Each of the following paragraphs describes a kind of control:
(a) It is desired to keep water in a tank at a level of one to two inches below the brim. A water pressure line is installed in the tank with a valve to start and stop the flow, an arm attached to the valve, and a hollow plastic float on the end of the arm. Whenever the water level is two inches or more below the brim, the float drops low enough to open the valve. When the water level is one inch from the brim, the float raises the arm which closes the valve.
(b) A student desires to earn a grade average of at least 90% in a cost accounting course. On the first quiz, the student receives a grade of 80%. Upon learning of this grade, the student decides to study more earnestly and to do more homework problems before each of the remaining quizzes.
(c) A home owner has worked hard to make a lawn free of weeds and wants to keep it that way during an upcoming two-year absence. Before leaving, the home owner contracts with the local franchise of WeedChem Company for five lawn treatments per year for two years. The treatments are guaranteed to control weeds.
(d) After suffering heavy casualties in a three-day battle, friendly forces gained control of Hill 334 and captured the enemy communications post at that location.
Required:
(1) Determine which one of the four paragraphs describes a kind of control that comes closest to what control means in managing a business. Explain.
(2) Take each one of the other three paragraphs, in turn, and explain why it lacks one or more essential attributes of management control.