Control System Design

I volunteer at a non-profit organization in Nigeria that focuses on helping children with special needs. The organization aims to provide educational support and resources to underprivileged special needs children to access quality education and necessary academic tools. To achieve this goal, the organization conducts tutoring sessions where volunteers provide one-on-one support to the children, helping them with their schoolwork and addressing learning challenges. Additionally, the organization collects and distributes school supplies to ensure these children have the necessary study materials. The organization also offers mentorship programs, where experienced individuals guide and support the children, helping them develop essential life skills and foster personal growth. Through these projects and tasks, the organization aims to empower underprivileged children with special needs and create equal educational opportunities for all.

Three forms of control and suitable control methods for achieving the goals, project or tasks identified.

Behavioural control.

Our organizations rely on behavioural control to ensure volunteers interact with children professionally and ethically. This involves establishing rules for punctuality, professionalism, and ethical conduct during tutoring sessions or mentorship programs. By regulating the activities and behaviours of volunteers, organizations maintain consistency and quality in delivering educational support to children.

Clan control can be used to foster a sense of belonging and teamwork.

Building a sense of community and shared purpose among volunteers and beneficiaries is crucial for our organization. To achieve this, Regular team meetings and training sessions help establish a supportive and inclusive organizational culture, which is essential in creating a positive and supportive environment. This, in turn, enhances collaboration and commitment to the organization's mission, making it a necessary factor for its success.

Output control-which focuses on measurable results 

Our organization uses an output control system to monitor measurable outcomes, such as the number of children receiving tutoring, the improvement in their academic performance, and the distribution of school supplies. This control system helps our organization evaluate its effectiveness in achieving its objectives and make necessary adjustments. For example, the organization sets targets for the number of tutoring sessions conducted or the percentage of students who improve their grades. Prices are often awarded for achieving the targets. 

To effectively accomplish the organization's tasks, projects or goals, a combination of output control, behavioural control and clan control is used  . Output control provides a measurable benchmark to evaluate performance and make necessary adjustments. Behavioural control ensures consistency and quality in educational support by regulating activities and behaviours. Clan control promotes collaboration, tracks progress, and maintains standards, fostering a positive culture and commitment to goals.

Thoughts on the appropriateness of that control system for the tasks, projects or goals and fully justifying your reasoning.

Output control

Effective management of tasks, projects, or goals can be achieved by implementing output control in organizations. This approach involves tracking and measuring specific outcomes such as the number of tutoring sessions conducted, improvement in academic performance, or distribution of school supplies to assess the organization's effectiveness in achieving its objectives. Output control provides a performance benchmark, and adjustments can be made if the desired results are not fulfilled. For instance, if the number of tutoring sessions is below the target, the organization can allocate more resources or implement strategies to increase participation. By setting performance expectations and monitoring progress, output control ensures accountability and helps the organization achieve its desired outcomes.

Behavioural control

Organizations often use behavioural control to regulate activities rather than outcomes, especially regarding tasks, projects, or goals. This is achieved by implementing rules and procedures, such as attendance requirements for volunteers, and ethical conduct during tutoring sessions. Consistency and quality in delivering educational support can be ensured by doing so. Furthermore, it helps create a structured environment and set clear behaviour expectations. For instance, enforcing a dress code for volunteers can contribute to a professional and respectful atmosphere. Behavioural control provides guidance and direction, ensuring individuals align with the organization's values and standards.

Clan control

Building a positive organizational culture and promoting volunteer collaboration can be achieved by relying on shared values, expectations, traditions, and norms. Clan control can be an effective way to create a sense of community and shared purpose, ultimately enhancing the commitment and engagement of volunteers towards the organization's goals. Regular team meetings, training sessions, and mentorship programs can help build relationships and strengthen the bond among volunteers. Clan control encourages a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals feel valued and connected, promoting teamwork and collective effort, which is crucial in achieving the organization's objectives.