Management: A General Theory [Paperback]

The purpose of this book is to provide the reader with a fundamental insight into the theory of management as a subject rather than simply a review of past and present management practices and texts. The book is intended to help readers gain an understanding of management in a comprehensive, logical and analytical manner. It aims to provide a general theory which allows management problems to be analysed unambiguously and enable solutions to be evaluated rationally. This, like any other basic theory, should provide a key to understanding and the opportunity to apply better practical solutions in the future. The book is directed towards all people who wish to understand the fundamental principles of management and business. It should be understandable to readers at all levels from undergraduate students to postgraduates and professional managers. It is also directed towards tutors who require a broad-based text that embraces the general underlying concepts of management. The concepts are particularly applicable to the analysis and discussion of case studies and to the rational application of management consultancy. Much of the material has already been taught to management students by the author. This has demonstrated the value of the techniques in analysing case studies in areas where the students may have little or no previous practical experience or knowledge. The text makes use of simple metaphors and cartoon-type illustrations, not to trivialize, but to provide simple images and models to illustrate and reinforce complex management concepts. In contrast, logic-type equations are also provided as a simple formal shorthand notation, rather than for mathematical manipulation. The advantage of these techniques is that they should enable anyone to identify, understand, analyse and recall management issues logically - regardless of previous knowledge or training. Due to the unusual content of the book and the large number of concepts presented, the format provides propositions that are individually digestible, and is supported by charts and illustrations to reinforce them. The book can either be read from beginning to end or as a reference to specific topics. The layout of the text allows learning materials to be provided easily for both student and lecture notes, and visual aids. The text is designed to be studied in separate blocks and the terminology is intended to be simple and unambiguous. It is supported by a glossary that aims to be convenient for both English speaking, and more importantly, by other readers whose first language may not be UK English. This book can, if required, be read in conjunction with any general text covering all aspects of management. It can also be read in conjunction with texts specializing in more detailed areas of management. However, a section is devoted to antecedent management texts and sources, along with which this present general theory can be considered. The author's management experience covered over 25 years as a manager in industry, in business and consultancy, in processing, production, construction and information systems and technology in the UK, and latterly in Eastern Europe. His 25 years teaching experience as a polytechnic and university business school lecturer covered management, business, marketing, information systems, computing and some years in research.

The author's management experience covered over twenty-five years as a manager in industry, in business and consultancy, in processing, production, construction, and information systems and technology in the UK, and latterly in Eastern Europe. His twenty-five years teaching experience as a polytechnic and university business school lecturer covered management, business, marketing, information systems, computing, and some years in research. He was educated in production at Birmingham University, in management and business studies at Aston College of Advanced Technology, at Edinburgh University as a Diploma student, as a Graduate by examination of the BIM, at Cranfield College of Aeronautics as a Research Fellow, and Henley the Management College as a Masters, and later, as a Doctoral student.