The Quantitative School Of Management

This is the third school of management thought and it focuses on quantitative or measurement techniques and concepts that are relevant to management. It mainly originated with the British Military in the World War II. Britain which was faced by many problems of warfare sought to find better ways to deal with issues like troop movement, arms production etc. This school has three branches:

•    Management Science
•    Operations Management and,
•    Management Information Systems

Management Science

Management Science mainly concerns itself with the development of mathematical and statistical tools and techniques that can be used to improve efficiency. Breakthroughs in computers and other forms of electronic information processing have enhanced the application of management science.

Operations management

Is somewhat like management science but it mainly focuses on application. Main concern is the processes and systems that an organization uses to transform inputs into outputs. Therefore it will deal with decisions like plant location, plant layout and inventory control and distribution of finished products.

Management Information System (MIS)

MIS is a system created specifically to process, store and provide information for managers in order to improve decision making.

Evaluation of the Quantitative School

The techniques of management science are extensively used to solve problems in most organizations today.
The tools and techniques can greatly enhance a manager's decision-making, planning and control and improve their organization efficiency and effectiveness. However many of the key variables in organizations e.g. people, office politics, feelings, attitudes, motivation, personalities leadership cannot be quantifiable. Yet these factors are critical in decision-making.