BACKGROUND:

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In 1984 Fayol proposed five elements or processes (functions) for management (planning,
organising, co‐ordinating, commanding and controlling). Today, these functions have been
reduced to four: plan, lead, organise and control (PLOC). Fells (2000) claims that these functions
have ‘stood the test of time’; however, other authors argue that they are too old and not
relevant for management of today’s organisations.
READING:
Fells, M.J., 2000, ‘Fayol Stands the Test of Time’ Journal of Management History, Vol. 6, 8, pp.
345‐360.
TASK:
Write an essay (1,000 words) in which you critically examine the functions (elements or processes)
of management proposed by Fayol (see Fells 2000). Explain why these functions are relevant (or
otherwise) to today’s managers.
REQUIREMENTS:
Word limit: approx. 1,000 words (excluding cover page/s and references).
Sources: Students must use at least four references for this assignment (e.g., journals, books)
with at least two being from academic or scholarly journals (accessed from library databases),
not internet websites (e.g., Wikipedia or other Google sources).
~ 2 ~
Students are required to be constructively critical and analytical. In addition, students have the
opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of management through a practical and
realistic approach to their basic research methods, discussion of relevant real‐life applications
and demonstration of strong essay writing and referencing techniques.

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Researching and writing skills are valuable in all facets of management practice. Essay writing is
an essential part of being a good manager by providing busy Executives with appropriately
informed views of the topic under investigation. An important part of presenting material to
Executives is to provide a balanced viewpoint; that is, offering both the positives and negatives
of the issue to ensure that the conclusions draw are not biased. Poorly researched work leads to
poor decision‐making; thereby compromising management. These are the reasons why you
need to develop your academic writing skills and learn the art of constructive essay writing.
SUGGESTED ESSAY LAYOUT:
Headings and sub‐headings should be used sparingly in your essay. Examine the journal articles
you read as a guide. A title page is not required for an essay; but please insert your student
name and ID in the footer.
Introduction
• Some background on the theory you are exploring (to put the essay in context)
• The objectives/aims of your essay (i.e., explain why you are writing this essay)
• The main ideas you are going to discuss in the essay (your findings)
Body Sections (e.g., function A)
(Use PREP method, explained below, to structure paragraphs)
• Describe one of the functions identified in the paper
• Critically evaluate the relevance and value of the function for today’s managers
Body Sections (e.g., function B)
(Use PREP method, explained below, to structure paragraphs)
• Describe one of the functions identified in the paper
• Critically evaluate the relevance and value of the function for today’s managers
Conclusion
• Restatement of what the essay set out to achieve
• Summary of your main ideas
• Concluding generalisation, comments or opinions
References (Follow the Deakin author date Harvard system)
• Separate section, with a heading
• All sources cited in the essay

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Presented in the Deakin author‐date (Harvard) system