element of organization.
The human relations model of management which is a part of traditional management approach
states that employee motivation and productivity can be enhanced by facilitating positive
community in the workplace and emphasizing the value of individual workers. The contingency
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approach to management which is a part of contemporary management approaches also focuses
on the human element of the organization similar to human relations approach. The contingency
approach to management states that management styles need to be adjusted and changed as per
the current scenario faced by the manager which includes considering reaction of individual
workers and the impact of management style on individual employee motivation. In this report
traditional and contemporary management approaches look at human element of the organization
to take managerial action.
The primary difference between traditional and contemporary approaches of management
is the rigidity in relation to decision making. The traditional approach to management includes
scientific management approach which states principles required for increasing productivity and
effectively managing the organization (Sun and Bunchapattanasakda, 2019). The human
relations approach similarly offers Central focus on increasing employee satisfaction full
effective management of the company. Systems approach similarly states the need for synergy
interdependence and interrelation between various elements of a company in order to achieve
success. Comparing these two contemporary management approaches which includes
contingency theory of management and competing value framework there is less presence of
rigidity regarding managerial decision making. As per the competing value framework,
Organizations are adaptable and flexible but there is also a need for stability and control at the
same time. The contingency approach to management style according to the needs of the
situation. This showcases that there is less rigidity in contemporary management approach when
from pared to traditional approach of management.
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CONCLUSION
From the public port it is concluded that reflection helps identify the basic knowledge
gained from past experiences and create original knowledge on the basis of such experiences.
Their knowledge about traditional and contemporary management approaches is fundamental for
effectively managing businesses. The similarity between contemporary and traditional
approaches of management involves the focus on individual employees and interconnection
between different elements for functioning of the company. The availability of strict principles
and elements to guide decision making is the primary factor which differentiates traditional and
contemporary management approaches.
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REFRENCES
Books and Journals
Mahon, P. and O'Neill, M., 2020. Through the looking glass: the rabbit hole of reflective
practice. British Journal of Nursing, 29(13). pp.777-783.
Grosu, V., 2017. Evolution of the concept of investment and investment management
approaches. European journal of economics and management sciences, (3). pp.7-11.
Rachman, M. M., 2019. The Influence of the Work Environment, Organizational Commitment
and Organizational Citizenship Behavior on Employee Performance and Motivation as
Intervening. European Journal of Business and Management ISSN, pp.2222-1905.
Sant'Anna and et. al., 2020. Organisational commitment and culture: evidence of commitment in
an independent sales force. International Journal of Management Practice, 13(4).
pp.437-461.
Sun, L. and Bunchapattanasakda, C., 2019. Employee engagement: A literature
review. International Journal of Human Resource Studies, 9(1). pp.63-80.
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