Four Functions of Management

Four Functions of Management

Maureen Schneider

Management in Film

April 11, 2015

Professor K. Noone

ABSTRACT

This paper will show how I use planning, organizing, leading and controlling in my work as a tour director.  These four functions are vital to ensuring a successful tour.

     Planning, organizing, leading and controlling are important parts of our lives.  Many times we will use one or all of these functions of management without even realizing it.  Planning is essential to anything we undertake.  A clear path to follow does not just happen it must be planned out.  A plan is worthless without organization.  Organization entails deciding what resources we need to implement our plan and how best to use those resources.  Next comes leading.  We can have the best plan and all the resources in place but without anyone to take the lead it is all for naught.  Someone must take the bulls by the horn and start the ball rolling.  Without leadership the plan will be stagnant and nothing will progress.  Now the plan is in place, the resources gathered and ready, leadership is ready to move but it is important that there is control.  Under the control aspect the plan is closely monitored to make sure that all is on track and, if necessary, changes made to ensure that the plan is met.  As a tour director I rely heavily on all these parts of management to ensure that the tour goes smoothly and that my clients are happy.

Planning

     When I first receive my folder from the tour company it is vital that I carefully look over all the paperwork.  The first thing I must do is research the school – address, parking availability, and travel time.  Next I must call the school and speak with the person in charge of the trip.  It is at this point that I confirm the number of students, and discuss exactly what the teacher/principal would like the students to come away with.  One of the main questions that need to be addressed is what are the most important sights that they would like to visit.  This is especially important for a Washington DC trip as the itineraries usually state tour the memorials and monuments of the school’s choice.  I also call any and all reservations to confirm the times and dates.  

Organizing

     Next on my agenda is the organizing of all my paperwork.  I like to take my itinerary apart and check over all my contracts to be sure that the contract information coincides with my itinerary.  It is important that I make sure all the times and dates match.  This includes any appointments such as museums, restaurants, hotel check in and special events.  After this I look through my personal notes, including but not limited to historical information about all the places we will be visiting or passing.  I decide what would be useful and add those to my folder.  I look over the logistics and map out all routes including alternates just in case something changes.  This is especially important when doing a walking tour in such areas as Philadelphia or DC.