BUSINESS FUNCTIONS CHART
source : http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/business-functions.htm
Good companies meet demands, great companies create demands.
The following diagram gives most of the main functions that graduates will enter when starting a business career.
- Internal functions are those which are part of the company.
- External functions are those which are supplied by an outside agency.
- Click on any of the jobs in the diagram below to go to more information about them.
- This chart is a simplification. Not all companies can be easily categorised, and some will have specialist functions which are not included here, but is nevertheless provides a useful starting point for graduates considering a career in business.
- Specialised businesses will have functions not mentioned here, for example retailers will have staff working as merchandisers.
- Some companies will not have all the functions listed, for example service and finance companies will not normally have research and production departments.
- Some functions such as Market Research and PR may be internal, external or both. A small company will probably hire an external agency when it needs these functions. A large company may well have in-house market research and corporate PR staff, but will still outsource much of the work that is of a specialist nature.
PRODUCING
- Research & Development
Develops products. Designs & conducting experiments & tests. Interprets data. Manages projects. Writes reports. Keeps up to date with new developments.
- Production & Quality
Manages the production process. Plans production schedules. Ensures that machinery, staff & materials are efficiently utilised. Monitors health & safety & environmental issues. Liaises with marketing, research & finance.
- Distribution/Logistics
Manages all the supply chain processes from raw materials to where the end product is used. Coordinates supply, distribution & storage of goods. Manages transport & distribution centres including drivers & warehouse staff.
SELLING
- Sales
Demonstrates & presents products to customers. Manages budgets. Learns about new products. Makes sure that the product meets the customers requirements. Writes tenders & proposals.
- Marketing
Coordinates all the elements involved in successfully promoting & selling a product: market research, pricing, packaging, advertising, sales, distribution. Involves forecasting, budgeting & planning, implementation of plans.
SUPPORT FUNCTIONS
- FINANCE – Management Accountant
Provides the information required for the financial protection & planning of companies. Prepares accounting records & management information.
- Computing
Designs, implements & maintains computer systems to meet requirements of users. Provides computing support for staff. Maintains databases & networks.
- HR/Personnel
Recruits & selects new staff. Involved with contracts of employment, job descriptions, training, management development, industrial relations & disciplinary matters.
- Buying/Purchasing
Locates & maintains relationships with suppliers, of products. Negotiates prices, delivery dates & product specifications. Works with managers to anticipate future demands.
EXTERNAL SERVICES
- Chartered Accountants
Visits clients as part of an audit team; reviews their business operations & financial records to establish the validity of the company’s accounts. Advises on tax liability & other matters.
- Management Consultants
Identifies & investigates, problems concerned with policy, organisation, procedures & methods of organisations. Recommends appropriate action & helps to implement this.
- Recruitment Agency
Matches job-seekers with employers’ vacancies. Assesses candidates’ skills & employers’ requirements.
- Advertising
Liaises with & advises clients on all aspects of marketing communications; presents proposals to clients; manages advertising spend budget; keeps clients up-to-date on their own & competitors activities.
- Market Research
This can be done by the marketing department inside a company, or by an external market research agency. Plans market research projects on behalf of the client. Analyses the problem. Drafts proposals. Prepares questionnaires & survey methods. Briefs interviewers. Analyses data & presents it to client. Prepares reports.
- Public Relations
All aspects of media & public relations for clients: e.g. corporate brochures & exhibition stands. Answers enquiries. Prepares press releases, organises press briefings, conferences & PR campaigns.
Office Rules
- Rule 1: The Boss is always right.
- Rule 2: If the Boss is wrong, see Rule 1.
- Those who work get more work. Others get pay, perks, and promotions.
- If you are good, you will get all the work. If you are really good, you will get out of it.
- When bosses talk about improving productivity, they are never talking about themselves.
- It doesn’t matter what you do, it only matters what you say you’ve done and what say you are going to do.
- Don’t be irreplaceable. If you can’t be replaced, you can’t be promoted.
- If at first you don’t succeed, try again. Then quit. No use being a fool about it.
- Following the rules will not get the job done.
- If it weren’t for the last minute, nothing would get done.
- Everything can be filed under “Miscellaneous” .
- In order to get a promotion, you only need to pretend that you know your job.
- When you don’t know what to do, walk fast and look worried.
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