1. Management Science & the Contingency Theory Group Three MGMT 2053 Principles of Management Spring 2006

2. What is Management Science? Management Science, or MS, is the discipline of using mathematic, and other analytical methods, to help make better business decisions. Management Science, or MS, is the discipline of using mathematic, and other analytical methods, to help make better business decisions. While often considered synonymous with Operations Research (OR), MS is differentiated by being generally thought to have a more practical, rather than academic approach. While often considered synonymous with Operations Research (OR), MS is differentiated by being generally thought to have a more practical, rather than academic approach.

3. Purpose of MS MS purpose is to use rational, systematic, science-based techniques to inform and improve decisions of all kinds. MS purpose is to use rational, systematic, science-based techniques to inform and improve decisions of all kinds. MS is also concerned with so-called ”soft- operational analysis”, which concerns methods for strategic planning, strategic decision support, and Problem Structuring Methods (PSM). MS is also concerned with so-called ”soft- operational analysis”, which concerns methods for strategic planning, strategic decision support, and Problem Structuring Methods (PSM).

4. The Beginning of MS Frederick Winslow Taylor is credited with the initial development of scientific management techniques in the early 1900s. Frederick Winslow Taylor is credited with the initial development of scientific management techniques in the early 1900s. In addition, several management science techniques were further developed during World War II. In addition, several management science techniques were further developed during World War II. Some even consider the World War II period as the beginning of management science. Some even consider the World War II period as the beginning of management science.

5. Uses of MS Management science techniques are used on a wide variety of problems from a vast array of applications. Management science techniques are used on a wide variety of problems from a vast array of applications. In marketing, optimal television scheduling has been determined using integer programming. In marketing, optimal television scheduling has been determined using integer programming. Finance; using MS aids in maximizing the potential of portfolios. Finance; using MS aids in maximizing the potential of portfolios. And many other uses. And many other uses.

6. Computer Technology & MS Practitioners and researchers are able to use ever-increasing computing power in conjunction with management science methods to solve larger and more complex problems. Practitioners and researchers are able to use ever-increasing computing power in conjunction with management science methods to solve larger and more complex problems. In addition, management scientists are constantly developing new algorithms and improving existing algorithms. In addition, management scientists are constantly developing new algorithms and improving existing algorithms.

7. Contingency Theory Is the leader's ability to lead is contingent upon various situational factors, including the leader's preferred style, the capabilities and behaviors of followers and also various other situational factors. Is the leader's ability to lead is contingent upon various situational factors, including the leader's preferred style, the capabilities and behaviors of followers and also various other situational factors. Can lead to positive or negative outcomes for leaders. Can lead to positive or negative outcomes for leaders.

8. What governs Contingency Theory? Contingency theory is guided by the general orienting hypothesis that organizations whose internal features best match the demands of their environments will achieve the best adaptation. Contingency theory is guided by the general orienting hypothesis that organizations whose internal features best match the demands of their environments will achieve the best adaptation. Different subunits within an organization may confront different external demands. Different subunits within an organization may confront different external demands.

9. Contingency Theory in Leadership In contingency theory of leadership, the success of the leader is a function of various contingencies. In contingency theory of leadership, the success of the leader is a function of various contingencies. The effectiveness of a given pattern of leader behavior is contingent upon the demands imposed by the situation. The effectiveness of a given pattern of leader behavior is contingent upon the demands imposed by the situation.

10. Fiedler’s Contingency Theory Fiedler’s contingency theory: Fiedler’s theory is the earliest and most extensively researched. Fiedler’s approach departs from trait and behavioral models by asserting that group performance is contingent on the leader’s psychological orientation and on three contextual variables: – – group atmosphere – – task structure – –leader’s power position

11. Limitations of Contingency Theory Pottery, specialty glass, motel room artwork; plumbing; computer technical support (craftwork). Pottery, specialty glass, motel room artwork; plumbing; computer technical support (craftwork). Film making; aerospace; (non routine research). Film making; aerospace; (non routine research).

12. Contingency Theory: Present In contrast to the classical scholars, most theorists today believe that there is no one best way to organize. In contrast to the classical scholars, most theorists today believe that there is no one best way to organize. What is important is that there be a fit between the organization's structure, its size, its technology, and the requirements of its environment. What is important is that there be a fit between the organization's structure, its size, its technology, and the requirements of its environment.

13. Works Cited http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Management_science http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Management_science http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Management_science http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/management/Log- Mar/Management-Science.html http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/management/Log- Mar/Management-Science.html http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/management/Log- Mar/Management-Science.html http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/management/Log- Mar/Management-Science.html http://www.kwandong.ac.kr/~choich/contingency.html http://www.kwandong.ac.kr/~choich/contingency.html http://www.kwandong.ac.kr/~choich/contingency.html http://www.tcw.utwente.nl/theorieenoverzicht/Theory% 20clusters/Organizational%20Communication/Contingen cy_Theories.doc/ http://www.tcw.utwente.nl/theorieenoverzicht/Theory% 20clusters/Organizational%20Communication/Contingen cy_Theories.doc/ http://www.tcw.utwente.nl/theorieenoverzicht/Theory% 20clusters/Organizational%20Communication/Contingen cy_Theories.doc/ http://www.tcw.utwente.nl/theorieenoverzicht/Theory% 20clusters/Organizational%20Communication/Contingen cy_Theories.doc/ http://www.onepine.info/lead1.htm http://www.onepine.info/lead1.htm http://www.onepine.info/lead1.htm http://www.analytictech.com/mb021/orgtheory.htm http://www.analytictech.com/mb021/orgtheory.htm http://www.analytictech.com/mb021/orgtheory.htm

14. Questions? So you told me what is was…..now what exactly was it? So you told me what is was…..now what exactly was it?