Students will explore the four functions of management, planning, organizing, leading and controlling. They will identify the characteristics of each function, complete a role play activity of one of the functions and create a management business plan to solidify comprehension. The following activities are for middle school, high school, and post-secondary students.
Characteristics of the Four Functions of Management
Students will learn about the characteristics of the four functions of management by playing a fun game. They will assign characteristics of each function to expand their understanding of what managers do to ensure employees and business operations are aligned.
Materials
- A package of 8 1/2 x 11 card stock
- Masking or duct tape
- Black markers
- Cell phone timer
Instructions
Prior to this activity, write each function of management on card stock (planning, organizing, controlling, and leading). Then write each of the following characteristics on card stock: monitoring, designing, guiding, mapping out, strategizing, classifying, arranging, assigning, coaching, analyzing, re-purposing, and motivating.
Begin the activity by dividing the class into four teams: Team A, Team B, Team C and Team D. Use tape to place the four functions of management on the board. Then give a roll of masking or duct tape to Team A and tell them that they have 3 minutes to place each characteristic under the function of management. After they finish, take a picture of the board, but do not allude to the answers. Remove the characteristics, then repeat these steps with the other teams. After all teams are finished, share the following correct answers (planning - designing, mapping out, strategizing; organizing - classifying, arranging, assigning; controlling - monitoring, analyzing, re-purposing and leading - guiding, motivating and coaching) and give a prize to the team who received the most accurate answers.
Role Plays of the Four Functions of Management
Students will showcase one of the four functions of management through an engaging role-playing activity.
Materials
- Chalk or dry erase markers
Instructions
Prior to this activity, write each function of management on the board. Begin the activity by secretly assigning one of the functions of management (planning, organizing, leading, and controlling) to each student. Then pair students by function and ask them to create a 3-minute role play based on their assignment. One student will play the manager; while the other will play the employee. After all pairs are finished, have each present their role play. Require the class to guess which function of management was outlined in the skit.
Management Business Plan
Students will explore their entrepreneurial side as they create the management portion of a business plan.
Materials
- Computers with word processing or presentation software
- Projector or printer
Instructions
Ask students to imagine that they are an entrepreneur creating a business plan for funding. Today they're focusing on the management section of the business plan. Using the computer and word processing or presentation software, describe their business idea and outline how they will integrate the four functions of management in their newly found company. After all students are finished, showcase their work or print the brochure and allow them to present their management business plan.
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