2.1 The main functions within an organisation
The main departments in a business organisation are as follows:
DepartmentRoleKey concerns
Research and development§ Improving existing products
• Developing new products§ Anticipating customer needs
• Generating new ideas
• Testing
• Cost
purchasing§ Acquiring the goods and services necessary for the business§ Price and payment terms
• Quality
• Stock levels/delivery schedules
Production§ Converting raw materials into finished goods§ Quality (of materials and finished goods)
• Costs
• Wastage/efficiency
• Stock levels/production schedules
Direct service provision§ Providing service to clients (e.g. accountancy firm)§ Quality
• Time sheets/scheduling
marketing§ Identifying customer needs
• Market research
• Product design
• Pricing
• Promotion
• Distribution§ Customer needs
• Quality
• Promotional strategy
• Distribution channel strategy
• Pricing strategy
administration§ Administrative support
• Processing transactions§ Efficiency
• Information processing
Finance§ Bookkeeping
• Financial reporting
• Financial controls
• Budgeting
• The raising of capital§ Accuracy and completeness of record keeping
• Monthly management reporting
• Annual financial reporting
Human resources§ Job analysis and job design
• Recruitment and selection
• Performance appraisal
• Rewards (e.g. setting pay)
• Training and develop
• Grievances and discipline§ Staff competence
• Staff commitment/motivation
• Cost
• Staff welfare (e.g. stress)
• Compliance (e.g. equal opportunities legislation)
Test your understanding 7
Which of the following is not part of the responsibility of a research and development department?
A Improving existing products.
B Developing new products.
C Researching new technologies for application to future products.
D Researching market demand for products.
，我們將會及時處理。