Question 1

"Putting out fires" is an example of basic corrective action.

Accepted Answer

False

Question 2

The major drawback of feedback control is that by the time the manager has the information,the problem has already occurred.

Accepted Answer

Feedback control involves receiving information after the problem has occurred, which means that corrective actions can only be taken after the fact. This can result in significant costs, delays, or other negative consequences.

Question 3

When performance is below standards,a manager's options are to do nothing or revise the standard.

Accepted Answer

A manager's options when performance is below standards are not limited to doing nothing or revising the standards. They could also consider providing additional training or coaching, implementing new processes or procedures, adjusting resources, or taking disciplinary action if necessary.

Question 4

How we measure is more critical than what we measure.

Accepted Answer

What we measure is crucial because it determines the focus and objectives of the analysis, while how we measure ensures accuracy and reliability. Both aspects are important, but the choice of what to measure fundamentally guides the direction of any assessment or research.

Question 5

Productivity refers to the overall output of goods or services produced divided by the inputs needed to generate that output.

Accepted Answer

This is the correct definition of productivity. It is a ratio of output to input.

Question 6

The range of variation is used to compare performance against a standard.

Accepted Answer

The range of variation is used to measure how much a variable deviates from a standard or average value. This allows for comparison of performance against the standard.

Question 7

Management by walking around (MBWA)is a good example of feedforward control.

Accepted Answer

MBWA is an example of concurrent control, as it involves managers being present and interacting with employees to address issues in real-time. Feedforward control, on the other hand, involves anticipating and preventing problems before they occur.

Question 8

Control is important because it is the second link that sets the stage for the organizing and planning functions.It's the best tool for managers to understand what motivates employees.

Accepted Answer

Control is not the second link; it is typically the fourth function in the management process after planning, organizing, and leading. It is used to monitor performance and ensure that organizational goals are being met, not primarily to understand employee motivation.

Question 9

Concurrent control implements controls before an activity begins.

Accepted Answer

Concurrent control involves monitoring and adjusting ongoing activities to ensure that goals are achieved, rather than implementing controls before an activity begins.

Question 10

Setting goals is the first step of the control process.

Accepted Answer

Setting goals is part of the planning process, while the control process involves monitoring and evaluating performance against those goals.

Question 11

Bureaucratic control uses mechanisms such as price competition and market share.

Accepted Answer

Bureaucratic control relies on rules, regulations, and hierarchies to control behavior and performance, rather than market mechanisms such as price competition or market share.

Question 12

The only criterion that determines the effectiveness of a control system is how well it reduces unnecessary costs.

Accepted Answer

The effectiveness of a control system is not solely determined by how well it reduces unnecessary costs. Other factors such as meeting organizational goals and objectives, ensuring compliance with regulations and laws, improving efficiency and productivity, and enhancing decision-making are also important considerations.

Question 13

Josh,a manager at Bombardier,spent the morning reading the company's most recent annual report.This document serves as a source of feedback control.

Accepted Answer

The annual report is a tool for feedback control as it provides information about the company's performance, which can be used to evaluate progress and make adjustments to achieve desired outcomes.

Question 14

Control is the process of monitoring activities to ensure that they are being accomplished as planned.

Accepted Answer

Control involves monitoring activities to ensure that they are being carried out as intended, and taking corrective action if necessary.

Question 15

Written reports provide detail coverage of activities,but are time consuming and distracting when it comes to employees.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Written reports provide detail coverage of activities,but...

Question 16

Benchmarking is more effective for external comparisons than for internal comparisons.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Benchmarking is more effective for external comparisons...

Question 17

Market control is an approach to control that emphasizes the use of external market mechanisms to establish the standards used in the control system.

Accepted Answer

Market control relies on the forces of supply and demand to establish market prices and determine the allocation of resources. This approach to control is often used in free market economies, where there is minimal government intervention in the market.

Question 18

The selection of criteria to measure control is not important.

Accepted Answer

The selection of criteria to measure control is very important as it determines the effectiveness of the control system. The criteria should be relevant, measurable, and consistent with organizational goals and objectives. Choosing the wrong criteria can result in ineffective control or unintended consequences.

Question 19

Bureaucratic control emphasizes adherence to organizational authority and relies primarily on unwritten social norms to control employee behaviour.

Accepted Answer

Bureaucratic control relies on formal rules and procedures to control employee behavior, rather than unwritten social norms. It is a type of control that emphasizes hierarchy and formalization.

Question 20

Clan control is often used by organizations in which teams are common and technology is changing rapidly.

Accepted Answer

Clan control refers to the use of shared values, beliefs, and traditions to guide individual and team behavior within an organization. It is particularly useful in organizations that rely on teams and in industries where technology and competitors are constantly changing.

Quiz 11: Foundations of Control