Components of Management

Inputs in Family Resource Management

Definition

Inputs refer to the resources and demands that are available to a family. They are the starting point of the management process.

Demands

Nature of Demands: These include the needs and wants of family members, such as food, shelter, education, and emotional support.

Examples: A family with young children will have different demands, such as childcare and education, compared to a family with teenagers, where the focus might be on higher education and career guidance.

Resources

Types of Resources: Resources can be tangible (like money, property, and food) or intangible (such as time, skills, and knowledge).

Example: A family's income (tangible resource) and the parents' cooking skills (intangible resource) are inputs into the family management system.

Throughputs in Family Resource Management

Definition

Throughputs involve the processes of planning, organising, and implementing resources to meet the family's demands and goals.

Planning

Process: Determining goals and the means to achieve them.

Example: A family may plan to save a certain amount of money each year for a child's college fund.

Organising

Process: Arranging resources and activities in an orderly manner.

Example: Allocating responsibilities among family members for various household chores.

Implementing

Process: The action phase where plans are put into operation.

Example: Implementing a weekly meal plan to ensure a balanced diet while staying within the budget.

Outputs in Family Resource Management

Definition

Outputs are the results or outcomes of the family resource management process. They indicate the effectiveness of the management.

Examples of Outputs

• Achievement of Goals: Such as savings targets or improved family health.
• Family Satisfaction: Overall happiness and fulfillment of family members.
• Resource Optimization: Efficient use of resources with minimal waste.