ABSTRACT
Management science focuses on researching and perfecting ways of managing organizations and people. The principal aim of management is effective achievement of the organization’s goals by planning, organizing, managing, and controlling resources. Management science belongs to the empirical, practical, and social sciences and covers all aspects of the functioning of the organization. However, similarly to many other social and humanistic sciences, it is no stranger to dilemmas related to defining the subject of study, developing a methodology, or the dominating paradigm. Management science is treated as not only a science or a craft but also an art. This chapter serves as a gateway into the world of management science, offering readers a comprehensive overview of the fundamental concepts and theories that shape the discipline. From classical management principles to contemporary frameworks, this chapter lays the groundwork for deeper exploration.
