Final answer:
The function of management described in the scenario is controlling, where the owner monitors building performance against targets and plans corrective actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The issue described relates to the function of controlling within the four functions of management. Controlling involves monitoring performance to ensure that organizational goals are being met and making corrections as necessary. In the scenario given, Fairwood Construction's owner is responding to the fact that only three houses have been built halfway through the year, despite the target being 10 houses. As a result, the owner intends to implement some corrective actions to get building operations back on track to meet the annual target. It is an essential management task to compare actual performance with planned targets and take corrective measures if there are deviations.