MODULE: BMAN5121w

ASSESSMENT: ICE ACTIVITY 4

TOPIC: GENERAL MANAGEMENT

STUDENT NO: ST10463926

Question 1

Supervisor’s Daily Activities (4 marks)

Overseeing Production: The supervisor will need to ensure that the production of garments
is running smoothly. This includes monitoring the quality of the materials used, checking the
progress of each garment, and ensuring that deadlines are met. For example, they might
inspect the stitching on a new dress to ensure it meets Nomsa’s high standards. In Nomsa’s
business, which is involved in fashion design and production, the supervisor's daily activities
will be closely aligned with ensuring that the production process runs smoothly and
efficiently. The specific tasks include supervising employees, motivating employees and
helping employees carry out daily tasks:

Supervising employees: Supervision involves quality control, where the supervisor checks
the final products before they are presented at markets (Robbins, Coulter & DeCenzo, and
2020:16). The supervisor will oversee the work of the five employees currently employed by
Nomsa. This includes ensuring that the garments are being crafted to the highest standard,
deadlines are met, and any issues that arise on the production floor are addressed
immediately. The supervisor will be responsible for managing the team of seamstresses and
other staff members. This involves assigning tasks, providing training, and resolving any
conflicts that arise. For instance, they might need to train a new employee on how to use a
specific sewing machine.
Helping Employees Carry out Daily Tasks
On a practical level, the supervisor will assist employees with technical tasks such as cutting
fabric, sewing, and assembling garments, ensuring that the team works efficiently and
productively. This support is crucial, especially in a small business where every member's
contribution is vital to meeting production targets. Keeping track of inventory is crucial. The
supervisor will need to monitor the stock of fabrics, threads, and other materials, and
reorder supplies as needed. They might use an inventory management system to track the
usage of different materials and ensure that there is always enough stock to meet
production needs.

Communicating Upward
The supervisor will play a crucial role in communicating with the middle management (or
directly with Nomsa if middle management is not yet established). Supervisory includes
providing feedback on production progress, suggesting improvements in processes, and
reporting any challenges that could impact delivery timelines or product quality (Jones &
George, 2016:41). Effective upward communication is essential for strategic decision-making
and for ensuring that the business adapts quickly to changes in the market or production
environment.

Customer Interaction: The supervisor may also need to handle customer inquiries and
complaints. This includes ensuring that custom orders are completed to the customer’s
specifications and addressing any issues that arise. For example, they might need to
communicate with a customer about a delay in their order and provide a satisfactory
solution. Customer satisfaction will be a critical focus, so the supervisor will oversee the
packing and presentation of finished products to maintain the high standards associated
with Nomsa’s brand (George, 2020).

Reporting Level
The supervisor will report to the middle management level, which in Nomsa’s business
would likely be Nomsa herself or a designated manager overseeing daily operations.
The Three Dimensions of African Management Thought are discussed as follows:
Ubuntu Philosophy
Theory: According to Rozenberg Quarterly (2024). Ubuntu is a traditional African philosophy
that emphasizes community, interconnectedness, and mutual care.
Application: In Nomsa’s business, implementing Ubuntu can foster a collaborative work
environment. For example, team-building activities and open forums for employee feedback
can be encouraged. This approach can enhance employee morale and productivity by
making everyone feel valued and heard.
Traditionalism
This dimension underscores the importance of respecting cultural heritage and integrating it
into modern management practices. (JSTOR. 1986)
Application: Nomsa’s business can incorporate traditionalism by recognizing and celebrating
cultural events and practices. This could include organizing cultural awareness workshops or
celebrating local festivals within the workplace. Such initiatives can strengthen the cultural
identity of employees and create a more cohesive organizational culture.

Communalism
According to Nussbaum (2003:9), communalism highlights the importance of community
and collective well-being over individual success. It fosters a sense of belonging and mutual
support, where resources and responsibilities are shared among community members.

Application for Nomsa, communalism could mean involving her community in her business
processes, perhaps by employing local artisans or sourcing materials from community
cooperatives. This approach would strengthen her business ties and create a supportive
network that promotes sustainable growth

Indaba
Indaba refers to a traditional African form of discussion or conference where community
members come together to deliberate on important issues (Nussbaum, 2003:47). It is
characterized by inclusive participation, where everyone's voice is heard, and decisions are
made collectively.

Application
In her business, Nomsa could adopt the Indaba approach by regularly holding meetings with
her team and stakeholders to discuss business strategies, challenges, and opportunities. This
inclusive decision-making process ensures that all voices are considered, leading to more
holistic and sustainable business decisions.

Cooperative Teamwork
Nussbaum [Link] (2003:10) continued to argue that cooperative teamwork is a cornerstone of
African management thought, emphasizing collaboration, mutual support, and collective
problem-solving. It moves away from the competitive individualism seen in many Western
management practices, advocating instead for unity and shared goals.

Application
In Nomsa's business, cooperative teamwork could be demonstrated through her
collaboration with other designers, sharing ideas, resources, and opportunities. By fostering
a team-oriented environment, Nomsa can ensure that her business thrives through
collective effort rather than isolated individualism.
Interdependence and Consensus
Rozenberg et al. (2024), state that this approach values the input of all stakeholders and
seeks to achieve decisions that are acceptable to the majority, fostering a sense of shared
responsibility and unity.
Application: In practice, Nomsa’s business can adopt a consensus-driven approach by
involving employees at all levels in decision-making processes. Regular meetings where
employees can voice their opinions and contribute to strategic planning can be
implemented. This can lead to more democratic and inclusive management practices,
enhancing employee engagement and commitment.
Reference List:

Jones, G.R. and George, J.M., 2016. Essentials of Contemporary Management. 7th ed. McGraw-Hill
Education

JSTOR. 1986. The Evolution of African Management Thought. [Online]

Available at: [Link] [Accessed 17
September 2024].

JSTOR. 1986 .Traditionalism highlights the importance of cultural heritage.

[Online] Available at : Theory: Traditionalism in African management
thought refers to the adherence to established customs, beliefs, and
practices that shape accepted behaviour and morality 2. [Accessed 13
September 2024].

Nussbaum, B., 2003. African Culture and Ubuntu: Reflections of a South African in America. World
Business Academy, 17(1), pp. 1-12.

Rozenberg Quarterly. 2024. Prophecies and Protests ~ a Vision of African

Management and African Leadership: A Southern African Perspective.
[Online] Available at: [Link]
protests-a-vision-of-african-management-and-african-leadership-a-
southern-african-perspective/ [Accessed 17 September 2024].

Rozenberg Quarterly. 2024. Interdependence and consensus are key in

African management. [Online]Available at: Prophecies And Protests ~ A Vision Of
African Management And African Leadership: A Southern African Perspective : Rozenberg Quarterly [
Accessed 15 September 2024].

Rozenberg Quarterly. 2024. Ubuntu emphasizes community and

interconnectedness .[Online] Available at: It is often summarized by the
phrase “I am because we are,” highlighting the importance of collective
well-being over individual success1.[Accessed 15 September 2024].