Core Concepts of Business Administration

What is Administration?

Administration is the process of predicting, planning, organizing, integrating, managing, and controlling the work of an organization's elements. It involves utilizing available resources to achieve predetermined objectives.

What is Taylor's Scientific Management?

Frederick Winslow Taylor's work laid the foundational steps of modern management thinking. His legacy remains a fundamental and obligatory reference for any manager, as his findings are still highly relevant today.

Taylor's significant contribution was the proposal to develop a science of work, known as Scientific Management.

What Constitutes Fayol's Administrative Management?

Henri Fayol's work, particularly his seminal book "Industrial and General Administration," is a fundamental text in economics, business, and technical management. It focuses on streamlining business operations from a perspective that became world-famous: the administrative approach known by Fayol's name. His work consistently emphasized corporate governance.

Fayol's Five Principles of Management

Henri Fayol proposed five primary functions of management:

• Planning
• Organizing
• Commanding (Leadership)
• Coordinating
• Controlling

Understanding Total Quality Management (TQM)

Total Quality Management (TQM) can be defined as a strategic approach to quality improvement. It combines statistical methods of quality control to enhance product or service quality, reduce costs, and ultimately increase overall performance and customer satisfaction.

Defining a Business Entity

A business is an economic entity, either public or private, composed of human, financial, technical, and administrative resources. Its primary purpose is the production of goods and/or services to satisfy human needs, and it may or may not seek profit.

Understanding Business Environments

The business environment comprises all external and internal elements that significantly influence a company's daily operations. It is typically divided into two main categories: the macroenvironment and the microenvironment.

What is Planning in Management?

Planning is the fundamental process by which an organization gains a vision of its future. It involves determining objectives and selecting a course of action to achieve them effectively.

Defining Tactical Planning

Tactical planning is an annual process that guides an organization towards achieving the specific goals set within its broader strategic programs. It focuses on short-to-medium term objectives.

Understanding Strategic Planning

Strategic planning enables an organization to make long-term decisions. Key factors to consider include: changes in the external environment, the company's internal capabilities, and the overall organizational climate.

What is a Gantt Chart?

A Gantt chart is a visual tool used in project management to identify activities, allocate resources, and track the duration of each task. It helps administrators avoid unnecessary idle periods and provides a comprehensive overview of resource utilization under their supervision.

Defining Organizational Structure

An organization, in this context, refers to the graphic representation (e.g., an organizational chart) of a company's structure, or that of one of its specific areas or administrative units. It visually depicts the relationships and hierarchy among the various departments and roles that constitute the organization.

What is Control in Management?

Control, in management, is the process of monitoring activities to ensure they are developing as planned. Its purpose is to identify and correct any significant deviations, ensuring objectives are met efficiently.