Question

'Memo Builders' was constructing a five star hotel for a leading hotel chain. The hotel had to be given possession by next year but the construction of the hotel was running six months behind schedule. The Chief Executive Officer of 'Memo Builders' was concerned as Memo Builders was known for its quality and timely completion of projects. He asked Nitin, the senior of the Project Head for a thorough investigation. Nitin investigated and reported to the Chief Executive Officer that inspite of huge absenteeism of workers, additional workers were not called. Nitin also reported to the Chief Executive Officer that three of the ten machines being used by the workers were defective. Nitin ordered for repair of the machines and asked the Project Head to appoint additional workers with attractive wages to ensure that the deadline is met.
(a) Identify the function of management. Quoting the lines from the above para, explain the steps of the process of the function of management discussed.
(b) Also explain any two points of importance of the function of management identified in (a) above.

Hint:

Controlling process questions follow the PDCA cycle: Plan-Do-Check-Act. Always match steps to quoted text.

Answer 1

(a) Function: Managing Process Stages via Evidence:
1. Establishing Benchmarks: - Implicit benchmark: Project finalized within original schedule - "The hotel had to be given possession by next year"
2. Assessing Performance: - "Construction...running six months behind schedule" - "Huge absenteeism of workers" - "Three of the ten machines...defective"
3. Evaluating Outcomes: - Current status (6 months delayed) versus Target (on schedule) - Assessment of resource deficits (personnel, equipment)
4. Implementing Adjustments: - "Ordered for repair of the machines" - "Appoint additional workers with attractive wages"
(b) Significance Factors:
1. Objective Attainment: - Guarantees projects adhere to quality/time benchmarks - Safeguards corporate image ("known for timely completion")
2. Asset Efficiency: - Pinpoints underutilized resources (machinery) - Aligns workforce needs (attendance issues versus recruitment) The scenario illustrates: - Real-time oversight (during project execution) - Numerical monitoring (schedule metrics) - Hierarchical supervision (CEO to Project Head)