Exercise #4

What are the three levels of corporate management that management support system serve?

Managers are organizational members who are responsible for the work performance of other organizational members. Managers have formal authority to use organizational resources and to make decisions. In organizations, there are typically three levels of management: top-level, middle-level, and first-level. These three main levels of managers form a hierarchy, in which they are ranked in order of importance.

Operations Management- also known as first level managers. They are in contact with non management employees, often serving as supervisors or retail managers, or in other capacities that involve the day-to-day business operations. Their tasks often include scheduling, budgeting, human resources activities and disciplinary measures.

 Tactical Management- also known as Mid- Level Managers. Middle-level managers are responsible for carrying out the goals set by top management. They do so by setting goals for their departments and other business units. Middle managers can motivate and assist first-line managers to achieve business objectives. Middle managers may also communicate upward, by offering suggestions and feedback to top managers. Because middle managers are more involved in the day-to-day workings of a company, they may provide valuable information to top managers to help improve the organization's bottom line.

Strategic Management- as Upper- level Managers.  Upper-level managers are the top executives in a company. They rely on input from mid-level managers to determine what direction the company is heading and if any changes need to be made. Upper-level managers usually include chief executive officers. Top managers do not direct the day-to-day activities of the firm; rather, they set goals for the organization and direct the company to achieve them. Top managers are ultimately responsible for the performance of the organization, and often, these managers have very visible jobs.

What are the principal difference in support needs as we move up the managerial?

Design Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow’s hierarchy can be translated to design, for which the hierarchy from low to high would be functionality, reliability, usability, proficiency and creativity.