Exams 2

Question 1

Problem

Answer 1

A discrepancy between ideal and actual conditions

Question 2

Decision

Answer 2

A choice among alternatives

Question 3

Steps in Problem Solving

Answer 3

Diagnose, Develop solutions, evaluate solutions, choose solutions, implement decision, evaluate and control

Question 4

Identify and diagnose the problem

Answer 4

Identify the gap between desired and actual conditions

Question 5

Develop alternative solutions

Answer 5

All kinds of possibilities are explored, even some that seem unrealistic

Question 6

Evaluate alternative solutions

Answer 6

Comparing the relative value of the alternatives

Question 7

Choose one alternative solution

Answer 7

The process of weighing the alternatives must stop at some point

Question 8

Implement the decision

Answer 8

Converting a decision into action

Question 9

Evaluate and control

Answer 9

Investigate how effectively the chosen alternative solved the problem

Question 10

Political considerations

Answer 10

Organizational decisions on the basis of the objective merits of competing alternatives with considerations of favoritism, alliances or the desire of the decision maker to stay in favor of those who wield power

Question 11

Group decisions

Answer 11

The process of several people contributing to a final decision

Question 12

Creativity

Answer 12

The process of developing novel ideas that can be put into action

Question 13

The creative and innovative organization

Answer 13

Apply to services and processes as well as to the products. Challenge, freedom, resources, rewards and recognition, allocating time for thinking, building ideas off of others, diversity

Question 14

Challenge

Answer 14

Employees need the right type and amount of this to help provide a creative atmosphere. There should not be bored or overwhelmed

Question 15

Freedom

Answer 15

Employees should be free to choose how to accomplish a goal but not which goal to accomplish

Question 16

Resources

Answer 16

Allotted time and money to enhance creativity

Question 17

Rewards and recognition for innovative ideas

Answer 17

External rewards and recognition are helpful, but the most important motivation is internal motivation

Question 18

Allocating time for innovative thinking

Answer 18

Workers need time to think in order to be creative

Question 19

Building of the ideas of others

Answer 19

Encouragement facilitates creativity

Question 20

Greater diversity in groups

Answer 20

Cultivate creativity by establishing a group of people with diverse backgrounds

Question 21

Data-driven management

Answer 21

An attitude and approach to management rather than a specific technique that stems from data-based decision making

Question 22

Forecasting methods

Answer 22

Important if a manager fails spot trends and react to them before the competition does, the competition can gain invaluable edge

Question 23

Judgmental forecast

Answer 23

A quantitative forecasting method based of a collecting of subjective opinions

Question 24

Economic forecasting

Answer 24

Predication of future business activity

Question 25

Sales forecasting

Answer 25

Primary planning document for a business

Question 26

Technological forecasting

Answer 26

Predicts what types of technological changes will take place

Question 27

Inventory control techniques

Answer 27

Help face the problem of how much inventory to keep on hand

Question 28

Economic order quantity

Answer 28

Represents the reorder quantity for the least cost

Question 29

Just-in-time system

Answer 29

Quantitative, eliminates waste wherever possible, used in repetitive, single-product manufacturing environment

Question 30

Advantages of JIT

Answer 30

Defects readily detected, suppliers don’t raise price, organizational commitment to quality design

Question 31

Disadvantages of JIT

Answer 31

Must be in supportive/compatible environment, applicable only to repetitive manufacturer, product demand must be predictable

Question 32

Job specialization

Answer 32

The degree to which a job holder performs only a limited number of tasks

Question 33

Job description

Answer 33

A written statement of the key features of a job along with the activates required to perform it effectively

Question 34

Job enrichment

Answer 34

Is an approach to including more challenge and responsibility in jobs to make more appealing to most employees

Question 35

Job enlargement

Answer 35

Increasing the number and variety of tasks within a job

Question 36

Job rotation

Answer 36

A temporary switching of job assignments

Question 37

Telecommuting

Answer 37

An arrangement with one’s employer to use a computer to perform work at home or in a satellite office

Question 38

Advantages of telecommuting

Answer 38

Increased productivity, low overhead, access to a wider range of employee talent, direct contribution to green initiatives

Question 39

Disadvantages of telecommuting

Answer 39

Telecommuters can feel exploited, building loyalty and teamwork is difficult, difficult to supervise employees

Question 40

Geographic departmentalization

Answer 40

An arrangement of departments according to the geographic area or territory served

Question 41

Span of control

Answer 41

The number of workers reporting directly to a manager

Question 42

Outsourcing

Answer 42

Part of globalization, reducing the need for employees and physical assets

Question 43

Horizontal structure

Answer 43

The arrangement of work by teams that are responsible for accomplishing a process

Question 44

Decentralization

Answer 44

The extent to which authority is passed down to lower levels in an organization

Question 45

Centralization

Answer 45

The extent to which authority is retained at the top of the organization

Question 46

Organizational/Corporate culture

Answer 46

The system of shared values and beliefs that actively influence the behavior or organization members