Control Methods in Management

Control methods are techniques or strategies used by managers to monitor, regulate, and improve various aspects of an organization’s operations and performance. These methods aim to ensure that goals are met, standards are maintained, and resources are utilized efficiently.

Key Facts

  1. Types of Control Methods:
    • Feedforward Controls: These controls are implemented before a process to prevent problems from occurring. They anticipate potential issues and take actions to avoid them.
    • Concurrent Controls: Also known as steering controls, these controls are applied during a process to maintain quality and consistency. They involve monitoring and making adjustments in real-time.
    • Feedback Controls: These controls occur after a process and provide information and feedback to evaluate performance and make necessary improvements.
  2. Hierarchy of Controls: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has established a hierarchy of controls to minimize workplace hazards. The hierarchy includes:
    • Elimination: Removing the hazard at the source.
    • Substitution: Using a safer alternative to the hazard.
    • Engineering Controls: Modifying equipment or the workspace to reduce exposure.
    • Administrative Controls: Establishing work practices to reduce exposure.
    • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing protective equipment to minimize exposure.
  3. Cost-effectiveness: When implementing control methods, it is important to consider the cost-effectiveness. Controls should save more than they cost to implement.

Types of Control Methods

There are three primary types of control methods in management, each focusing on different stages of a process or activity:

Feedforward Controls

Feedforward controls are proactive measures taken before a process or activity begins. They are designed to prevent problems or deviations from occurring by identifying potential risks and taking anticipatory actions. These controls involve setting clear goals, establishing standards, and implementing preventive measures.

Concurrent Controls

Concurrent controls are applied during a process or activity to maintain quality, consistency, and adherence to standards. They involve ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and adjustment of the process to ensure that it proceeds as planned. These controls are also known as steering controls and require real-time monitoring and intervention by managers or supervisors.

Feedback Controls

Feedback controls are corrective measures taken after a process or activity has been completed. They involve collecting information, analyzing performance, and making necessary adjustments or improvements based on the feedback received. These controls are used to identify deviations from standards, assess the effectiveness of previous actions, and make data-driven decisions for future improvements.

Hierarchy of Controls

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has developed a hierarchy of controls to minimize workplace hazards. This hierarchy prioritizes the most effective control measures, starting with elimination and progressing to personal protective equipment (PPE) as the last resort.

  1. EliminationRemoving the hazard or risk factor from the workplace entirely.
  2. SubstitutionReplacing a hazardous substance or process with a safer alternative.
  3. Engineering ControlsModifying equipment, processes, or the work environment to reduce exposure to hazards.
  4. Administrative ControlsImplementing work practices, policies, or procedures to reduce exposure or minimize risks.
  5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)Providing workers with protective gear, such as gloves, masks, or respirators, to minimize exposure to hazards.

Cost-effectiveness

When implementing control methods, it is crucial to consider cost-effectiveness. Controls should be designed to save more than they cost to implement. Managers should evaluate the potential benefits of a control method, such as improved efficiency, reduced errors, or enhanced safety, against its costs, including implementation, maintenance, and training expenses.

References

  1. Examples of Control Methods in Management | Small Business – Chron.com (https://smallbusiness.chron.com/examples-concurrent-control-management-80471.html)
  2. Hierarchy of Controls | NIOSH | CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/hierarchy/default.html)
  3. METHODS OF CONTROL (https://navyadvancement.tpub.com/14148/css/Methods-Of-Control-59.htm)

FAQs

1. What are control methods?

Control methods are techniques or strategies used by managers to monitor, regulate, and improve various aspects of an organization’s operations and performance.

2. What are the three types of control methods?

The three primary types of control methods are feedforward controls, concurrent controls, and feedback controls.

3. What is the purpose of feedforward controls?

Feedforward controls aim to prevent problems or deviations from occurring by identifying potential risks and taking anticipatory actions.

4. What is the purpose of concurrent controls?

Concurrent controls are used to maintain quality, consistency, and adherence to standards during a process or activity.

5. What is the purpose of feedback controls?

Feedback controls are used to identify deviations from standards, assess the effectiveness of previous actions, and make data-driven decisions for future improvements.

6. What is the hierarchy of controls?

The hierarchy of controls is a framework developed by NIOSH to prioritize control measures for minimizing workplace hazards. It ranks controls from most effective to least effective, starting with elimination and ending with personal protective equipment (PPE).

7. Why is cost-effectiveness important in control methods?

Cost-effectiveness is crucial in control methods because controls should save more than they cost to implement. Managers should evaluate the potential benefits of a control method against its costs to ensure a positive return on investment.

8. What are some examples of control methods used in organizations?

Examples of control methods include setting goals and standards, implementing preventive measures, monitoring performance, providing feedback, conducting audits, and using technology for real-time monitoring and data analysis.