decision making

• types of decisions

  strategic, tactical, operational
• strategic decisions


  long term, complex, made by senior managers
• tactical decisions


  medium term, less complex, made by middle managers
• operational decisions


  day to day, simple and routine, made by junior managers
• role of a manager

  plan, organise, command, coordinate, control, delegate, motivate
• plan

  plans objectives by deciding what to do to achieve them
• organise

  organises resources to ensure the organisation is successful in achieving their objectives
• command

  commands by giving instructions to reduce staff confusion
• coordinate

  coordinates staff to ensure objectives are met effectively
• control

  controls the situation by evaluating what has been done to optimise the plan
• delegate

  delegates responsibility for subordinates so managers have more time to focus on their work
• motivate

  motivates staff so they can work harder
• factors that affect decision making

  finance available, skills and expertise affect quality of decisions, lack of correct technology restrict decision making process, time available
• SWOT analysis


  evaluates strengths, weaknesses, oppurtunities, and threats
• strengths

  areas where the company is performing well in or is good at
• weaknesses

  areas where the company is performing poorly in or is bad at
• opportunities

  external factors that could help them grow or become more profitable
• threats

  external factors that could prevent them from meeting its goals
• purpose of a SWOT analysis

  see areas where they could improve, see where they can plan for future eventualities, highlight opportunities for future developments