Question 1

In the divisional approach,coordination across divisions is great whereas coordination within divisions is often poor.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the divisional approach,coordination across divisions is...

Question 2

The divisional structure encourages decentralization.

Accepted Answer

The divisional structure involves dividing the organization into smaller, self-contained units or divisions, each with its own resources and decision-making power. This allows for more decentralized decision making and greater flexibility in responding to local market conditions and customer needs.

Question 3

The matrix approach can be highly effective in a complex,rapidly changing environment in which the organization needs to be flexible and adaptable.

Accepted Answer

The matrix approach allows for a more flexible and adaptable structure to respond to the constantly changing environment. The approach assigns employees to multiple projects and teams simultaneously, allowing for more efficient use of resources and greater agility in responding to changes.

Question 4

The modular approach is similar to virtual networking.

Accepted Answer

Both modular approach and virtual networking involve breaking down and compartmentalizing different components or aspects of a system, allowing for more flexibility and scalability.

Question 5

The overseer of both the product and functional chains of command,responsible for the entire matrix is the matrix boss.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The overseer of both the product and...

Question 6

In a geographic-based structure,all functions in a specific country or region report to the same division manager.

Accepted Answer

In a geographic-based structure, all functions in a specific country or region report to the same division manager. This is done to ensure that the operations in that country or region are aligned and coordinated to achieve the company's goals in that specific area.

Question 7

Quick response to external changes is an advantage of vertical functional structure.

Accepted Answer

Quick responses to external changes are actually harder to achieve in a vertical functional structure as decision-making authority is usually centralized at the top, which can result in slower response times. Other organizational structures, such as matrix or network structures, can be more conducive to fast response times.

Question 8

The functional structure offers a way to decentralize decision making and provide direction from the teams in the field.

Accepted Answer

The functional structure is characterized by a hierarchical organization where decision-making is typically centralized at the top, and directions are passed down through the structure, not decentralized from teams in the field.

Question 9

At Fox End,people are grouped together in departments by common skills and work activities,including a sales department and a production department.This is an example of vertical functional approach.

Accepted Answer

A vertical functional approach involves grouping people together in departments based on common skills and work activities, such as sales and production departments at Fox End.

Question 10

Divisions are created,in functional structures,as self-contained units with separate functional departments for each division.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Divisions are created,in functional structures,as self-contained units...

Question 11

Because the chain of command converges at the top,the functional structure provides a way to decentralize decision making and provide unified direction from all managers.

Accepted Answer

The statement is incorrect. The functional structure actually centralizes decision-making power at the top of the hierarchy.

Question 12

Coordination refers to the managerial task of adjusting and synchronizing the diverse activities among different individuals and departments.

Accepted Answer

Coordination is indeed a managerial task that involves ensuring cooperation and collaboration among different parts of an organization to achieve common goals.

Question 13

A project manager is a person responsible for coordinating the activities of several departments for the completion of a specific project.

Accepted Answer

A project manager is responsible for coordinating the activities of several departments or teams to successfully complete a project on time, within budget, and meeting the desired quality standards.

Question 14

The horizontal structure provides traditional control within functional departments,and the vertical structure provides coordination across departments.

Accepted Answer

The horizontal structure provides coordination across departments through cross-functional teams and the vertical structure provides traditional control within functional departments.

Question 15

Reengineering is the outcome of information and cooperation.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Reengineering is the outcome of information and...

Question 16

One major disadvantage of the virtual network approach is the lack of hands-on control.

Accepted Answer

In a virtual network approach, the network infrastructure is abstracted and managed through software, which can limit the ability to physically access and control the network components. This can be a disadvantage in certain situations, such as when troubleshooting or implementing changes that require physical access to the network devices.

Question 17

The confusion and frustration caused by the dual chain of command is a major problem of the matrix structure.

Accepted Answer

In a matrix structure, employees typically report to both a functional manager and a project manager, creating a dual chain of command. This can cause confusion and frustration as employees may receive conflicting priorities or direction from their two managers.

Question 18

Aspects of both functional and divisional structures simultaneously in the same part of the organization are combined in the virtual network approach.

Accepted Answer

The virtual network approach focuses on outsourcing major functions to separate companies and coordinating them using information technology, rather than combining aspects of functional and divisional structures within the same part of the organization. This approach creates a flexible, more streamlined organization that can adapt quickly to market changes.

Question 19

The divisional structure fosters excellent coordination within divisions,but coordination across divisions is often poor.

Accepted Answer

The divisional structure is designed to create specialized units for efficient functioning, but it can also lead to silos where communication and coordination across divisions is difficult.

Question 20

With a matrix structure,the entire organization is made up of horizontal teams that coordinate their work and work directly with customers to accomplish the organization's goals.

Accepted Answer

With a matrix structure, the organization is made up of both horizontal teams and vertical teams or departments, creating a dual reporting structure for employees. The horizontal teams work on specific projects or initiatives and coordinate their work with the vertical teams who are responsible for functional areas like marketing or finance.

Quiz 4: The Dynamics of Alternative Organizational Forms