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System Management - Planning and Control

NCJ Number
75704
Author(s)
H W Lanford
Date Published
1981
Length
200 pages
Annotation
Concepts central to systems management and a defense of the bureaucratic organization are discussed.
Abstract
The book is intended to serve as a supplementary work for courses in general management or systems engineering, as a reference work for management educators and management associations, and as an aid in executive training programs. A historical overview shows the theory and incremental advances in theory. The author argues that the bureaucratic organization is the most effective administrative structure to date, and that shortcomings in such organizations are attributable to the managers and subordinates rather than to the hierarchical structure. A degree of vertical (superior-subordinate) and horizontal (interdepartmental) conflict is considered normal in any bureaucratic organization. However, the systems manager, by determining the responsibility and accountability for each interface, can avoid many serious conflicts. The technique of configuration management, i.e., a set of procedures by which a system and its components, is described in detail. Finally, the systems manager must be aware of changes and trends which contribute to the social, political, economic, and technical scene. The primary functions of planning and control are also of great importance to the system manager. The effective administrator must exhibit leadership ability within his unit and skill in intergroup relationships. Internal intragroup skills are essential in lower and middle management. A bibliography and illustrations are supplied.

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