Chapter 2

Question 1

How were jobs awarded prior to the Civil war?

Answer 1

Patronage or the Spoils System- those in power could appoint people to public office based on a personal relationship, rather than on merit.

Question 2

What stopped the Spoils System and what was it in response to?

What came as a direct result of this action?

Answer 2

The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883, which was in response to rampant corruption at Tammany Hall in New York City

This act developed the civil service system and it gradually grew. Our promotional test are a direct result of this Act

Question 3

How long do promotional list last in most departments?

Answer 3

2-6 years, the list can Ranked or Banded

Question 4

How do Banded list work?

Answer 4

Banded list are divided into three categories, Highly Qualified, Qualified, and Not Qualified. In this case all the candidates on the highly qualified list are considered equally qualified for promotion, followed by the Qualified candidates.

Question 5

What is a basic requirement that candidates for promotion?

Answer 5

That they are medically qualified to assume the new job

The candidate must not be subject to active form of discipline

Question 6

What are the two documents municipal HR departments used to define knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA)?

Answer 6

A narrative job description and a technical class specification

KSA= narrative job description+tech class specification

Question 7

Narrative job description

Answer 7

Summarizes the scope of the job and provides examples of the task person holding that position would be expected to perform

Question 8

A technical worksheet that quantifies the knowlede, skills and abilities (KSAs) by frequency and importance for every classified job withing the local civil service agency

Answer 8

Class specification

Question 9

How does the test committee determine the number of questions to include from each knowledge area

Answer 9

Using the KSA technical worksheet

Question 10

In general the first level supervisory examination has the longest and most diverse reading list, as much as ____% of this test focuses on technical aspects of a supervising fire officer

Answer 10

70%

Question 11

How does a managing fire officer examination usually differ from a first level supervisory examination?

Answer 11

Managing fire officer examination usually include fewer technical questions and more administrative questions

Question 12

What are the three options for constructing a multiple-choice written examination? (3)

Answer 12

Local exam committee develops a test in the committee members write the questions

Private companies may develop generic examinations that are used by many fire departments

Hiring consultant to write a more specific examination that is directed towards local priorities

Question 13

Why are large fire departments more likely to develop an examination internally?

Answer 13

Because they have the resources

Question 14

Job-content/criterion-referenced validity

Answer 14

Certified that the knowledge being measured by the question is required on the job in reference to known standards

Question 15

What makes for the best test questions selected by the examination committee

Answer 15

Questions with superior job-content/criterion-referenced validity

Question 16

The characteristic where a test measures what it is intended to measure on a consistent basis

Answer 16

Reliability

Question 17

Complaints about a process that relies solely on written multiple choice questions to promote officers

Answer 17

The candidate who knows all the facts can do well on the exam even if that individual is unable to apply them in a real-life setting. book smart, street dumb

Question 18

What is the most common assessment center activity

Describe it

Answer 18

in-basket,
asked the candidate to deal with a stack of correspondence and related items that have accumulated in the firebox officer’s inbox this time to exercise measures the candidates ability to organize prioritize delegate and follow up on administrative task

Question 19

Why is the in basket a poor assessment for LT level?

Answer 19

Because many of the typical job task carried out by this officer do not lend themselves to an in basket assessment

Question 20

How should in basket assessments be handled (5)

Answer 20

Review
 prioritize
 identify resources/options/alternatives
 follow-up
 make notifications

Question 21

What are the four formats for emergency situation assessments? (4)

Answer 21

1.Candidate is provided with information concerning an emergency situation usually written that includes a picture or pre-incident plan information candidate has to explain which actions would be taken in the situation described which factors would be considered

data dumb question because it provides an opportunity for the candidate to demonstrate a depth of knowledge about a particular subject

2. candidate provided basic information concerning emergency to begin the exercise. As simulation progresses candidate is provided with additional updates of the situation the candidate has to react to the unfolding situation which can change based on the answers
3. candidate participates in an interactive emergency scene simulation in a classroom or incident simulation trainer tenet is presented with the dynamic emergency incident through multimedia format using a handheld radio the candidate is expected to command the event
4. candidate Don’s protective clothing’s climbs into the office he of an apparatus in response to a realistic scenario with a fire crew.

Question 22

Interpersonal interaction exercise

Answer 22

Exercise used in assessment centers designed to test the candidate’s ability to perform effectively as a supervisor candidate has to deal with a role player who has a problem or complaint. Candidate usually provided background information followed by 10 to 20 minutes of face-to-face interaction with role player.

Question 23

Key points in an interpersonal interaction assessment? (8)

Answer 23

1. Maintain control of the interview
2. Tell the employee the exact behavior you expect
3. Give the employee a deadline to demonstrate consistent behavior change
4. Specifically arrange for follow-up meetings
5. Attempt to get the employee to buy into or take personal responsibility for the improvement plan
6. Being empathetic listener but remain focused on the reason for the interview
7. Clearly explain the consequences of continued misbehavior
8. Try to finished the session on a positive note

Question 24

What is the successful approach to the interpersonal interaction exercise

Answer 24

The extreme supervisor- issues are handled in strict accordance with the rules and regulations of the organization.

Question 25

What is a valuable tool in studying for promotion exam?

Answer 25

Personal study Journal helps you set up personal study schedule, keep track of your progress, make notes about confusing or interesting or important facts you discover.

The first section could include all the information about the exam process
the second section would include a calendar
the third section will contain written reference materials
the fourth section will cover information about the announced or anticipated components of the exam

Question 26

Who are the most effective candidates in role-playing exercises?

Answer 26

Candidates who act naturally during examination, while making supervisory decisions that are strictly based on policies and regulations

this behavior is sometimes described as performing in the extreme supervisor role

Question 27

What is one of the best ways to prepare for role-playing exercise

Answer 27

By working in one of the busier or larger fire stations within your department, more supervisory issues come up more problem-solving opportunities on calls

Work under one the more respected officers to learn supervisory skills

Question 28

A series of simulation exercises to identify a candidates competency to perform the job that is offered in the promotional exam.

Answer 28

Assessment centers

Question 29

A promotional question that asks the candidate to write or describe all the factors or issues covering a technical issue (such as suppression of basement fire)

Answer 29

“Data Dump” Question

Question 30

Attributes or qualities that can be described and measured during a promotional exam. 
On average 5 to 15 dimensions are measured on a promotional exam. 
the 6 most commonly addressed are;
Oral communication
Written Communication
Problem Analysis
Judgement
Organizational sensitivity
Planning / Organizing

Answer 30

Dimensions

Question 31

The decision of which components to use in a promotional exam is influenced by what 4 factors?

Answer 31

Time requirements
Expense
Staff Expertise
Past Experience

Question 32

The candidate needs to develop a ____ ______ _____ to master the contend for a promotional exam. Study techniques include keeping a _____ _____ and participating in ____ ______ ________.

Answer 32

Personal Study Plan
Study Journal
Role Playing Activities