This book first published in 1982 considers the problems of efficiently managing large enterprises which are common to both the West and to the Soviet Union. The growth in management science in the West has been paralleled in the Soviet Union in the years since Khrushchev's fall. Professor Conyngham provides a comprehensive discussion of the efforts in the Soviet Union to develop techniques of scientific management that are consistent with the requirements of communist ideology and a planned economy. The opening chapter outlines the reforms of Soviet industrial management during the post-Khrushchev era and, in particular, indicates the role that increased decentralization has played in the developing importance of management science. Conyngham then concentrates on the generation of management theory and its application to the existing economic system. Topics covered include the emergence of systems analysis as the basic approach to management reform, the application of mathematical models and computers to decision making, and the introduction of economic and behavioural methods of management control. The last part of the book deals with the impact of functional rationalization on the structure of the existing system and the ministerial reforms of the 1970s.

This report assesses the Soviet effort to improve economic performance by improving the quality of machine-building products. The author contends that the modernization program addresses only the symptoms of economic inefficiency, not the root cause. The senior Soviet leadership does not yet have an understanding that the goals set for the modernization program depend on fundamental reform of Soviet economic institutions. The Soviet enterprise is not the equivalent of the Western firm--the Soviet enterprise manager is subject to more uncertainty, retains less control, and faces less well specified performance criteria. Emphasis on the adoption of new machinery may impose a net cost on the economy rather than a benefit--and with disappointing results. The success of an effort to modernize Soviet industry depends upon efficient use of information, requiring more substantial reform of the economic system. True modernization is possible only with an adequate system for setting prices, sufficient competition, removal of ministerial authority, and reform of the way the average Soviet enterprise is organized.

Never HIGHLIGHT a Book Again Includes all testable terms, concepts, persons, places, and events. Cram101 Just the FACTS101 studyguides gives all of the outlines, highlights, and quizzes for your textbook with optional online comprehensive practice tests. Only Cram101 is Textbook Specific. Accompanies: 9780872893795. This item is printed on demand.

Never HIGHLIGHT a Book Again! Virtually all of the testable terms, concepts, persons, places, and events from the textbook are included. Cram101 Just the FACTS101 studyguides give all of the outlines, highlights, notes, and quizzes for your textbook with optional online comprehensive practice tests. Only Cram101 is Textbook Specific. Accompanys: 9780521070263 .

Study of management activities at the enterprise level in USSR industries. The problem for managers is to combine central economic planning of the collective economy and local level decision making. Wage incentives and profits. Management attitudes during planning process. Personnel management, an occupational sociology problem. Significant comparisons with management activities in the USA.