QUESTION 2
a) Explain two ways in which managers can acquire managerial skills. (5 marks)
b) Critically analyze any five (5) barriers to the preparation and implementation of plans. (20 marks)
a) Two ways in which managers can acquire managerial skills are:
1. Education and Training Programs (2.5 marks)
Managers can participate in formal education and training programs that are specifically designed to enhance managerial skills. Academic institutions and professional organizations offer various degrees, certificates, and courses that cover management theory, business practices, leadership strategies, financial acumen, human resources management, and more. Completing an MBA program or taking specialized courses in management can provide a structured and comprehensive exposure to key concepts and practices needed by managers. Furthermore, many companies provide in-house training programs or sponsor their employees to attend external workshops and conferences to help them stay current with the latest management techniques and industry-specific skills.
2. Experience and Mentorship (2.5 marks)
Experience is a critical factor in acquiring managerial skills. As managers engage in the day-to-day activities of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling, they learn from practical experiences. Through problem-solving, decision-making, and dealing with diverse work situations, managers can develop their skills organically. In addition to firsthand experience, mentorship can play a crucial role in skill acquisition. Experienced mentors can provide guidance, insights, and feedback that help fledgling managers understand complex organizational dynamics and improve upon their managerial skill sets. By observing and interacting with accomplished managers, aspiring leaders can fast-track their learning and skill development.
b) Five barriers to the preparation and implementation of plans are:
1. Lack of Clear Objectives or Goals (4 marks)
If a plan lacks clear and defined objectives or goals, it becomes challenging for managers to establish a direction for action and measure progress. Ambiguous goals can lead to confusion and misallocation of resources as employees may not understand what needs to be accomplished, thereby impeding successful implementation.
2. Resistance to Change (4 marks)
People naturally resist change due to fear of the unknown, comfort with current processes, or concern over personal impact. When a new plan is introduced, this resistance can be a significant barrier. It can manifest as poor cooperation, low morale, or even active sabotage. Overcoming this resistance often requires careful change management, communication, and possibly incentive alignment.
3. Inadequate Resources (4 marks)
The preparation and execution of plans can be hindered by inadequate resources. This includes insufficient funding, a lack of human resources, or the absence of necessary technological support. If the resources required to execute a plan are not available, it can lead to delays, scaling back of the planned activities, or even complete failure of the plan.
4. Poor Communication (4 marks)
Effective implementation of a plan requires clear communication about the objectives, strategies, roles, and expectations. Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, misinformation, and a lack of coordination among team members. The importance of ensuring that everyone involved has a clear understanding of the plan and how to execute it cannot be overstated.
5. Inflexibility (4 marks)
Plans are often prepared with certain assumptions about the future. However, the business environment is dynamic, and circumstances can change rapidly. An inflexible plan that does not accommodate changes in the external environment, market conditions, or internal organization dynamics will likely encounter difficulties during implementation. It is essential for plans to be adaptable to shifting situations to ensure they remain relevant and actionable.
Each barrier is assigned 4 marks, grading not only the identification of the barrier but also the critical analysis provided. Total marks for this part would be 20 if each element is sufficiently elaborated and critically analyzed.