What exactly is active management of third stage of labor?

The author reflects on active management of third stage of labor (AMTSL) in obstetrics. He notes that AMTSL involved initially the pharmacological stimulation of uterine muscle fibers with oxytocics and later included measures aimed at facilitating rapid placental separation and delivery. He says that it is being promoted globally to reduce the incidence of maternal mortality secondary to atonic postpartum bleeding. He also discusses AMTSL's beneficial effects and components.