"Planning, organising, leading and controlling are asserted to be the four crucial functions of a manager. Explain each of these functions emphasising the underlying theories. In particular, how these functions are interrelated in the global business environment today."

A manager's role is to lead his/her organisation to a clearly stated objective. In doing so he/she must muster all his resources in a concise and organised attempt at achieving those goals. To do this a manager must lead, plan, organise and control the organisation's employees.

A manager can be defined in many ways. From the high ranking Chief Executive Officer or the Team leader who is fundamental to the organisation. Each manager therefore has different roles throughout these stages. The team leader 'manager' has a more hands on role in the running of the company compared to the CEO, who as well as concentrating on the day to day running of the company must also asses the future layout of the organisation(Dauphinais et al., 1998, p.18)

The four 'functions' of a manager as stated in the assignment are crucial to the prolonged success of any company. I believe 'leading' is perhaps the most crucial tool of any manager since his/her presence and motivation ability is critical to the achievement of the goals stated in the planning stage.

The 'global business environment of today' is a reference to the ever expanding global marketplace, and how it has opened up thousands of markets for companies, as well as exposing it to many more competitors and pitfalls.

Planning is a vital tool to any manager since it allows him to help prepare for the future, rather than being commanded by it (Allen, 1973, p.64). A comprehensive plan both helps coordinate the actions of all team members, while also serving as a basis for control and feedback. By using a systematic approach to planning, a manager can ascertain the capabilities of his employees and utilize resources to accomplish the most desired outcome(Geneen, 1985, p.84).

Allen (1973, pg.64) states that there are seven major steps in planning, and although his work is dated both Robbins and Crainer, in more recent analysis of management agree with him in a majority of cases;

· A goal which the company is committed to obtaining

· To estimate or predict what will probably happen in the future

· Defining the steps necessary in order to reach the objectives

· The allocation of resources required to achieve the companies objectives

· The mehtod or manner with which the programme is to be realised through the allocation of tasks and objectives

Using a systematic approach to planning allows a manager to ascertain the capabilities of his work force and utilize resources in order to accomplish the desired result(Allen, 1973, p.63). Planning is a crucial role of managers since it allows it to evaluate the path ahead and make arrangements to sidestep any problems which may arise. In the new global business environment of today it is most imperative that a company plans out its path before walking down it. Due to the increase in technolog

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