Question 1

Hi-Spec manufactures sports gear. Currently each of the steps in assembling the sweat-shirts is performed by a separate worker using an automated assembly line. The firm is considering redesigning the sweatshirts assembly job. Job design at Hi-Spec:
A) currently emphasises job rotation
B) currently emphasises job enlargement
C) currently emphasises job simplification
D) currently demands creativity from workers

Accepted Answer

The description of the assembly process at Hi-Spec, where each step is performed by a separate worker, indicates a focus on job simplification. This approach breaks down the job into its simplest components, allowing each worker to specialize in a single task.

Question 2

Hi-Spec manufactures sports gear. One worker concentrates on making hoods for sweatshirts, another makes up the arms, and a third worker makes up the bodies. Job design at Hi-Spec:
A) provides a high level of intrinsic rewards for most workers
B) makes it easy to train workers
C) encourages human resource maintenance
D) is highly challenging

Accepted Answer

The division of labor into simple, repetitive tasks makes it easier to train workers on their specific tasks, as they only need to learn a limited set of skills.

Question 3

Hi Spec's current design allows workers to change tasks with each other. This illustrates job:
A) enlargement
B) simplification
C) rotation
D) enrichment

Accepted Answer

Job rotation is the practice of moving employees between different tasks to promote experience and variety. Allowing workers to change tasks with each other is a clear example of job rotation, as it involves shifting from one task to another.

Question 4

Hi-Spec has now changed the job design so that each worker is given all the parts necessary to complete a garment. Each worker is also held accountable for the planning, assembly and quality for each garment. This illustrates job:
A) enrichment
B) specialisation
C) simplification
D) enlargement

Accepted Answer

Job enrichment involves adding more variety and responsibilities to a job, giving the worker more autonomy and control over their work, which is what Hi-Spec is doing by allowing workers to handle all aspects of garment production.

Question 5

Te Huia has now been shown three of the five steps he needs to learn in order to complete a sweatshirt. This is an example of:
A) job feedback
B) skill variety
C) task significance
D) autonomy

Accepted Answer

Skill variety refers to the degree to which a job requires a variety of different activities in carrying out the work, involving the use of a number of different skills and talents. Showing Te Huia three of the five steps to complete a sweatshirt introduces variety in the skills he needs to learn and use.

Question 6

Te Huia's work is exemplary and he has demonstrated creativity. As a result he is now in charge of the design team. This is an example of:
A) job feedback
B) skill variety
C) task identity
D) autonomy

Accepted Answer

Te Huia's promotion to being in charge of the design team is an example of autonomy, as it implies he has been given more control and independence in his role due to his exemplary work and creativity.

Question 7

The team at Hi-Spec are highly motivated. Each week their production quotas are posted on the company's notice board. This demonstrates:
A) skill variety
B) task significance
C) feedback
D) task identity

Accepted Answer

Posting production quotas on the company's notice board provides feedback to the team about their performance, allowing them to see how well they are doing in meeting their goals.

Question 8

Te Huia works with his team, and together they set performance goals. He provides support and between them they evaluate the results and decide on improvements and further training that may be required. This demonstrates:
A) the feedback process
B) the Management by Objectives process
C) key performance indicators
D) flexible work arrangements

Accepted Answer

The Management by Objectives (MBO) process involves setting specific, measurable objectives with each employee and then periodically reviewing the progress made. Te Huia's approach of setting performance goals, providing support, evaluating results, and deciding on improvements aligns with the MBO process, where goals are set collaboratively and progress is reviewed to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.

Question 9

Hi-Spec's owners wish to implement new work arrangements as an experiment. Each employee will be offered the chance to work ten hours a day for four days a week. This method of working is known as:
A) flexitime
B) compressed work-week
C) zero hours
D) teleworking

Accepted Answer

The compressed work-week arrangement allows employees to work their full-time hours in fewer days, such as ten hours a day for four days a week, which is the definition of option B.

Question 10

Hi-Spec's sales are related to the seasons, thus there are times when there isnt enough or there is too much work for employees. A way to avoid this situation might be to reduce the daily working hours in slack periods and increase them in busy periods. This is known as:
A) compressed work week
B) job-sharing
C) annualized hours
D) flexitime

Accepted Answer

Annualized hours involve adjusting employees' working hours over the year to match the demand for work. This means employees might work fewer hours during slow periods and more hours during busy periods, ensuring a more consistent workload and potentially avoiding layoffs or excessive overtime.

Question 11

Explain the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic rewards.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic...

Question 12

Define job design and give three examples of job design approaches.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define job design and give three examples...

Question 13

Explain the key features of the job characteristics model.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the key features of the job...

Question 14

Define and describe three alternative work arrangements in the contemporary workforce.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define and describe three alternative work arrangements...

Question 15

Explain the concept of teleworking and give two advantages of such a working arrangement.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the concept of teleworking and give...

Question 16

Why would (1) flexible working hours and (2) the compressed work week be attractive as alternative work schedules for some people? What difficulties might these schedules create for the managers of persons using them?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why would (1) flexible working hours and...

Question 17

Discuss Management by Objectives and explain its advantages and disadvantages.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss Management by Objectives and explain its...

Question 18

Discuss some of the important changes in the contemporary workforce and some of the alternative work arrangements that might be introduced in response to them.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss some of the important changes in...

Question 19

Visual Diagram Questions
(These diagrams can be used to test understanding of concepts rather than mere recollection. The provision of the diagrams removes the pressure to remember but does draw on the ability to explain a visual image. Instructors should take care if using a mix of other questions with visual diagram questions to ensure that the diagram does not provide answers to other questions in a test or exam.)
-Using the diagram below:
a) Define job simplification, job enlargement and rotation, and job enrichment.
b) Explain how these could affect job satisfaction.
c) Give three examples of intrinsic rewards.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Visual Diagram Questions
(These diagrams can be used...

Question 20

Visual Diagram Questions
(These diagrams can be used to test understanding of concepts rather than mere recollection. The provision of the diagrams removes the pressure to remember but does draw on the ability to explain a visual image. Instructors should take care if using a mix of other questions with visual diagram questions to ensure that the diagram does not provide answers to other questions in a test or exam.)
-What does the following diagram illustrate? Explain, giving examples to illustrate your answer.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Visual Diagram Questions
(These diagrams can be used...

Quiz 5: Changing Worlds and the Design of Work

Hi-Spec manufactures sports gear. Currently each of the steps in assembling the sweat-shirts is performed by a separate worker using an automated assembly line. The firm is considering redesigning the sweatshirts assembly job. Job design at Hi-Spec:

Hi-Spec manufactures sports gear. One worker concentrates on making hoods for sweatshirts, another makes up the arms, and a third worker makes up the bodies. Job design at Hi-Spec:

Hi Spec's current design allows workers to change tasks with each other. This illustrates job:

Hi-Spec has now changed the job design so that each worker is given all the parts necessary to complete a garment. Each worker is also held accountable for the planning, assembly and quality for each garment. This illustrates job:

Te Huia has now been shown three of the five steps he needs to learn in order to complete a sweatshirt. This is an example of:

Te Huia's work is exemplary and he has demonstrated creativity. As a result he is now in charge of the design team. This is an example of:

The team at Hi-Spec are highly motivated. Each week their production quotas are posted on the company's notice board. This demonstrates:

Te Huia works with his team, and together they set performance goals. He provides support and between them they evaluate the results and decide on improvements and further training that may be required. This demonstrates:

Hi-Spec's owners wish to implement new work arrangements as an experiment. Each employee will be offered the chance to work ten hours a day for four days a week. This method of working is known as:

Hi-Spec's sales are related to the seasons, thus there are times when there isnt enough or there is too much work for employees. A way to avoid this situation might be to reduce the daily working hours in slack periods and increase them in busy periods. This is known as: