MANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After completing this chapter the learner is able to • discuss the concept of a resource. • identify various resources. • classify resources into human and non-human. • describe the characteristics of resources. • explain the need for managing resources. • analyse the management process. |
4.1 INTRODUCTION
Everyday we carry out various activities. Think of any activity you do and you will find that to complete that activity you need one or more of the following.
• Time
• Energy
• Money for purchasing required material
• Knowledge
• Interest/Motivation
• Skills/Strengths/Aptitude
• Material goods like paper, pen, pencil, colours, etc.
• Water, air
• School building
All these – time, energy, money, knowledge, interest, skills, materials – are resources. Resources are anything which we make use of while carrying out any activity. They help us in accomplishing our goals. You may need more of a certain resource for a particular activity as compared
Human resources are central to carrying out any activity. These resources can be developed through training and self-development. For example, knowledge regarding any field/task can be acquired, skill may developed which will help you to develop aptitude. Let us read about human resources in detail.
(a) Knowledge – It is a resource one uses throughout one’s life and is a pre-requisite for carrying out any activity successfully. A cook must have knowledge of how to operate cooking gas or chullah before she/he starts preparing food. A teacher who does not have thorough knowledge of her/his subject, cannot become an effective teacher. One needs to be open to acquiring knowledge throughout one’s life.
(b) Motivation/Interest: There is a common saying, ‘Where there is a will there is a way’. This indicates that to accomplish any task, the worker must be motivated and interested in doing it. For example, if a student is not interested in learning a task, even when other resources are available, she/he still may give excuses and not finish the task. We may pursue dance, painting, reading fiction, art and craft and other hobbies as per our motivation.
(c) Skills/Strength/Aptitude: All individuals may not be skilled in performing all activities. Each one of us has an aptitude in certain areas. We can therefore carry out activities in these areas better as compared to others. For example, pickles and chutney prepared by different individuals will taste different depending upon their skill. However, we can acquire skills we do not have through learning and training.
(d) Time: It is a resource available to everyone equally. There are 24 hours in a day and every one spends it in her/his own way. Time once lost cannot be regained. Hence, it is the most valuable resource. Managing time in a specific period and attaining the goal is very important. We need to continuously plan and be able to utilise the available time to finish the desired task. Time can be thought of in terms of three dimensions — work time, non-work time, rest and leisure time. We need to learn and balance time across these three dimensions in order to be able to accomplish one’s goals. When one learns to balance all the three dimensions, it helps the individual to be physically fit, emotionally strong and intellectually alert. You should be aware of the peak periods when you are best able to work and use this precious resource effectively to accomplish your goals.
(e) Energy: For sustaining individual growth and physical output, energy is essential. Energy levels vary from person to person, according to their physical fitness, mental condition, personality, age, family background and their standard of living. To conserve energy and to use it most effectively, one must carefully think and plan through the activity so that one can complete the task efficiently.
