Industrial manufacturing began playing an increasingly important role in the economy over 100 years ago. Since then, many authors have developed statements about what leaders of organizations must do to be able to accomplish their management tasks more effectively. One of them is Henry Fayol, whose management theory has been the subject of the greatest debate over time for its relevance to both classical and contemporary management. Although there are limitations, drawbacks and necessary improvements, Fayol's theory has been considered the foundation of all subsequent theories in management. In order to affirm our decision that his theory is still related to business management today, Fayol's management theory must be studied and then identified the associated limitations and drawbacks when applied in the 21st century . First and foremost, to learn more about the foundations of the birth of management theory and its details, we will examine Fayol's life, work, achievements and theory. Henri Fayol was born in France in 1841, studied at the Lycée de Lyon then trained as a mining engineer at the National School of Mines in St Etienne. He then joined the Commentry Company - Fourchambault, a coal extraction and iron foundry group where he quickly rose through the management ranks - from engineer at 19, to director of the Commentry pits at 25, then director of a group of coal mines at 31. At the age of 47, he finally took the position of general manager of Commentry - Fourchambault and remained its general manager until his retirement in 1918. From 1916 to 1923, he published Gestion générale et industrial and creates a Center for Administrative Studies (CAS) to develop and publicize...... middle of paper ......Fayol distinguishes the administrative function from the technical and commercial functions. He spoke of the challenge of training engineers. Instead of spending too much time and effort on mathematical and theoretical education, engineers should learn administration, considered the art of managing people. He also expanded the principles to 14 which have proven useful, flexible and adaptable to direct management actions. In 1908, Fayol demonstrated the essential elements of long-term planning to adapt to the changing environment and hierarchy of organizations to provide a vision of departments and define the communication of relationships between managers. Next, he listed some tools used by managers: accounting statements, frequent reports and coordination conferences. The First World War interrupted the publication of his major work until 1916.