Every business setting has a distinct structure from the other. In these business structures, every department performs different functions in accordance with the stipulated functions by the organization. However, there are general responsibilities that apply to every organization that every department shares a similarity.
The business administrator
The administrator of a business could be the founder of the business or a separate person hired for this purpose. The administrator of any business has a different function according to the organizational structure. The general functions of the administrator are as described below.
Planning: This is the most important function of an administrator in a business environment. The administrator makes decisions on the tasks to carry out to achieve a specified goal. They also assign the desired personnel to this task. The administrator in the planning function ensures that sufficient time and other resources are availed to perform the desired task. A major component in planning is the prioritization of tasks. The administrator ensures that every task is performed in accordance to their level of urgency. The administrator identifies the sequence that should be followed in carrying out organizational tasks in order to maintain consistency.
Organization: It is the function of the administrator to identify the various tasks in the business and identify the right personnel to be assigned to the job. The administration has the duty to assign the person they desire fit to manage a group of employees to complete a certain task in the organization. The management also in this function, subdivides the business into departments and ensures these departments are interrelated and work together to achieve a common goal. The administrator also ensures that these departments have clear definition of their responsibility and no department crosses the line of another.
Staffing: The administration through its human resource department ensures there is sufficient staff in the organization at all times and that their needs are met to ensure good working conditions. The administration organizes for the hiring and training of the business staff.
Controlling: The administration in this function ensures continuous evaluation of the organization’s goals. The administration ensures that the original plan of the organization is executed and achieved within the stipulated deadlines.
The marketing manager
This is an important function in the business, which requires qualified personnel to handle since it carries the success of the business. An underperforming marketing department would imply an underperforming business and vice versa. The first function of the manager responsible for this department is instilling a marketing led ethos throughout the business. The manager also conducts research and issues reports on the available external opportunities for the business. Thirdly, it maintains the business customer relationship by identifying the current and potential customers and their priorities. The manager also develops the marketing strategy and plan. It is also responsible for managing the marketing mix, agencies and the budgets for the marketing process. It is the function of this manager to measure success from the marketing procedures carried out. Finally, this manager makes the decisions on behalf of the customers.
The finance manager
The finance manager of any business setting has almost equal roles unless stated otherwise in the organization’s job description, which distinguishes some functions of this manager. First, the manager is responsible for making estimates of capital requirements in the business in a manner that ensures increased earning capacity of the business. Secondly, the manager conducts a short and long-term debt equity analysis thereby determining the capital composition (Chandra 259 – 263). The other function of the finance manager is determining the source of funds for the business. The manager decides on whether to issues shares and debentures, go for a loan or draw public deposits for instance in form of bonds. The financial manager also has a function of determining the profitable venture in which to allocate funds. Other functions include disposal of surplus, management of cash and financial control.
The manufacturing manager
This manager has four basic functions (Larry 239 – 247)
Supervision of employees: this manager ensures that the personnel and resources are properly allocated to their respective positions. The manager ensures proper coordination between the field and office staff and balances their time to ensure both departments function concurrently.
Quality control: it is the function of this manager to ensure that the products of their processes meet the required standards to meet customer requirements. The manager also ensures the production process and procedures are kept up-to-date with the technological advancements.
Process involvement: the manager conducts an analysis of the of the production process of their company and those of other companies in the industry. They then strive to beat competition by ensuring efficiency in their production process that matches that of their industry competitors.
Administration: since the manager understands the output capabilities of the firm, they are responsible for balancing the factors of production (labor, raw materials and equipment) with the projected output in order to maximize profit. It also provides various departments with relevant information such as human resource departments with employee records.
Work Cited
Larry E. Fast. The Twelve Principles of Manufacturing Excellence. United States: CRC Press, 2012. Print.
Chandra Bose. Principles of Management and Administration. PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd., 2004. Print.
