Functions of Management and Roles of Management
Assignment Overview
For this first Case Assignment we will be looking at one of the world's largest and most profitable corporations-Microsoft. With more than 100,000 employees and revenues of $80 billion per year, the company must carefully manage its extensive operations using all four functions of management. Maintaining its position at the top in a highly competitive industry requires careful strategic planning. Watching its operations in more than 100 countries also requires a strong control function. Also, its new CEO has some big shoes to fill following in the footsteps of Microsoft's legendary founder and first CEO, Bill Gates.
Do some research on Microsoft and find out what you can about its planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. There are a huge number of articles out there on Microsoft, so be selective in what you read and focus only on articles directly relevant to these four functions. Here are some articles to get you started that cover aspects of these four functions at Microsoft:
Wingfield, N. (2013, Jul 12). Microsoft overhauls, the apple way. New York Times.
Nakashima, R. (2014, Feb 24). Microsoft CEO's collaborative approach contrasts bombast of former top exec. Telegraph-Journal.
Kim, J. (2013). Microsoft caught in FCPA spotlight. Newton: Questex Media Group LLC.
Menezes, B. (2014, Feb 06). Nadella to make MS 'tangible'. DNA : Daily News & Analysis
Case Assignment
Once you have finished doing your research on Microsoft, write a 3- to 4-page paper addressing the following issues:
Give at least one specific example each of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling at Microsoft.
Of these four functions of management, which one do you think is the most important for Microsoft's strong success? Explain your reasoning.