EVOLUTION OF MANAGEMENT THOUGHT How to manage activities involving large number of

people must have been known even in the ancient past.

There are evidence all over the world about the practice of management since the dawn of
civilisation.

Without proper management it would have been impossible to undertake consrruction of the
Egyptian pyramids, or the Great Wall and the irrigation canals of China.

However, organised activities in earlier times mainly required engaging people for manual
operations and getting work done under strict supervision.

On the other hand, work in cottage industries which flourished during the middle ages mainly
involved engagement of family members and apprentices and application of traditional skills with
simple tools and implements.

' Far reaching changes took place in the organisation of economic activities with the industrial
revolution at the turn of the 18th century. Scientific and technical inventions