Question 1

Time standards are intangible standards that are difficult to measure.

Accepted Answer

Time standards, such as those used for work measurement or scheduling, are quantifiable and can be measured with tools like stopwatches or software, making them tangible in their application and measurement.

Question 2

The first step in the controlling function is actually a planning step.

Accepted Answer

The first step in the controlling function involves establishing clear standards and objectives, which is essentially a planning step, as it requires determining what outcomes or performance levels are desired.

Question 3

Standards must always be monetary if they are to be realistically used.

Accepted Answer

Standards can be both monetary and non-monetary, such as quality standards, safety standards, or environmental standards, which are used widely across various industries and sectors.

Question 4

Physical standards refer to the speed with which the job should be done.

Accepted Answer

Physical standards typically refer to the physical requirements or capabilities needed to perform a job, such as strength, flexibility, or endurance, rather than the speed at which the job should be done.

Question 5

The benefits of controls should be worth their cost of installation and operation.

Accepted Answer

Controls in a system or process are implemented to manage risks, improve efficiency, or ensure compliance with regulations. It is essential that the benefits derived from these controls, such as reduced risk, improved performance, or compliance with legal requirements, outweigh the costs associated with their installation, maintenance, and operation. This ensures that the investment in controls is justified and contributes positively to the overall objectives of the organization.

Question 6

Feedback controls are used while activities are taking place.

Accepted Answer

Feedback controls are used after an activity is completed to evaluate its outcomes and make necessary adjustments.

Question 7

Concurrent controls are sometimes referred to as "screening controls."

Accepted Answer

Concurrent controls, also known as screening controls, are implemented while an activity is in progress to ensure that it is carried out correctly and to identify and correct problems as they occur.

Question 8

Controls should be timely.

Accepted Answer

Controls should be timely to ensure they are effective in preventing or detecting errors or fraud in a timely manner, allowing for corrective action to be taken before significant damage occurs.

Question 9

Feedforward controls are preventive controls that try and anticipate problems before they occur.

Accepted Answer

Feedforward controls are indeed preventive in nature, designed to anticipate and mitigate problems before they actually happen, allowing organizations to take corrective actions in advance.

Question 10

Tangible standards relate to human characteristics that are difficult to measure.

Accepted Answer

Tangible standards refer to measurable criteria or benchmarks that are easy to quantify and assess, unlike human characteristics that are often intangible and more difficult to measure.

Question 11

To be effective, controls need to be accepted by the people they affect.

Accepted Answer

Controls need to be accepted by the people they affect to ensure compliance and effectiveness, as acceptance leads to better adherence and integration into daily operations.

Question 12

The process of ensuring that organizational objectives are achieved is known as planning.

Accepted Answer

The process described is more accurately referred to as management. Planning is specifically the process of setting goals and determining the best way to achieve them, which is just one aspect of management.

Question 13

Effective controls must focus on critical factors that affect only the organization's abilities to achieve objectives.

Accepted Answer

Effective controls should focus on critical factors that affect the organization's ability to achieve objectives, but they should also consider external factors and risks that could impact the organization's performance.

Question 14

Staff departments should not influence the process of setting performance standards.

Accepted Answer

Staff departments often have specialized expertise and insights that can contribute significantly to setting realistic, relevant, and achievable performance standards across various areas of an organization.

Question 15

In terms of performance, supervisors must decide both how often and how to measure performance.

Accepted Answer

Supervisors are responsible for determining the frequency of performance evaluations and the methods used to assess employee performance to ensure effective management and improvement of work outcomes.

Question 16

Supervisory control involves setting goals and seeking information on whether they are reached as planned.

Accepted Answer

Supervisory control involves setting objectives for tasks or operations and monitoring performance to ensure that these goals are achieved as planned. This process includes seeking information on the progress and outcomes of the tasks to make necessary adjustments.

Question 17

It is generally impractical to exercise control after a particular job is complete.

Accepted Answer

The answer of It is generally impractical to exercise control...

Question 18

In order for control to be effective, performance must always be continually monitored.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In order for control to be effective,...

Question 19

Intangible standards should not be part of the control process.

Accepted Answer

Intangible standards, such as customer satisfaction and employee morale, are important in the control process as they can significantly impact the performance and success of an organization.

Question 20

Controlling is defined as the management function that involves comparing actual performance with planned performance and taking corrective action, if needed, to ensure that objectives are achieved.

Accepted Answer

Controlling is indeed a management function that involves measuring actual performance against planned performance and implementing corrective measures to ensure that organizational goals are met.

Quiz 13: Exercising Control