Question 1

The decision-making grid is used to _____.
A) develop action alternatives
B) implement action plans
C) evaluate action alternatives
D) assess the current situation

Accepted Answer

The decision-making grid is a tool used to evaluate action alternatives by comparing them against various criteria to determine the best course of action.

Question 2

A manager who absorbs the risks of failures is likely to _____.
A) encourage creativity
B) discourage creativity
C) monitor results effectively
D) take effective corrective action

Accepted Answer

A manager who absorbs the risks of failures and provides a safe environment for employees to make mistakes without fear of punishment is likely to encourage creativity. This will in turn lead to innovation and the development of new ideas.

Question 3

When attempting to increase creativity in an organization, managers should be willing to do all of the following except _____.
A) live with "half-baked" ideas
B) stretch normal policies
C) trust your intuition
D) wait for further opinions before implementing new ideas

Accepted Answer

Waiting for further opinions before implementing new ideas may stifle creativity and innovation. Thus, managers should be willing to take risks and implement new ideas even if they are not fully developed or have not been fully vetted.

Question 4

You are in a meeting when a manager says, "Sales are down. I think we need to train all of our salespeople in relationship selling." This approach to problem solving is flawed because _____.
A) the problem has not been defined
B) only one solution is presented
C) the manager is making assumptions about the cause of the problem
D) all of the above

Accepted Answer

The problem has not been clearly defined, as the manager has simply stated that "sales are down" without specifying what exactly is causing the decline in sales. Additionally, only one solution is presented without considering other potential solutions. Finally, the manager is making assumptions about the cause of the problem without any data or analysis to back up their claim.

Question 5

Effective decision-making criteria are specific, measurable, attainable, _____.
A) relevant, and time-bound
B) acceptable, and realistic
C) ethical, and rational
D) complementary, and ethical

Accepted Answer

The answer of Effective decision-making criteria are specific, measurable, attainable,...

Question 6

The last step in the rational problem-solving process is to _____.
A) identify the problem
B) implement the plan
C) monitor the results
D) take corrective action

Accepted Answer

The answer of The last step in the rational problem-solving...

Question 7

The problem-solving process is _____.
A) a closed-loop system
B) future-oriented
C) creative
D) all of the above

Accepted Answer

The problem-solving process is a closed-loop system, meaning it involves a cycle of identifying the problem, developing solutions, implementing those solutions, and evaluating their effectiveness. It is also future-oriented, as it seeks to find ways to address current and potential issues. Additionally, the process requires creativity, as coming up with innovative and effective solutions often involves thinking outside the box.

Question 8

Which of the following is not a rule for brainstorming?
A) Evaluate all answers
B) Build on ideas
C) Don't worry about practicality
D) Record the ideas

Accepted Answer

The rule "Evaluate all answers" is not a part of brainstorming. In fact, one of the key principles of brainstorming is to suspend judgment and avoid evaluating ideas during the initial brainstorming phase. The other three options, building on ideas, not worrying about practicality, and recording the ideas, are all valid rules for brainstorming.

Question 9

_____ involves selecting the best solution from among feasible alternatives.
A) Developing action alternatives
B) Decision making
C) Creativity
D) Feasibility

Accepted Answer

Decision making involves selecting the best solution from among feasible alternatives, which is exactly what the question is asking for. The other options, such as developing action alternatives and feasibility, may be necessary steps in the decision-making process, but they do not directly involve selecting the best solution. Creativity is also important in generating options, but again, it is not specifically focused on selecting the best solution.

Quiz 18: Creative Problem Solving

The decision-making grid is used to _____.

A manager who absorbs the risks of failures is likely to _____.

When attempting to increase creativity in an organization, managers should be willing to do all of the following except _____.

You are in a meeting when a manager says, "Sales are down. I think we need to train all of our salespeople in relationship selling." This approach to problem solving is flawed because _____.

Effective decision-making criteria are specific, measurable, attainable, _____.

The last step in the rational problem-solving process is to _____.

The problem-solving process is _____.

Which of the following is not a rule for brainstorming?

_____ involves selecting the best solution from among feasible alternatives.