I just want to break down this apparent “definition” of the characteristics of management from the first lecture of Pharmacy Management class. I cannot be 100% sure, but this is most likely the moment (third page, first day) that I mentally checked out of this class. It was that or the Industrial Revolution question. Sigh. Here’s the definition:
“Abstract collection of phrases/terms with scientific synthesis and application to human behaviors for the purpose of obtaining/achieving efficient operations.”
I feel like the Double Rainbow Guy: “What does this mean?!” I’ll begin with the fact that whoever penned this definition felt the need to use “/” in the place of “and” or “or.” Could this be the epitome of lazy writing? (Who am I kidding, I’ve seen much lazier. But still…twice?) Okay, the part that pains me the most is the initial “Abstract collection of phrases/terms.” Surely this could be simplified. ”Abstract terms” perhaps? ”Ideas?” We could probably just axe that whole thing.
Let’s suppose that “collection” is the noun here. ”Collection with scientific syntheses and application to human behaviors.” Scientific synthesis is just kind of dangling there, right? Because “scientific synthesis to human behaviors” makes no sense. Did they mean to say “scientific synthesis of and application to human behaviors?” That makes much more sense to me. That must be it. I’ve been looking at this definition for probably about half an hour, and it just now really made sense to me.
Also, I want to know if there is really a need for the “obtaining/achieving” nonsense. When it comes to efficient operations, and seeing that they come to fruition, is there really a distinction between obtaining and achieving them? Does “obtaining” imply that we are taking efficient operations from another organization? Are we supposed to steal them? If we “achieve” them instead, does that mean that we have them in our possession due to more virtuous actions? Our hearts warm with the thought of “achieving” efficient operations, but not so much when we think of “obtaining” them.
I could go on, but I should really be studying this riveting subject matter. Friday morning will be here before we know it.
