Functions of educational management.

The function of management are defined in different ways when it comes to the
traditional functions and the functions as they apply to educational management.
Traditionally or from business management where we borrowed our discipline from the
functions are listed as

Management functions are an important factor to consider within the area of Educational
Management and Leadership. Management functions apply to management and
leadership both, and the process of management is important to understand when
managing an educational institution of any kind. The process of management consists of
five basic functions, namely: planning; organising; directing; controlling; and staffing. A
manager uses these functions to achieve organisation goals and objectives. These
functions are interrelated as in Figure 1.1.

Planning

Planning is a rational and systematic way of forecasting the future of an organisation. It

is a process of preparing for change by formulating future course of action. According to
Warren (1994), planning is a decision-making activity requiring the process of
ascertaining objectives and deciding on activities to attain these objectives. Through
planning process the manager aims at managing organisation efficiently and effectively.
1. Planning is anticipatory. Decisions are made on how and what to do before it is done.
2. It is goal directed.
3. Planning focuses on desired future results.
4. Planning is future oriented. It involves making decisions that will be achieved in
future.

Importance of planning in educational management

1. It ensures the educational enterprise or school is successful in achieving a
desired goal.

This is because it looks at the current situation and the constraints that are likely to
threaten the achievement of its goals. It also sets out clearly what the objectives are
and how to achieve them so that everyone is knows what their role is and how to play
it. When planning is clearly communicated to the stakeholders or participants, it
ensures that there is support and also compliance with the plan.

2. Assists in goal setting

 Planning is a very important function of management. It helps in goal setting. The goals
define desired outcomes for an organisation that can be used as performance criteria. The
output of an organisation can be well assessed if there is intended output at the beginning.
For example if at the beginning of the year it is set that in a school about 40% of students
must achieve grade A in examination at the end of the year, this can be assessed to find
out if the goals were achieved after results are released. Through plans, managers can
learn what the organisation intends to achieve. They can make decisions to ensure that
internal policies, roles, performance, structure, product and expenditure will be in
accordance with desired outcomes.

3. Resources are used effectively

Most educational institutions do face challenges of scarce resources particularly if
they are aligned with the government. Planning looks at the different alternatives that
could be taken or used then selects the best possible course or action from among the
options selected. in short it allows maximum benefit to be obtained from scarce
resources

STEPS IN PLANING
1. Situational analysis – This step involves analysis of past events, current situation and
attempts to forecast into future trends.

2. Identification of needs – Needs assessment is a process of delineating “what is”

and “what should be”. It further involves placing priorities of the two activities.
3. Derivation of goals and objectives – One derives goals and objectives from the
identified needs.
4. Delineating of alternatives – As alternatives are usually many, it is necessary to rank
them so that those that need immediate attention can be acted on.
5. Choice of strategies and tactics. It is necessary to select the most convincing
alternative while considering the other alternatives that may not be a priority.
•6. Implementation – After approval of the plan, it is split or handled as a whole to