In the beginning of the 20th century, management practices and approaches were much different than those of today. Managerial practices can be traced throughout the history of humankind. e oldest known practices date back to 8,000-3,000 BCE. e extant ancient Sumerian documents contain commercial records and they also prove that the Sumerians used these records to manage information as we do today. Similarly, construction of the pyramids in Egypt required effective execution of all management functions.