How Big Boys Think and Play:Excellence In Management!

Human Resource Management

1.What is the attitude of top management towards the human side of enterprise..has enough attention

been given to portray its fundamental role in the managerial philosophies of the organization..

2.Are the policies covering people associated with the organization clear and equitable..do they give

the organization the competitive edge over other employers in terms of wages,promotiom,training,

benefits ..etc..

3.What is the organizational climate like?..does it reflect harmony,openness and productivity or

conflict , apathy, and counter productivity?What is the over all relationship between individuals

and the organization?

4. Is there a morale problem at any level of the organization..does this lead to conflict,counter 

productivity such as absenteeism,accidents,industrial action or labour turnover..

5.Does the informal organization support or counter the efforts of the formal organization..is the management sensitive to the entire spectrum of human behaviour and has it shown wisdom in dealing with these aspects of life..

Operations and Production Management 

1. Is the Management in these areas in line with over all organizational objective and strategy..

2.How does operating and production costs given in the financial statements compare with sales.both as 

absolutes and percentages...What is the key  cost element,such as labour or materials..Has attention been

given to their control ..if rising ,is this due to cost increases or cost squeeze..has any cost control programmes providing up to date standards been used..

3.Are there any adequate quality control procedures..How is this reflected in the firms' reputation as regards the industry 's standards and environmental conditions..

4.What inventory levels such as wip and fg are you keeping..Is inventory rising beyond expectations and why..

5.How effective have the firms production control and scheduling as well as their communication lines been..

Do the production personnel get timely relevant accurate information which are vital to production from quality control,cost control,sales and other groups..

6.In the area of logistics,how are the purchasing and materials handling organized and run in terms of relationship and communication with production..what is the situation regarding cost and effectiveness in this area..

7.Are plant facilities and resources adequate and in good condition as compared with competition..is the equipment designed for single purpose or multi purpose and flexible wages..is the plant highly automated or labour intensive..what are the latest development in technology..how will this affect future plans...

Research and Development

1. Is RnD accorded a strategic role in the organization..If so has the organizations commitment to RnD been effective...Is RnD a major and essential spending in the industry..

2.Is the nature of product emphasizing on continual advancement in products as consumer advancement in products as consumer or competition demands..

3.Is the organization concentrating its RnD effort on selected products only,or is such effort enjoyed by all products ..to what extent can the organization afford to devote to the RnD effort..In case a breakthrough

is achieved,what would the playoff be like...How realistic would be the opportunity be in terms of risk and return...

4.Are resources set for the RnD effort adequate and effectively utilized...Has RnD communicated effectively with Marketing and Production...Does the Organization enjoy a stream of new products and improvements.. 

Marketing..

1.Does the marketing function reflect organizational objective and strategy..

2.What are the product market shares like and how would each of the products relate to the product cycle life stages..(matrix of cash cows,stars,question marks and dogs)

3.What are the organizations key elements of competitive strategy..low price,high quality,prompt delivery,service,long term warranty..

4.What are the organizations distribution channels and how do they operate....Are they effective or are there new developments in consumer demand or distribution to warrant consideration of whether to change or shift emphasis...

5.Has adequate studies been made of sales volume and price relationships..is the firm going on exclusive selling margin or mass marketing for large volume with low price margin...is the pricing policy intended to skim the cream or penetrate the market for more of the market share..

6.Is market research being utilized...If so,does it effect the determination of what products should be offered and to whom or whwt products to be dropped...

7.Is marketing policy in line with competition,consumer taste and need,technological change,other social and environmental issues..how does marketing communicate and relate such issues with production and RnD?

Accounting and Finance

1.Does the accounting and finance functions comply with the organizations financial plan..are the financial plans of sub units consistent with those of overall organization..

2.Going by appropriate ratios , percentage analysis,how does the organization stand in the analysis of its financial performance and status,,,are the results favourable compared to industry's ..if not what are corrective measures needed...

3.What types of reports are prepared and which managers have access..are these reports timely,relevant accurate...have they been well utilized by managers in controlling and planning their activities...

4.Are computers used to support the accounting and finance functions..if so,does it provide useful and timely information or does it produce tons pf paper print outs that are no value to management...

5.What priority has top management accord the planning and controlling of corporate exercises such as preparation of the annual budget,,,are the people in the organization contributing or are they just ignoring /procrastinating their efforts...Happy Working!...Salam...