Business Management Career - Admission/Application Essay Example

Business Management Career Report Nagham (Institutional Affiliation) 1.0 Career Path 1.1 Past Experiences and Career Choice My name is Nagham. I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s course in business, and majoring in management. Since my childhood years, business and business management have been my chief career/ professional ambitions. My passion for business management dates back from my experiences with the businesses that were owned and run by my family, friends and other relatives as well as periods of employment. It has therefore remained my greatest career desire to become one of the best professionals in the field of business management. My previous experiences while assisting in the management of family businesses have sparked an insatiable desire in me to be involved in business in a host of capacities and competencies. My past experiences strongly suggest that I possess the in-born talent and skill required for the profession. However, it is still important for me to further study about business management in order to be able to compete in the highly competitive and knowledge-driven contemporary world markets. According to Pride et al (2014), business management basically denotes the activities that are linked with the running of an enterprise/ organization, including planning, organizing, monitoring, leading and controlling. 1.2 Management Perspectives and Education My perspective of business management is drawn from the definitions by Fredmund Malik and Henri Fayol. The former viewed business management as the conversion of business resources into utility, while the latter observed that management entailed careful forecasting, planning, organization, commanding, coordination, and control (Wisner, Leong & Tan, 2011). Management encompasses the formulation of business strategies and coordinating the efforts of business’ workers/ volunteers in order to achieve the objectives of the business. I have learnt through studies and experience that these objectives are usually accomplished via the use of the resources that are available to the business, such as human, technological, natural, and financial resources. Knowledge of business management will also enable me to better comprehend the organizational structure (hierarchy) and social organization of my organization/ business as well as those of rival organizations in order to be able to withstand and weather competition (Samson & Daft, 2012). Through the course, I will be better able to understand the planning function of management which enables the smooth running of the business. Planning knowledge will enable me define goals and determine the best routes towards those goals, while exercising flexibility and sound leadership (Schermerhorn, 2012). The knowledge of organizing from the business management course will also enable me bring together the human, financial and physical resources of the organization in order to achieve a productive relationship between the resources (Samson & Daft, 2012). I will be better able to identify and classify activities, assign tasks, create responsibility/ delegate tasks, and coordinate relationships and authority. Moreover, advanced knowledge of staffing will enable me to effectively control the personnel and recruitment needs of the organization through such things as promotions and transfers, performance appraisals, remunerations, training and development, recruitment, placement, selection, and manpower planning, while enhanced coordinating/ directing skills and knowledge from the course will aid my management functions as a supervisor, motivator, leader and communicator (Schermerhorn, 2012). In addition, knowledge of the controlling component of management will enable me to establish standards of performance and monitor employee output in order to ensure that the performances of each employee meet the set standards. 2.0 Personal Attributes and Skills 21. Communication In order for one to be a successful leader and manager in business, possession of certain qualities and skills is critical. As an individual, through previous work and life experiences, I have come to acquire and develop a host of necessary skills and attributes for successful business management. Firstly, I have excellent skills in communication. Apart from my ability to fluently speak both English and Arabic, I am able to write in a professional manner and in correct grammar when communicating via memos, thank-you notes, emails, and so on. I am equally gifted in the art of public speaking, which has always stood me in good stead when communicating with employees or during job interviews. In addition, I value positive and timely (constructive) feedback that aids employees and others, while also taking pride in my ability and eagerness to listen and acknowledge views/ comments from customers, superiors, and employees. My communication is always very specific with employees never left in uncertainty concerning individual roles and responsibilities (Wisner, Leong & Tan, 2011). I am always keen to properly prepare, practice and organize any presentations so that the actual output is clear, concise and flows well. My ability to discern nonverbal communication also helps me achieve a healthy work environment in the organization (Pride, Hughes & Kapoor, 2014). Without communication, effective management cannot be realized. 2.2 Leadership Furthermore, since my childhood years, I have also always been placed in various positions of leadership in school, business, community initiatives, and so on. This experience, combined with my innate leadership skills, has helped mould me into an all-round leader. A good manager is one who can properly lead the workers who are under them. The leader helps solve employee and organizational problems, and ensures commitment to team goals (Samson & Daft, 2012). The leader also assigns roles to employees in a clear fashion and defines the goals of the team together with the other team members. The leader possesses a vision concerning the direction that the team should pursue and enables the employees to follow the outlined vision. In order to be a good leader, I ensure that I exercise enthusiasm (engagement and energy), emotional stability/ self-control (such as during conflicts) and self-assurance (not overly affected by failures and mistakes) in all functions (Pride, Hughes & Kapoor, 2014). Such and other vital leadership qualities will enable me realize great achievements as a manager and leader in business. 2.3 Time Management, Organization and Collaboration In business administration, time management is essential towards realizing the goals and deadlines set out for various activities. In this light, my excellent time management skills will prove of utmost value for the business and the realization of its goals. I also have efficient skills in organization/ coordination as well as in team work. I am able to function in a team in order to be an effective manager who leads by example (Wisner, Leong & Tan, 2011). I am always willing to work with others and deliver my end of the tasks in a timely and quality manner, while also collaborating with other team members to better integrate personalities and ideas. 2.4 Employee Issues By recognizing the efforts of employees, I am able to make them feel valued (Schermerhorn, 2012). Such attributes will help me build teams which are effective and committed to their duties. Importantly still, I am able to organize, schedule and adhere to laid out plans by understanding the processes and rules in the organization, as well as various employee issues so that the business is managed in an efficient and smooth manner. 3.0 Goals and Objectives 3.1 Employee Motivation and Stability There are numerous goals and objectives that I aspire to achieve as a business manager/ leader in the various organizations that I will be privileged to serve in. firstly, one of my major goals as a business leader is to attain high morale/ motivation levels amongst the workforce. Employee motivation will rank very highly in my goals if I am to become a successful manager (Down, 2010). I intend to correct the often ubiquitous mistake of countless organizations of placing all their focus on customers while neglecting the very employees who deal with the customers (Wisner, Leong & Tan, 2011). In order to establish a happy/ healthy workforce, my goal, among other things, is to set up effective programs for employee recognition, while also seeking to enhance the productivity of employees. As a business manager, I intend to treat the workers the same way that the organization treats its customers. Among other things, ensuring employee motivation will include such aspects as fair remunerations, stability of tenure, and fair/ appropriate division of labor (Down, 2010). The method of remunerations will be rewarding, satisfactory, reasonable, and fair, based on the prevailing wage rates, the business’ financial position, work assigned and the cost of living. Employees will be given stability in their positions as they continue to horn their skills in their roles in order to become better, formidable, experienced and hardly replaceable (Samson & Daft, 2012). Such practices will go a long way in enhancing employee retention, which is an important goal for every business manager. 3.2 Consumer Satisfaction Another important management objective is to ensure that customers are happy (customer satisfaction). It is very important for mangers to work towards cordial, honest and fruitful relationships with customers. Apart from serving as a tool for marketing, customer satisfaction also importantly leads top better sales. If the business takes its time to work through issues with its customers, for instance, the possibility of enhancing sales with the clients considerably goes up, unlike when the business remains apathetic and condescending towards customer concerns/ complaints (Pride, Hughes & Kapoor, 2014). 3.3 Sustained Profit Growth Increasing the profit of the business/ organization for every financial year is another important goal/ objective as a business manager. Such can either be tracked on a yearly, quarterly, monthly or weekly basis. As a business administrator, I will seek to ensure sustained profit increments by facilitating methods of lowering the costs of doing business while rampantly undertaking in the various initiatives that will boost sales/ business (Samson & Daft, 2012). Sales increase can be achieved by altering present offers, enhancing the sales force, and making sound adjustments to the marketing plans, among others. More efficient management of business projects, on the other hand, will lead to cost-cutting. Such will entail minimizing various kinds of spoilage, breakage and wastage which in turn saves on money, effort and time, leading to sustainable increases in growth and prosperity (Stone, 2013). 3.4 Corporate Social Responsibility Besides the above mentioned goals and objectives, as a business manager, I will also strive for the betterment of human and social justice. Management should be used as a tool for the betterment and uplifting of the society. By ensuring increased employment capacities and productivity for the business, my management will translate to better living standards for the community. Through uniform policies, justice will be ensured. Moreover, as Stone (2013) cited, societal betterment will be also attained through sound and appropriate corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives within the communities. Such CSR initiatives in the society will include, among other things, environmental protection campaigns (initiatives), and free / subsidized care plans, providing study scholarships for bright, needy students, prioritizing neighboring communities during recruitment drives, and building infrastructure and social amenities to serve the community (Down, 2010). 4.0 Personal and Professional Development 4.1 Adaptability and Flexibility Regardless of the personal skills and attributes highlighted above, there are yet certain personal and professional aspects that require improvement and/ or development in order for me to become a formidable business leader and manager. I feel, for example, that I am still lacking in adaptability and flexibility to a certain degree. Although I have taken steps to improve on these traits, there is yet some ground to cover. The business world is known for its volatile nature, depending on a number of prevailing factors, such as political instability, regulations, tax laws, and so on. It is therefore important for a business manager to be able to adapt to emerging issues in business in order to survive (Wisner, Leong & Tan, 2011). This also calls for sound judgment (decision making) and analysis of the business situation. The manager should therefore fully understand the processes that are under consideration when dealing with changes in the business and business environment. Flexibility and adaptability will enable the company to quickly respond to arising obstacles without undue interference from personal stress (Down, 2010). Such can as well be achieved by setting up protocols, measures and teams that predict, plan and oversee necessary changes in the business. 4.2 Legal Implications of Business In addition, it is important to continue enhancing my understanding of various legal issues and implications in business. While a manager does not require to be a lawyer, it is important to understand and remain updated on matters such as confidentiality, practices in hiring and firing, sexual harassment, and so on (Hoggett, 2015). This requirement can be helped by hiring lawyers that assist in guiding the business/ organizations through its activities in order to ensure adherence to the associated legal frameworks. Nonetheless, basic and continually updated knowledge of legal issues is critical for every business leader so that operations are kept in harmony with the law, hence avoiding fines, penalties, closures, and/ or damaged reputations (Stone, 2013). For one, a damaged reputation will hurt the sales of the business. The manager must therefore understand the legal issues in the industry, which are subject to change time after time. 4.3 IT Proficiency Moreover, there is the need to enhance my information and technology proficiency as well as knowledge of methods of data collection and interpretation in business. Such can be enhanced through continuous learning/ completion of the course, and continued experience and research as an employee or a manager. IT and data management are essential aspects of any business management without which business operations are stunted and losses incurred (Hoggett, 2015). 4.4 Solutions Generally, these and other personal and professional aspects can be sharpened by taking relevant courses, research/ reading, attending seminars, meetings, extra training, experience, and developing new skills for handling various tasks (Stone, 2013). In the end, a willingness and effort to learn, improve and change for the better will ensure remarkable transformation from a novice to a formidable professional business leader. References Down, S. (2010). Enterprise, Enterpreneurship and Small Business. Los Angeles: SAGE. Hoggett, J. (2015). Accounting. Milton, Qld.: John Wiley and Sons Australia. Pride, W. M., Hughes, R. J., & Kapoor, J. R. (2014). Business. Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning. Samson, D., & Daft, R. L. (2012). Management. South Melbourne, Vic.: Cengage Learning. Schermerhorn, J. R. (2012). Management. Milton, Qld.: John Wiley and Sons Australia. Stone, R. J. (2013). Human Resource Management. Milton, Qld.: John Wiley and Sons Australia. Wisner, J. D., Leong, G. K., & Tan, K. (2011). Supply Chain Management: A Balanced Approach. Mason, OH: South-Western/Cengage Learning. Read More