Principles of Management(Case Study Questions)

Chapter 2: Principles of Management — Case Study Questions

Case Study 1: Henri Fayol’s Principles

A company, SuperTech Pvt. Ltd., manufactures electronic items. The production manager ordered the workers to follow his instructions carefully. However, the sales manager also started giving instructions to the same workers for urgent packaging. The workers got confused and the work got delayed.

Later, the Managing Director instructed all department heads that every worker should get orders from only one superior. He also made sure that materials and people were properly arranged and that everyone was rewarded for good work.

Questions:

1. Which principle of management was violated initially?

2. Which principle was later followed by the Managing Director?

3. Mention one more principle of Henri Fayol shown in the case.

Answers:

1. Principle Violated: Unity of Command — Workers received orders from more than one superior.

2. Principle Followed: Unity of Command (restored by the Managing Director).

3. Other Principle: Remuneration of Employees — Rewarding good work.

Case Study 2: Scientific Management by Taylor

Mr. Verma, the production head of SmartTools Ltd., observed that workers were using their own methods to complete work, which caused inefficiency. He appointed an industrial engineer to study the best way to do the job. After analysis, the engineer suggested standard tools and time limits for each task. Mr. Verma also introduced a bonus plan for those who completed the task efficiently.

Questions:

1. Identify and explain the principles of scientific management applied here.

2. What was the objective of Mr. Verma’s action?

Answers:

1. • Science, Not Rule of Thumb: Engineer used scientific methods to find the best way.

   • Standardisation and Simplification: Standard tools and time set.

   • Differential Piece-Rate System: Bonus plan introduced.

2. Objective: To increase efficiency and productivity by reducing wastage and using scientific methods.

Case Study 3: Discipline and Order

In BrightFuture School, teachers used to come late and students followed the same habit. The new principal introduced strict rules — teachers and students both had to be punctual. The principal also rearranged classrooms and staffrooms in an orderly way.

Questions:

1. Identify two principles of management applied by the principal.

2. Explain their importance briefly.

Answers:

1. Discipline and Order (Fayol’s principles).

2. • Discipline ensures respect for rules and cooperation.

   • Order ensures proper arrangement of things and people for smooth work.

Case Study 4: Cooperation and Harmony

In Bright Motors Ltd., the management and workers always had conflicts. The manager called a meeting and told workers that both sides should work like a family for the company’s success. They started sharing ideas and helping each other. Production improved rapidly.

Questions:

1. Which principle of scientific management was applied?

2. State one positive result of applying this principle.

Answers:

1. Principle: Harmony, Not Discord (by F.W. Taylor).

2. Result: Better understanding, teamwork, and increased productivity.

Case Study 5: Division of Work and Authority

In TechnoWorld Ltd., work was divided among employees based on their specialization. The production manager had the authority to assign work and take disciplinary action when needed.

Questions:

1. Which two principles of management are illustrated here?

2. How do these principles improve efficiency?

Answers:

1. Division of Work and Authority and Responsibility (Fayol’s principles).

2. They improve efficiency because division of work increases specialization, and authority ensures proper control and accountability.

Case Study 6: Espirit de Corps and Scalar Chain

The manager of HealthPlus Hospital encouraged all doctors and nurses to work together like a team. He also created a clear line of communication between top, middle, and lower levels so that instructions could flow properly.

Questions:

1. Identify the two principles of management applied.

2. How do these principles help the organization?

Answers:

1. Espirit de Corps (Team Spirit) and Scalar Chain (line of authority).

2. • Team Spirit promotes unity and reduces conflicts.

   • Scalar Chain ensures clear communication and proper coordination.

Case Study 7: Unity of Direction

NatureCare Pvt. Ltd. runs different campaigns — one for cleanliness and another for plantation. Each project has a separate plan and team, but both work toward the same social goal.

Questions:

1. Which principle of management is reflected here?

2. State the difference between Unity of Command and Unity of Direction.

Answers:

1. Principle: Unity of Direction — one head and one plan for each group of activities.

2. • Unity of Command → One employee should receive orders from only one superior.

   • Unity of Direction → All activities with the same objective should be directed by one head under one plan.