In addition, they give direction and guidance to support staff. As program managers, administrators see that needs assessments are carried out appropriately, program goals and objectives are in place and schedules developed, learning activities are suitable for and offer a range of options for the adult learner, evaluative procedures are in place and used regularly, a marketing plan is designed to attract adult learners, and adequate facilities, equipment, and supplies are available to carry out the adult or continuing education program. Program management tasks more recently have included a strongly technological aspect as distance learning, internet discussion groups, courses available via the world wide web, and virtual universities become more readily available to the adult learner. As budget manager, the administrator, must be fiscally responsible to the organization, it s employees, and very often, governmental bodies or funding agencies. In addition, the budget function includes writing and submitting grant proposals as well as seeking out other sources of support such as working with corporate partners.
Administrative managers focus on the bottom line and on accountability.
They have a short-range view and are concerned with turnaround time, deadlines, and controlling the process while assuring that appropriate procedure and policy are followed. Often, management of information and communication flow is used as a controlling method and is employed to prevent chaos and maintain the status quo. A motivating technique often used by managers is the threat of discipline or sanctions. It is the job of the manager to carry out changes which have been determined by the organization and to fix things that aren t going well. The Administrator as Leader Administrators of adult and continuing education programs are also leaders whose job it is to bring about positive change.