Author Description

This self-study unit focuses on managing resources--materials, equipment, personnel, money, energy, time, and information. The material is designed primarily for those in a supervisory or junior management position working within their company's policies and systems. The unit may be of value to the small business proprietor, as an introduction to the key concepts and techniques. Part 1 looks at the planning, monitoring, and control of resources. It focuses on the contribution that supervisors and department and unit managers make. The three sections are a framework for managing resources, cost areas of a business, and control systems and techniques. Part 2, which looks at purchasing, storage, stock, and sales control, has three sections: identifying equipment and supply needs; controlling receipt, storage, and issues of resources; and procedures for handling cash. Each section begins with a statement of the objectives to be achieved. Summaries of key points covered end each section. Informative material is followed by activities, some of which ask the user to relate the information to his or her own experience and knowledge. A completion time guide is provided for each activity; information to consider or suggested solutions are provided. The unit should take around 20 hours to complete. (YLB)