Business Functions

• What is a traditional hierarchical structure in a business?

  A structure organized by functional departments
• How do functional departments help communication in a business?

  They clarify who to contact for problems
• What is the role of functional departments in a business?

  To define roles and responsibilities clearly
• What are the four main functional areas in large companies?

  Marketing, human resources, finance, operations
• What is the responsibility of the human resources department?

  To ensure other departments have skilled workers
• How does the finance department support other departments?

  By ensuring money is available for activities
• What role does marketing play in relation to production?

  It provides information about customer product desires
• What is the purchasing department responsible for?

  Ensuring enough materials for production
• What are the goals of functional departments in a business?

  • Align with corporate objectives
  • Ensure departments work together
  • Avoid conflicting goals
• What happens if the marketing department aims for increased sales while HR reduces staffing?

  They may work against each other
• Why is it important for all departments to coordinate their goals?

  To achieve the overall objectives of the organization
• How does operations management contribute to a car manufacturing business?

  It employs most of the workforce for production
• What is the consequence of efficient production without effective marketing?

  Producing cars without sufficient sales
• What is the relationship between functional departments and corporate objectives?

  • Functional departments must align with corporate goals
  • Collaboration is essential for success
  • Conflicting objectives can hinder progress
• What are some functions of the marketing department?

  Advertisement, product pricing, market analysis
• What does the finance department manage?

  Cash management and company assets
• What is one responsibility of the human resources department?

  Managing jobs and employee relations
• What is a key function of research and development in a business?

  Product improvement and development
• What does customer service support include?

  Customer relations and administrative support
• What is the role of IT support in a business?

  To provide technical assistance and support
• What is the purpose of reputation management in a business?

  To maintain a positive public image
• What is the goal of efficient customer support?

  To enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty
• What is the function of market research?

  To gather information about customer preferences
• What is the purpose of monitoring campaigns?

  To assess the effectiveness of marketing efforts
• What is the role of finding new sales leads?

  To identify potential customers for products
• What is pre-purchasing research?

  Research conducted before acquiring materials
• What is the role of a cross-functional social media team?

  To manage social media across departments