
1️⃣ What is Industrial Management?
It’s the planning, organizing, directing and controlling of industrial activities to ensure:
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Efficient use of resources
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High productivity
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Profitability
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Quality output
It’s basically being the boss of machines, materials, money… and humans — without turning into a movie villain 😄.
2️⃣ Functions of Industrial Management
| Function | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Planning | Decide what to do, when, how, and with what resources |
| Organizing | Arrange people, machines, and tasks properly |
| Staffing | Hiring, training, and assigning employees |
| Directing | Guiding workers, supervision, motivation, leadership |
| Controlling | Monitoring performance & correcting deviations |
Like running a restaurant… except the food is usually bolts, belts and bearings 🍽️⚙️.
3️⃣ Principles of Industrial Management
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Division of labor → Specialization boosts productivity
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Authority & Responsibility → You give orders, you take accountability
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Unity of Command → One boss per worker, not 5 shouting orders
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Discipline → Rules respected
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Scalar Chain → Clear hierarchy/communication line
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Order & Equity → Right place, right people, fair treatment
(Yes, management is 10% theory and 90% trying not to scream. 🤫)
4️⃣ Industrial Organization Structures
| Structure Type | Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|---|
| Line | Clear authority | Overloading top managers |
| Functional | Expertise-based | Confusing instructions |
| Line & Staff | Balance of clarity & expertise | Conflicts between advisory & authority roles |
| Matrix | Flexibility in projects | Dual command → headaches |
- Teacher: Nelson kiprono