CHAPTER 5
MICE Management
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the chapter, you should be able to:
1. . define management;
2. explain the main functions of management;
3. describe the steps to follow in choosing an organizational
structure; ;
4. discuss the three types of plans which are éssential for an event;
5. explain the importance of motivation in MICE management;
6. describe the different methods of communication;
7. discuss the communication process;
8. clarify the importance of creativity in MICE management;
9. explain the different steps in problem-solving;
10. describe the other management concepts that are relevant to
MICE management; and
At. discuss the different steps in resolving, crises. :
Meaning of Management
The dictionary. defines management as getting things done through
\ effective people and efficient processes. Peter F. Drucker defines a manager as
“one who has the task of creating a true whole that is larger than the sum of
«its parts; a productive entity that turns out more than the sum of the resources
"put into it”
“70
Scanned with CamScannerGood management is the key to a successful MICE organization!/The
Main Functions of Management
In studying management, it is important to examine its principles or
functions that are very relevant to organizing events. The following are its
main functions:
~ 1. Organizing :
2, Planing :
3. Motivating
4, Communicating
5. Creating
6. Controlling
N
S Problem-solving :
Organizing
4 Organization is the way in which ideals and aims are turned into reality.
The focus of any organization must be to achieve the necessary action through
its personnel. There are several steps to follow in choosing an organizational
1. Define the aims and objectives of the project
2.” Analyze the background situation in which the event has to be
achieved ;
\
71
Scanned with CamScannerHaving chosen the organizational layout, the various tasks should be
allocated to each section. Nothing should be left unassigned. The’size of the
‘structure will depend on the level, complexity, and nature of the event. The
_ structure may be formulated in a chart. A large event may require a more
detailed chart. Examples of a simple organizational structure and a more
complex organizational structure are shown in Figures 5.1 and 5.2.
After establishing the overall structure for the event, specify the
detailed task for each individual or group involved (Figure 5.2)./Explain the
WET
Finance aT Cr
PN CEC)
Transport
ia]
Figure 5.1
Scanned with CamScannercommittee
shy Pr ld
ISIS
eT Tunis
Finance
CoS
BEcUny Lag |
ul
a Teor
l
Spectators )
Participants )
Ci) Colt) ) Guests )
Advertising ) Ge
Figure 5.2
E
Uilige (ult)
l
Planning : 3
‘Planning is the process of setting goals and deciding on the best
_ approach to achievé them. Careful planning is essential to successful events.
Things do not happen by accident; they are produced by effective planning.
Careful planning is vital because it decreases uncertainty, eliminates wasteful
effort, and produces unity of purpose. There are(three/types of plans which
should be produced for an event. :
1. Strategic plans direct an organization toward its overall objectives
and consider the major influences—political, economic,
2. Specific plans are designed to achieve specific objectives suchas
‘budget estimates, resource production, and promotion plans.
3. ‘Administrative, organizational, and structural plans explain how
‘the objectives will be achieved.
Motivating
, In any demanding work situation, it is/important t6 Keep. the’ staff
motivated and interested. Special effort is necessary to keep motivation high
73
Scanned with CamScannerbecause events demand an extraordinary commitment from every individual
concerned.
The MICE leader should know how to motivate his or her employees.
The MICE leader should try his or her best to fulfill their individual and group
needs. A good example of motivation is public recognition, especially in a local
. event. Giving sinall rewards such as free meals and free t-shirts help motivate
people and increase their productivity.
Communicating
Communication is “the giving, receiving or exchange of information so
that the material communicated is completely understood by everyone concerned
and that appropriate action follows (Watt, p. 59).” Effective communication is
necessary to produce good coordination and efficient organization.
The following are the aims of communication:
1. To transmit a message
2. To have the message accepted
3. To guarantee understanding
4. To attain correct action
5. To give and receive information.
If these objectives are not achieved, maybe the message is not effective.
For events, itis vital thatnecessary actions are completed toimplement the event.
There are several methods of communication, namely verbal communication,
visual communication, and electronic communication.
Verbal communication is important but should not be overused.
Nonverbal communication consists of body gestures, facial expression, eye-
contact,and personal appearance. If used appropriately, it can help bring.about
good relationships. Written communication is the most common in MICE
management, but itis often used ineffectively. Paperwork should be minimized
because it is time-consuming to read and write. Visual communication is
becoming popular. Videos are used for product promotion and staff training.
74
Scanned with CamScannerAn effective logo communicates a message and helps in the success of an
event. Visual communication also helps to generate and retain interest among,
_ the staff members. Electronic communication is the most modern method of
‘communication. Examples are computers, email, Internet, fax, and mobile
phones: They are very beneficial to MICE management because events often
take place in a big location or in several locations that are far apart.
After selecting the method of communication, effective lines of
communication must be established within an organization. They may be’
formal or informal. When information is transferred, it should result in correct
“understanding and appropriate action. Thus, the information should be clear,
concise, courteous, correct, complete, and correctly directed. The process of
communication is shown in Figure 5.3.
Cy
By what means?
Te
ees
Canta
I)
xx)
=)
= 5.3
Scanned with CamScannerCreating
Creating is the ability to produce an original idea or thought through
the use of imagination. A good MICE manager should be equipped’ with
innovative thinking skills that will help create an interesting event based on
the needs of the client. He or she should be able'toilink together'suitableideas
to achieve the objectives in an innovative and encouraging manner.
Controlling
Controlling is monitoring the performance of systems ‘and resources. .
Control is ‘a management function which checks whether what is supposed to
happenis happening oris going tohappen. It isa vital part of MICE management
because it is necessary for things to actually happen, not just promised to
happen. Control systems must be established in the planning stages of an event
to find out if the objectives are achieved within the prescribed timetable. The
following are the four stages of effective control:
1. Plan,what you intend to.do
2. Measure what has been done
3. Compare achievements with the blueprint
4. Take action to correct anything that is not as it should be
Problem-solving
Problem-solving is an important skill for people who are working on
événts, Problems will always exist.(A positive, innovative thinker is needed to
solve them. Problem-solving has different stages, namely:
1. ‘obtain the facts;
2. specify the objectives;
3. identify the problem;
4. formulate alternative solutions;
5.. select the best solutions;
76
Scanned with CamScannerOther Management Concepts Bae 5
» There are other management concepts ‘that. are relevant: to MICE
management. These are (decision-making, ‘team ‘building, delegation,
leadership, staff appraisal and training, authority, responsibility of power, and
crisis management.
‘Decision-making
(organization. Decision-making involves the asseésni@nt aid inplementation of
"possible strategies. In an event, it is better to use democratic decision-making,
and involve as many people as possible. It is advisable to use the collective
Team Building ‘ ; ;
Team building is the ability of an organized group of people to, work
(together good | MICE manager should. exert effort to, build his.or her team.
. Unity of purpose and cooperation are. necessary. to, attain, success’ in a
management. Formal training, informal meetings, group decision-making, an:
the involvement of the’staff (paid or volimteers) ——
(
Delegation . upsbinie Geb iii) |
Delegation means giving people something to do\which they are capable
ofachieving. Delegation is an important management activity and is essential to
the'success of any event. Delegation is not dumping all the boring and difficult
7
Scanned with CamScannertasks on people. Delegation is designed to attain success by using everyone's
time; expertise, ‘and effort tothe! best advantage. Motivation, commitment,
and the opportunity to accomplish real tasks are the result of delegation. It
is important to select tasks that will provide individuals with some challenge
and a sense of achievement when they are completed. The team leader should
be aware of the capacity and willingness of the individual or group to handle
the task being delegated. He or she should delegate only to those who,are
competent and capable of accomplishing the task. Clear instructions should be
given on how the task’is to/be'done. During the delegation process, the MICE
manager should ask for progress reports and check them regularly.
Leadership
According to\ D.C. Watt, leadership is an interpersonal influence
exercised in a situation and directed through the communication process
toward the attainment of a specific goal or goals. To be successful, an event
needs. a leader who ‘is productive and capable of INAS or inspiring a
large number of people:
Staff Appraisal and Training
Staff appraisal is an evaluation of the accomplishment, strengths,
and weakness of the employees in order to improve their performance and
commitment to duty. Staff training is necessary for MICE management. It is
advantageous to employees and skillful and highly trained personnel, whether
paid or voluntary: There are two kinds of training for event employees:
1. Desirable training, which improves personal skills such as
decision-making and creativity
2. Essential training, which makes sure that personnel are aware of
legal requirements such as health and safety legislation’and can
perform word processing and computing tasks
Staff training will help improve the quality of the event and enable it to
be carried out more efficiently and effectively.
78
Scanned with CamScannerAuthority, Responsibility, and Power
The management of the event must make it clear where the authority,
responsibility, and power lie. It}is}important)thatjevery jindividualyknows
overplay his or her role. For every decision, someone must take responsibility,
_and everyone must know who that person is. ;
* Crisis Management
In general, crises happen during an event. MICE planners must be
skillful in managing crises. An efficient MICE manager must beable to control)
crises in an effective manner. The employees must be ready to apply suitable
(Solutions to the crises. The following are different ways to control crises:
Scanned with CamScannerManagementis the ability to direct, control, and lead
people to work in an efficient manner. Good management
is necessary to enable a MICE organization to succeed.
The principal objectives of management are to
organize, plan, motivate, communicate, create, control, and
solve problems. Organizing isthe ability toascertainspecific
activities that are necessary to attain the aims or goals of a
group or persons. Planning is the ability to determine the
objectives and choose the best way to accomplish them.
Motivating is the ability to invigorate and control behavior
in order to achieve the objectives. Communicating is the
ability to give, receive, and exchange knowledge so that
the information shared will be understood and shared by
the concerned persons. Creating is the ability to bring out
an authentic idea by using the imagination. Controlling is
checking the accomplishment of systems and resources.
Problem-solving is the ability to solve problems.
Other functions of management that are significant
in MICE management are decision-making, team building,
delegation, “leadership, staff appraisal and training,
authority, responsibility of power, and crisis management.
Decision-making is the ability to evaluate and carry out
strategies. Team building is the ability of a group of
people to work together. Delegation is the ability to assign
an activity to a group of persons who: are competent to
achieve it. Leadership is the ability to influence and inspire
others to accomplish an objective.
Scanned with CamScannerDISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Define management.
Explain the main functions of management.
Describe the steps to follow in choosing an organizational structure.
Discuss the three types of plans which are essential for an event.
Why is motivation important in MICE management?
Describe the different methods of communication.
Discuss the communication process.
Why is creativity necessary in MICE management?
pe Xn ane YP pe
Explain the different steps in problem-solving.
10.Describe the other management concepts that are relevant :to MICE
management. ;
11. Discuss the different steps to follow in resolving crises.
KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS
administrative plans decision-making problem-solving
communication leadership specific plans
controlling management staff appraisal
creating motivating strategic plans
crisis management non-verbal. - team building
delegation “communication verbal communication ‘*
planning
CHAPTER ACTIVITY
Draft an organizational chart of your MICE organization. Evaluate the
chart and answer the following questidns: ‘
a. What can be done to the chart to increase employee retention?
b. What are the promotional and growth opportunities for employees
based on the chart? ai
Scanned with CamScanner|
CHAPTER QUIZ
I. Identify the following:
1. The process of determining the activities to be accomplished
toward the end objectives
2. Getting things done through effective people and efficient
processes ;
3. Plans that direct the organization toward its overall objectives
4. The ability of an organized group of people to work together
5. The assessment of the performance, strengths, and weaknesses
of the personnel to improve their work
6. The ability to handle crises
7. The process of setting goals and objectives and deciding on the
best approach to achieve them
8. Giving people something to do that they are capable of doing
9. Plans that are intended to achieve specific objectives
10. The process of monitoring the performance of systems and
resources
IL. Enumerate the following:
11-17. The main functions of management
18-20. Types of plans
83
Scanned with CamScannerREFERENCES
Armstrong, M. Management Processes and Functions. London: Short Run. Press,
1998.
Batra, P. Management Thoughts. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Golden Books Center,
1998, ,
' Brown, M. Successful Project Management. London: Hodder and Stoughton,
1997.
Cole, G.A. Management Theory and Practice. London: Guernsy Press, 1997.
Rowntree, D. The Manager's Book of Checklist - Instant Management Solutions:
When You Need Them. London: Pitman, 1996.
Sassoms, H.D. and Stevenson, J.L. Leadership and Group Dynamics in Recreation
Services. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1997.
Thomas, E. and Woods, M. The Manager's Casebook. London: Duncan Petersen
Publishing, 1997.
Watt, D.C. Leisure and Tourism: Events Management and Organization Manual.
England: Longman Publishing, 1997.
85
Scanned with CamScanner