controlling elements BBA

Question what is the meaning of term “controlling”? What are the elements of controlling process?

Answer:

Introduction:

Meaning of controlling:

Control, it is the last function of any management. The controlling function will be unnecessary to the management if other function of management is performed properly.

          According to Knootz & O’Donnell, “Controlling is the measurement of accomplishment against the standards and the correction of deviations to assure attainment of objectives according to plans.”

          G.R.Terry state that – “ Controlling is determining what is being accomplished, that is, evaluating the performance and if necessary, applying corrective measure so that the performance takes place according to plans.”

          Henry Fayol, “ Control consists in verifying whether everything occurs in conformity, is with the plans adopted the instructions issued and principles established. It has for its object to point out weaknesses and errors in order to rectify them and prevent recurrence.”

          According to Mc Farland, “ The presence in a business of that force which guides it to a pre-determined objective by means of pre-determined policies and decisions.”

CHARACTERISTICS OF CONTROL ARE –

1.     Control is a continuous process.

2.     It is a management process.

3.     It is embedded in each level of organizational hierarchy.

4.     It is forward looking.

5.     It is closely linked with planning.

6.     It is a tool for achieving organizational activities.

7.     Control is an end process.

CONTROL PROCESS OR ELEMENTS OF CONTROL

The Elements Of Control / Steps in control process.

The four basic elements in a control system –

1.     Establishing standards – The first steps of controlling is the characteristic or condition of the operating system which is to be measured. It is necessary to find the result which are desired. It is very useful to setting the standards are expressed in terms of quantity. The standards should have some characteristics to produce effective performance. The characteristics may be time, cost, efforts, result oriented, quantitative term expressed, accurate, periodical revision and the like.

2.     The Sensor – It is the second element of control. It is a means, for measuring the characteristics or condition. The performance should be compared with the established standards. So, necessary information should be collected about the performance. The effective management information system provides the necessary information i.e., performance particulars. Several techniques are used by the management to measure the performance.

3.     The Comparator – It determines the need for correction by comparing what is occurring with what has been planned. The actual performance is compared with standards, the deviations are known to the management. But when variations are beyond those considered acceptable, corrective action is required. It involves a sort of preventative action which indicates action that good control is being achieved.

4.     The Activator – The activator is the fourth element of control. The correction action taken to return the system to expected output. The actual person device or method used to direct corrective inputs into the operating system may take a verity of forms. The management has to take necessary corrective action on the basis of nature of causes of deviations.

Conclusion: above elements are necessary for the completion of the controlling process. In case absence of any element, an organisation controlling process lack of benefits available from controlling process.