Question 1

Bierderlack has a policy that states that more than three absences in a six-month period shall result in a suspension. Colleen, the manager, has just decided to suspend one of her shift employees for violating this policy. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

The decision to suspend the employee for violating the attendance policy is a programmed decision, which means it involves a standardized and routine response to a recurring situation. The policy clearly outlines the consequences of repeated absences, and therefore the manager's decision is based on pre-established guidelines.

Question 2

Which of the following is a choice made from available alternatives?

Accepted Answer

A decision is a choice made from available alternatives. Plans, goals, tactics, and strategies are all related to decision-making but are not choices in and of themselves.

Question 3

Brainstorming uses a face-to-face interactive group to spontaneously suggest a wide range of alternatives for decision making.

Accepted Answer

Brainstorming is a group activity where individuals come together to generate ideas and alternatives for decision making. It involves spontaneous suggestions and encourages creativity and innovation.

Question 4

Examples of nonprogrammed decisions would include the decision to:

Accepted Answer

Nonprogrammed decisions are those that are unique, require creative solutions, and are made in response to new and unusual problems. Developing a new product or service fits this definition, as it requires innovation and problem-solving skills to create something new and different. The other options listed are routine decisions that can be made using standard procedures and rules.

Question 5

Programmed decisions are made in response to _____ organizational problems.

Accepted Answer

Programmed decisions are routine decisions made in response to recurring organizational problems. These decisions can be made using pre-established guidelines, rules or procedures. Other types of decisions are non-programmed decisions made in response to unique, unusual, significant or major problems.

Question 6

Brainwriting refers to the tendency of people in groups to suppress contrary opinions.

Accepted Answer

Brainwriting is a technique where individuals write down their ideas independently before sharing them with a group, which helps to avoid the suppression of opinions.

Question 7

Nonprogrammed decisions are made in response to situations that are:

Accepted Answer

Nonprogrammed decisions are made when a situation is unique, unstructured, and important to the organization. Therefore, the best choice is D, all of these.

Question 8

If your instructor has an attendance policy, she/he is using a(n):

Accepted Answer

An attendance policy is a routine decision that is predetermined by the instructor for managing the class attendance. This type of decision is categorized as a programmed decision. Programmed decisions are repetitive and routine decisions that can be automated and involve specific and structured steps to follow.

Question 9

_____ decisions are associated with decision rules.

Accepted Answer

Programmed decisions are associated with decision rules or a specific set of guidelines that prescribe a definite course of action in a particular situation. These decisions are usually repetitive, routine, and structured, and can be made through a straightforward decision-making process. Nonprogrammed decisions are not associated with decision rules, are unique and novel, and require significant thinking and analysis. Ill-structured decisions are messy, complex, and ambiguous, with incomplete information, and no clear-cut solution.

Question 10

_____ is a vital part of good management because decisions determine how the organization solves its problems, allocates resources, and accomplishes its goals.

Accepted Answer

Good decision making is essential in management as it directs the organization's actions towards problem-solving, resource allocation, and meeting its objectives. Making informed, effective decisions is critical to the success of any organization.

Question 11

Managers will frequently look for new information that contradicts thier instincts or original point of view..

Accepted Answer

Managers often seek information that confirms their existing beliefs or instincts, a tendency known as confirmation bias.

Question 12

Devil's advocate technique is similar to brainstorming in that both techniques prevent individuals from challenging other group member's assumptions.

Accepted Answer

Devil's advocate technique specifically involves challenging assumptions and presenting alternative perspectives, while brainstorming encourages individuals to build on each other's ideas and offer creative input.

Question 13

Groupthink refers to the tendency of people in groups to suppress contrary opinions.

Accepted Answer

Groupthink is a well-documented phenomenon in which individuals in a group tend to conform to the dominant opinions or attitudes of the group, often at the expense of critical thinking and dissenting voices. This can lead to a narrowing of perspectives and choices and can be detrimental to the group's decision-making process.

Question 14

Mark, a production manager at Kaylie's Kookware, recently chose to schedule his workers to work overtime. His alternative was to hire more workers. He is now monitoring the consequences of his choice. This is an example of _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Mark, a production manager at Kaylie's Kookware,...

Question 15

Nordstrom Department store's "No questions asked - Return's Policy" is an example of a(n):

Accepted Answer

Programmed decisions are routine and repetitive decisions that follow established guidelines or procedures. Nordstrom's return policy is a standard procedure that employees follow, making it a programmed decision.

Question 16

Point-counterpoint is a decision-making technique in which people are assigned to express competing points of view.

Accepted Answer

This is a correct definition of the point-counterpoint technique.

Question 17

_____ refers to the process of identifying problems and then resolving them.

Accepted Answer

The process of identifying problems and taking necessary steps to resolve them is a key aspect of the decision-making function of management. Planning involves setting goals and objectives, organizing involves arranging resources to achieve those goals, leading involves directing and motivating employees, controlling involves monitoring performance to ensure that goals are being met, but none of those functions alone focus solely on identifying and resolving problems.

Question 18

Most people underestimate their ability to predict uncertain outcomes.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Most people underestimate their ability to predict...

Question 19

Managers are often referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Managers are responsible for making decisions that will help the organization achieve its goals and objectives. They analyze information, assess alternatives, and choose the best course of action. While some decisions may create conflict, their overall role is to make decisions that will benefit the organization.

Question 20

Good examples of _____ decisions are strategic decisions.

Accepted Answer

Nonprogrammed decisions are unique and complex decisions that require a higher-level of judgement, analysis, and creativity. Strategic decisions, such as entering a new market, launching a new product, or acquiring a new company, are all examples of nonprogrammed decisions that require significant thinking and planning.

Quiz 9: Managerial Decision Making