Deck 8: Solving Problems, Making Decisions and Managing Change

Question 1

Any decision alternatives that do not meet ethical standards or predetermined decision criteria should be eliminated.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

The decision-making process is a systematic,step-by-step process that aids in identifying and selecting the best alternative under the circumstances.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Personal opinion does not impact decision making.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

In order to make a decision,someone must first identify the problem.

Question 5

Once the best alternative has been selected,the decision making process has concluded.

Question 6

Brainstorming is a free flow of ideas within a group,with judgment suspended,in order to arrive at as many alternatives as possible.

Question 7

By generating a series of alternatives to solving a problem,the best course of action to take is less likely to be overlooked.

Question 8

The nominal group technique allows individuals to brainstorm solutions before working collectively in a group.

Question 9

The decision-making process changes depending on the scope and importance of the decision that needs to be made.

Question 10

Supervisors are born with decision-making skills; they cannot be developed.

Question 11

When utilitizing decision criteria to deal with problems,there must be a sense of priority.

Question 12

A supervisor should do whatever it takes,including spend excessively,to see that all problems are resolved.

Question 13

Almost all of the problems that confront supervisors daily are unusual,isolated,and require individual problem-solving techniques.

Question 14

The fishbone technique is a cause-and-effect approach to considering the potential interrelatedness of problem causes to aid in decision making.

Question 15

Decision making is the process of defining problems and choosing a course of action from among alternatives.

Question 16

In the rare situations in which the problem cannot be defined,it is advisable to go on to the fact-gathering stage.

Question 17

Successful problem solving requires no supervisory follow-up.

Question 18

Because the supervisor makes most of the departmental decisions,it is not a high priority to teach subordinates decision-making skills.

Question 19

Facts about a problem are gathered during the second step (analyzing the problem)of the structured decision making process.

Question 20

If it is legal,it is ethical; if it is illegal,it is unethical.

Question 21

The process of defining problems and choosing a course of action from among alternatives is known as _____.

A)downsizing
B)deskilling
C)decision making
D)groupthink

Question 22

If a problem needs a quick solution,the supervisor should take a participative approach to making the decision.

Question 23

When there is a limited amount of information available and a decision must be made rather quickly,a supervisor is required to use intuition.

Question 24

Which of the following statements regarding decision-making is true?

A)The decision-making process should vary significantly at different managerial levels.
B)Decisions made at the executive level are smaller in scope and magnitude than decisions at the supervisory level.
C)The decision-making process is considered complete when the problem situation is identified.
D)Decision making is integral to managerial functions and the core of planning.

Question 25

A situation might arise in which the undesirable consequences of all alternatives appear to be so overwhelmingly unfavorable that the supervisor feels the best solution is to take no action.

Question 26

Supervisors and managers should always strive to utilize the Convenience Seeker decision-making style.

Question 27

Most problems in the workplace require immediate answers.

Question 28

When the supervisor selects the alternative that minimally meets the decision criteria,the supervisor has made an optimizing decision.

Question 29

Which of the following statements concerning decision-making is INCORRECT?

A)Decision-making is the process of choosing a course of action from among alternatives.
B)The decision-making process should basically be the same throughout the managerial hierarchy.
C)The decision-making process is considered complete when the problem is identified.
D)Decision-making should involve a logical and systematic process.

Question 30

Quantitative methods of decision making allow the user to perform "what-if" scenarios and simulations.

Question 31

Which of the following steps should a supervisor take after he identifies and analyzes the problem?

A)Establish decision criteria
B)Start brainstorming
C)Pick the first alternative that comes to mind
D)Evaluate all possible alternatives

Question 32

Decision making is influenced by many forces,making it difficult to formulate a simple "to do checklist" that applies to every situation in the same way.

Question 33

While experimentation may be valid from a motivational standpoint,it can be a slow and relatively expensive method of reaching a decision.

Question 34

If follow-up and appraisal of consequences reveals significant variance between the desired and actual outcomes,it is advisable to start over by re-evaluating the problem as though it is new.

Question 35

It is comforting to know that if you follow the proper steps in the decision-making process,a good decision is guaranteed.

Question 36

A fire has just broken out in Keiko's department.This would probably be a very good time for Keiko to solicit advice from others before making a decision about what to do.

Question 37

When making decisions,the supervisor should consider knowledge gained from experience with the understanding that the current situation is not identical to past situations.

Question 38

_____ is the first step of the systematic decision-making process.

A)Defining the problem
B)Gathering facts and information
C)Establishing decision criteria
D)Brainstorming

Question 39

The cooperative search for the best people,their organizations,and the world around them is referred to as:

A)emotional intelligence.
B)nominal group technique.
C)brainstorming.
D)appreciative inquiry.

Question 40

With the Abdicator decision style,decisions are made based on the easiest method readily available,and often result in errors.

Question 41

Angela has purchased a new networking printer for her research team,but she's not sure where to place it.She has decided to try different locations over the course of a week to identify the best location.Angela has chosen _____ as the basis for choosing her decision alternative.

A)Experience
B)Experimentation
C)Intuition
D)Quantitative decision making

Question 42

Standards or measures for evaluating alternatives are referred to as:

A)decision criteria.
B)problem solving formulas.
C)choice tests.
D)entropies.

Question 43

Which of the following is NOT a basis for choosing the best alternative?

A)Experimentation
B)Experience
C)Intuition
D)Groupthink

Question 44

Tom,a supervisor,is concerned because one of his workers is consistently missing deadlines.To address the problem,Tom gathers the employee's status updates for the last six months and highlights projects with missed deadlines.Which stage of the decision-making process does this act best fit?

A)Defining the problem
B)Analyzing the problem
C)Establishing decision criteria
D)Developing alternatives

Question 45

After the supervisor has defined and analyzed the problem and established decision criteria,the next step is to:

A)evaluate the problem.
B)evaluate alternatives.
C)develop alternatives.
D)implement the first alternative that comes to mind.

Question 46

After reviewing several potential solutions to a significant challenge at work regarding his company and a client,Roberto has identified a solution that both his boss and the client view as a "win-win".In selecting this option,Roberto is most likely to have engaged in:

A)satisficing
B)optimizing.
C)negotiating.
D)brainstorming.

Question 47

Megan is charged with naming a new publication that will be unveiled in the first quarter of the upcoming year.Unable to come up with a name on her own,she sends an email to her team asking them to respond with ideas for potential names.This approach best exemplifies which creative problem solving method?

A)Groupthink
B)Quid pro quo
C)Nominal group technique
D)Electronic brainstorming

Question 48

Omega Inc.was thinking of relocating their steel manufacturing operations to Alessio.Relocating to Alessio means cheaper labor,raw materials,and better weather.However,the company changed its decision since it would have a negative impact on a large number of its employees.In this case,Omega's move to Alessio did not pass the _____.

A)fairness test
B)metric test
C)long-term consequences test
D)public knowledge test

Question 49

Selecting the best alternative is referred to as:

A)satisficing.
B)optimizing.
C)satisfying.
D)deciding.

Question 50

A fishbone diagram would be most useful while:

A)following up on results.
B)establishing decision criteria.
C)defining and analyzing the problem.
D)developing and evaluating alternatives.

Question 51

According to​Alex Osborn,which of the following makes brainstorming effective?

A)Encouraging freewheeling
B)Encouraging severe criticism
C)Fostering groupthink
D)Ignoring extreme ideas and opinions

Question 52

When a supervisor attempts to select the alternative solution that meets the minimal decision criteria,he is:

A)optimizing.
B)satisficing.
C)brainstorming.
D)gathering facts and information.

Question 53

Samantha has been asked to join a task force that is charged with boosting organizational productivity.First,she was asked to jot down ideas on how to increase productivity,and after that,the group met to discuss everyone's ideas and come up with solutions together based on those suggestions.Samantha's taskforce best exemplifies which creative problem solving method?

A)Traditional brainstorming
B)Electronic brainstorming
C)Nominal group technique
D)Groupthink

Question 54

The four guidelines for effective brainstorming were authored by _____.

A)Roger von Oech
B)Harvey Lifton
C)David Cooperrider
D)Alex Osborn

Question 55

A manager should use a group in the decision-making process if:

A)it is determined that no additional information is needed.
B)it is a routine decision.
C)the situation requires immediate action.
D)people's skills can be developed through participation.

Question 56

Which of the following ethical tests takes into consideration morals and values that have been instilled in an individual?

A)Legal-compliance test
B)Public-knowledge test
C)Long-term-consequences test
D)Inner-voice test

Question 57

The _____ approach has the problem solver not only identify the various factors that have caused the problem but also consider the potential interrelatedness of the causes of the problem.

A)nominal group technique
B)problem statement
C)fishbone technique
D)brainstorming

Question 58

Considering how a potential decision would impact all stakeholders that would be affected by the decision refers to _____ test.

A)fairness
B)public knowledge
C)long-term consequences
D)the four-way

Question 59

Sylvia works part-time at an office and also goes to school in the evenings.She is considering taking supplies for a class project from the storeroom at work,even though this is against company policy.However,she changes her mind when she considers what her colleagues would think of her if they learned of such an action.Which ethical test has Sylvia used to make her decision?

A)Long-term consequences test
B)Legal/compliance test
C)Fairness test
D)Public knowledge test

Question 60

Using payback analysis as a means to select a decision among various alternatives is an example of _____.

A)quantitative decision making
B)subjective decision making
C)experimentation
D)observation

Question 61

What is satisficing? When is it most appropriately utilized?

Question 62

Which of the following is an effective way of overcoming barriers to change?

A)Prviding minimal information about the change to employees
B)Encouraging participation from employees
C)Announcing the change after it has already been implemented
D)Using coercive measures

Question 63

Why is the nominal group technique used in the brainstorming process?

Question 64

At Beta Corp.,the decision-making process is both tedious and long-winded.This is primarily because the CEO,Earl Baker,takes great pains to ensure that his decisions are in agreement with all of senior management.In this case,Earl Baker's decision-making style is that of a _____.

A)free spirit
B)group commander
C)consensus builder
D)deep thinker

Question 65

Amanda tends to make fast decisions that result in many errors but she does not care about results.These are characteristics of a _____.

A)convenience seeker
B)deep thinker
C)free spirit
D)group commander

Question 66

_____ means that management must improve upon andsustain what they are doing today while creating processes for long-term success.

A)Organizational renewal
B)Satisficing
C)Job deskilling
D)Organizational downsizing

Question 67

How can supervisors develop and enhance their decision-making skills?

Question 68

One of the best tactics for a supervisor when introducing a change is to hide reasons for the change from the employees.

Question 69

Someone seeks buy-in from individuals,wants minimal risks,and tends to avoid interpersonal confrontation when it comes to decision would best be described as a:

A)deep thinker.
B)convenience seeker.
C)consensus builder.
D)free spirit.

Question 70

Gina likes to be in control at work and enjoys making important decisions.She uses power to influence her subordinates and generally likes to take risks.Which of the following decision-making styles best describes Gina?

A)Deep thinker
B)Free spirit
C)Group commander
D)Convenience seeker

Question 71

Survival of a company may depend on the abilities of its managers to make fundamental changes.

Question 72

When is it in the supervisor's best interest to use intuition in the decision-making process?

Question 73

_____ refers to rapidly engaging supervisorsand employees at all levels ofan organization in education,training,and the establishmentof clear accountability forchange processes and tasks.

A)Deskilling
B)Process loss
C)Entropy
D)Cascade

Question 74

What are some things that supervisors should consider in an effort to understand their own decision style?

Question 75

When should supervisors determine if groups should be included in the decision-making process?

Question 76

Employee resistance to change is based upon the change itself rather than the manner in which the change is introduced.

Question 77

The acceptance of change is more likely if there is a relationship of confidence and trust between the employees and the supervisor.

Question 78

When Jessie goes to her manager Carlos with a problem,he listens to her problem carefully,then asks who is affected by the problem.Then he asks Jessie if she has any recommendations on a solution.This interaction displays _____ supervision.

A)centralized
B)hands-off
C)participative
D)commanding

Question 79

Resistance to change in the workplace is very uncommon because employees pride themselves upon being up to date.

Question 80

At work,Charles can be described as creative but prone to mistakes.He likes when taking up projects that result in social recognition,and often uses humor to make a point.Which of the following decision-making styles best describe Charles?

A)Consensus builder
B)Group commander
C)Convenience seeker
D)Free spirit