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CORPATE FUNCTIONS BUSINESSCHART

The following diagram gives most of the main functions that graduates will enter when starting abusiness career.

Internal functions are those which are part of the company. External functions are those which are supplied by an outside agency. Click on any of the jobs in the diagram below to go to more information about them.

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This chart is a simplification. Not all companies can be easily categorised, and some willhave specialist functions which are not included here, but is nevertheless provides a usefulstarting point for graduates considering a career in business.

Specialised businesses will have functions not mentioned here, for exampleretailerswillhave staff working as merchandisers.

Some companies will not have all the functions listed, for example serviceandfinancecompanies will not normally have research and production departments.

Some functions such asMarket ResearchandPRmay be internal, external orboth. Asmall companywill probably hire an external agency when it needs these functions. Alarge company may well have in-house market research and corporate PR staff, but will stilloutsource much of the work that is of a specialist nature.

PRODUCING

Research & DevelopmentDevelops products. Designs & conducting experiments & tests. Interprets data. Managesprojects. Writes reports. Keeps up to date with new developments.

Production & QualityManages the production process. Plans production schedules. Ensures that machinery, staff &materials are efficiently utilised. Monitors health & safety & environmental issues. Liaises withmarketing, research & finance.

Distribution/LogisticsManages all the supply chain processes from raw materials to where the end product is used.Coordinates supply, distribution & storage of goods. Manages transport & distribution centresincluding drivers & warehouse staff.

SELLING

SalesDemonstrates & presents products to customers. Manages budgets. Learns about newproducts. Makes sure that the product meets the customers requirements. Writes tenders &proposals.

MarketingCoordinates all the elements involved in successfully promoting & selling a product: marketresearch, pricing, packaging, advertising, sales, distribution. Involves forecasting, budgeting &planning, implementation of plans.

SUPPORT FUNCTIONS

FINANCE - Management AccountantProvides the information required for the financial protection & planning of companies.Prepares accounting records & management information.

ComputingDesigns, implements & maintains computer systems to meet requirements of users. Providescomputing support for staff. Maintains databases & networks.

HR/PersonnelRecruits & selects new staff. Involved with contracts of employment, job descriptions, training,management development, industrial relations & disciplinary matters.

Buying/PurchasingLocates & maintains relationships with suppliers, of products. Negotiates prices, delivery dates& product specifications. Works with managers to anticipate future demands.

EXTERNAL SERVICES

http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitereta.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitereta.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitereta.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitebank.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitebank.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitebank.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitesadv.htm#Markethttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitesadv.htm#Markethttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitesadv.htm#Markethttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/PR.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/PR.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/PR.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sme.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sme.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sme.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/researchsci.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/researchsci.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/production.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/production.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/transport.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/transport.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/medicalsales.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/medicalsales.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitesadv.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitesadv.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/accountancy.htm#PROFILEhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/accountancy.htm#PROFILEhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/computersci.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/computersci.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/hr.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/hr.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitereta.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitereta.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitereta.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/hr.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/computersci.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/accountancy.htm#PROFILEhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitesadv.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/medicalsales.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/transport.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/production.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/researchsci.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sme.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/PR.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitesadv.htm#Markethttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitebank.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitereta.htm

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Chartered AccountantsVisits clients as part of an audit team; reviews their business operations & financial records toestablish the validity of the company's accounts. Advises on tax liability & other matters.

Management ConsultantsIdentifies & investigates, problems concerned with policy, organisation, procedures & methodsof organisations. Recommends appropriate action & helps to implement this.

Recruitment AgencyMatches job-seekers with employers' vacancies. Assesses candidates' skills & employers'requirements.

AdvertisingLiaises with & advises clients on all aspects of marketing communications; presents proposals

to clients; manages advertising spend budget; keeps clients up-to-date on their own &competitors activities.

Market ResearchThis can be done by the marketing department inside a company, or by an external marketresearch agency. Plans market research projects on behalf of the client. Analyses the problem.Drafts proposals. Prepares questionnaires & survey methods. Briefs interviewers. Analyses

data & presents it to client. Prepares reports. Public Relations

All aspects of media & public relations for clients: e.g. corporate brochures & exhibitionstands. Answers enquiries. Prepares press releases, organises press briefings, conferences &

PR campaigns.

This chart is a simplification. Not all companies can be easily categorised, and some willhave specialist functions which are not included here, but is nevertheless provides a usefulstarting point for graduates considering a career in business.

Specialised businesses will have functions not mentioned here, for exampleretailerswillhave staff working as merchandisers.

Some companies will not have all the functions listed, for example serviceandfinancecompanies will not normally have research and production departments.

Some functions such asMarket ResearchandPRmay be internal, external orboth. Asmall companywill probably hire an external agency when it needs these functions. Alarge company may well have in-house market research and corporate PR staff, but will stilloutsource much of the work that is of a specialist nature.

PRODUCING

Research & DevelopmentDevelops products. Designs & conducting experiments & tests. Interprets data. Managesprojects. Writes reports. Keeps up to date with new developments.

Production & QualityManages the production process. Plans production schedules. Ensures that machinery, staff &materials are efficiently utilised. Monitors health & safety & environmental issues. Liaises withmarketing, research & finance.

Distribution/LogisticsManages all the supply chain processes from raw materials to where the end product is used.Coordinates supply, distribution & storage of goods. Manages transport & distribution centresincluding drivers & warehouse staff.

http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/accountancy.htm#PROFILEhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/accountancy.htm#PROFILEhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/manconsultant.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/manconsultant.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/recruitmentagency.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/recruitmentagency.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/advertising.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/advertising.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitesadv.htm#Markethttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitesadv.htm#Markethttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/PR.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/PR.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitereta.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitereta.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitereta.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitebank.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitebank.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitebank.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitesadv.htm#Markethttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitesadv.htm#Markethttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitesadv.htm#Markethttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/PR.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/PR.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/PR.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sme.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sme.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sme.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/researchsci.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/researchsci.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/production.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/production.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/transport.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/transport.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/transport.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/production.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/researchsci.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sme.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/PR.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitesadv.htm#Markethttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitebank.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitereta.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/PR.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitesadv.htm#Markethttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/advertising.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/recruitmentagency.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/manconsultant.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/accountancy.htm#PROFILE

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SELLING

SalesDemonstrates & presents products to customers. Manages budgets. Learns about newproducts. Makes sure that the product meets the customers requirements. Writes tenders &proposals.

MarketingCoordinates all the elements involved in successfully promoting & selling a product: market

research, pricing, packaging, advertising, sales, distribution. Involves forecasting, budgeting &planning, implementation of plans.

SUPPORT FUNCTIONS

FINANCE - Management AccountantProvides the information required for the financial protection & planning of companies.Prepares accounting records & management information.

ComputingDesigns, implements & maintains computer systems to meet requirements of users. Providescomputing support for staff. Maintains databases & networks.

HR/PersonnelRecruits & selects new staff. Involved with contracts of employment, job descriptions, training,management development, industrial relations & disciplinary matters.

Buying/PurchasingLocates & maintains relationships with suppliers, of products. Negotiates prices, delivery dates& product specifications. Works with managers to anticipate future demands.

EXTERNAL SERVICES

Chartered AccountantsVisits clients as part of an audit team; reviews their business operations & financial records toestablish the validity of the company's accounts. Advises on tax liability & other matters.

Management ConsultantsIdentifies & investigates, problems concerned with policy, organisation, procedures & methodsof organisations. Recommends appropriate action & helps to implement this.

Recruitment AgencyMatches job-seekers with employers' vacancies. Assesses candidates' skills & employers'requirements.

AdvertisingLiaises with & advises clients on all aspects of marketing communications; presents proposalsto clients; manages advertising spend budget; keeps clients up-to-date on their own &competitors activities.

Market ResearchThis can be done by the marketing department inside a company, or by an external marketresearch agency. Plans market research projects on behalf of the client. Analyses the problem.Drafts proposals. Prepares questionnaires & survey methods. Briefs interviewers. Analyses

data & presents it to client. Prepares reports. Public Relations

All aspects of media & public relations for clients: e.g. corporate brochures & exhibitionstands. Answers enquiries. Prepares press releases, organises press briefings, conferences &PR campaigns.

http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/medicalsales.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/medicalsales.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitesadv.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitesadv.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/accountancy.htm#PROFILEhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/accountancy.htm#PROFILEhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/computersci.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/computersci.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/hr.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/hr.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitereta.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitereta.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/accountancy.htm#PROFILEhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/accountancy.htm#PROFILEhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/manconsultant.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/manconsultant.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/recruitmentagency.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/recruitmentagency.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/advertising.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/advertising.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitesadv.htm#Markethttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitesadv.htm#Markethttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/PR.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/PR.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/PR.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitesadv.htm#Markethttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/advertising.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/recruitmentagency.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/manconsultant.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/accountancy.htm#PROFILEhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitereta.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/hr.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/computersci.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/accountancy.htm#PROFILEhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitesadv.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/medicalsales.htm