There are many theories developed by scholars to explain the principles and practice of management. Some of these theorists include: Henry Fayol; and Mintzberg among others. Henry Fayol is believed to be the first scholar to develop management theory. Other scholars have developed their theories based on the weakness of Henry Fayol's management theory (Thomson 2004). Henry Fayol is a scholar of French nationality and was born in 1841. The scholar Fayol was born at the height of the French Industrial Revolution. Fayol mainly developed theories on the management and organization of work. Fayol developed management theory starting from the experiences of the French economy in the early 19th century. During this period, France was underdeveloped compared to countries such as Great Britain and Prussia. During this period the unification of Germany further exposed France's underdevelopment and made it more economically insecure. Fayol is believed to be the founding father of the school of management and the first to describe management as a top-down process based on planning and organizing people (Thomson 2004). The industrial and commercial success of Germany and Great Britain at the expense of France was also influential for Fayol. This led Fayol to develop French economic centralization and corporate policy. The development of these policies gave impetus to the development of France as it began to catch up with the rapidly growing Germany. The year was 1871 (EmeraldInsight 2011). These were also considered Fayol's productive years as a businessman in the mining industry. In this period, France was also in desperate need of a new management theory to address its rapid and destabilizing goal realization; the processes of planning, organisation, command, coordination and control are vital and essential (12manage). Due to changes in management models and advancements, there are changes that could be made to the theory to make it relevant and applicable in contemporary management. For example, in the fourteen principles, the inclusion of staff well-being can make the theory flexible and adaptable (Thomson 2004). References EmeraldInsight, (2011). Henri Fayol, revered and reviled professional and theorist. Web 4 April. 2015.http://www.emeraildinsight.com/1751-1348.htm12Manage, (2010). Henry Fayol's Principles of Management. Web 4 April. 2015.http://www.12manage.com/methods_fayol_14_principles_of_management.htmThomson, (2004). Management theory and practice. Web 4 April. 2015.http://www.thomsonlearning.co.uk