First Line Management

Book excerpt: A comprehensive textbook that is clear and easy to use, up-to-date and ideal for all students and managers studying for Certificate-level management qualifications. The key responsibilities of the First Line Manager are explored avoiding dense, academic text through lively, practical examples, problem-solving case studies, discussion points and revision questions and activities. The linchpin role of the First Line Manager is recognised as the key position between the direction the organization is going in, and the employees at operational level who have to deliver or produce services and products. First-Line Management focuses on a wider range of topics than traditional texts at this level, in that it adds a consideration of managing services and products; recruitment, training and development; budgets and accounts; and customer relationships to the more established repertoire of management styles, organisational behaviour and communications. The authors consciously take a stance that assumes that the requirements for flexibility in work practices and an uncertain business environment are the norm, and that managers will need support to undertake continuing professional development to have the skills to cope with this. - Fully comprehensive - Lively, interactive design - Clear practical examples