Question 1

Juan is a top manager at I.F.L., a matrix organization. He oversees both the product and functional chains of command, and is responsible for maintaining a power balance between the two sides of the matrix. Juan is a _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Juan is a top manager at I.F.L.,...

Question 2

Organ Rentals Corporation has been having numerous problems. Communication across departments is poor and decisions are backing up at the top of the organization. Organ Rentals uses a _____ structure.

Accepted Answer

The poor communication across departments and backup of decisions at the top of the organization suggests that Organ Rentals Corporation uses a functional structure, where employees are grouped together based on their common skills and functions. This often results in silos and poor collaboration across departments.

Question 3

In the _____ structure, the organization is viewed as a central hub surrounded by a network of outside specialists which are sometimes spread all over the world.

Accepted Answer

The virtual network structure involves a central hub organization that coordinates with a network of external specialists or partners, often globally distributed, to perform various functions.

Question 4

Advantages of the matrix structure include:

Accepted Answer

The matrix structure allows for increased employee participation, efficient utilization of human resources, and flexibility in a changing environment. It also provides opportunities for developing both general and specialist management skills. Therefore, all of these choices are advantages of the matrix structure.

Question 5

The _____ is an organization structure that divides the major functions of the organization into separate companies and coordinates their activities from a small headquarters organization.

Accepted Answer

The virtual network approach involves dividing the major functions of the organization into separate companies and coordinating their activities from a small headquarters organization. This approach allows for flexibility and agility in responding to changing market conditions and customer needs, as well as leveraging the strengths of different companies within the network.

Question 6

Which of the following is(are) an advantage of team structure?

Accepted Answer

The advantage of team structure is less response time, quicker decisions. Increased barriers among departments, unplanned decentralization, and time and resources spent on meetings are not advantages of team structure.

Question 7

All of the following are the major disadvantages of the matrix structure EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Enlarged tasks for employees is not a major disadvantage of the matrix structure; it can actually be a potential advantage as it allows for more opportunities for skill development and cross-functional collaboration. The other options are all major disadvantages of the matrix structure.

Question 8

The biggest advantage to a virtual network approach is _____ and _____ on a global scale.

Accepted Answer

The flexibility offered by a virtual network approach allows for companies to respond quickly and efficiently to changes in the global market. This in turn can lead to increased competitiveness.

Question 9

_____ teams are brought together as a formal department in the organization.

Accepted Answer

Permanent teams are created as a permanent department within the organization. They are not temporary like ad-hoc or task teams. Cross-functional teams may be created for a specific project, but they may not be a permanent department. Formal teams may or may not be permanent, depending on the nature of the team.

Question 10

Which of the following structures is the leanest of all organization forms because little supervision is required?

Accepted Answer

The virtual network approach is a lean organization form as it relies heavily on technology to connect and coordinate individuals and teams, reducing the need for extensive supervision and management. This approach creates a highly flexible and adaptable structure that is ideal for highly dynamic environments.

Question 11

The _____ is an organization structure that divides the major functions of the organization into separate companies.

Accepted Answer

The virtual network approach is an organizational structure that outsources major functions to separate companies, creating a network of external partnerships.

Question 12

In the _____ approach, a manufacturing company uses outside suppliers to provide entire chunks of a product, which are then assembled into a final product by a handful of workers.

Accepted Answer

The modular approach involves outsourcing entire chunks of a product to outside suppliers for assembly into a final product by a few workers.

Question 13

All of the following are advantages of a divisional structure EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The other options are advantages of a divisional structure, but there may be some duplication of services across divisions, which is a potential disadvantage. Therefore, E is the correct answer as it states that there is little duplication of services across divisions, which is not an advantage of a divisional structure.

Question 14

Walt works for a large company. Recently, his organization began to contract out such functions as training, engineering, and computer service. This approach is consistent with a _____ structure.

Accepted Answer

A virtual network structure involves outsourcing various functions to external organizations, allowing the company to focus on its core activities while leveraging external expertise.

Question 15

Shooting Star, Inc. has slow response to external changes, centralized decision making, and poor coordination across departments. It is likely structured:

Accepted Answer

The characteristics mentioned suggest a functional structure, where departments are organized based on their specialized functions and decisions are made by a central authority. This structure may lead to slower response to external changes and poor coordination across departments. Divisional structure would have separate divisions operating as independent entities, team approach would involve cross-functional teams and virtual network approach would focus on leveraging technology to connect a dispersed workforce.

Question 16

According to MANAGER'S SHOPTALK in Chapter 10, all of the following are effective ways for a manager to delegate EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Saving feedback for completion of the project is not an effective way for a manager to delegate. Feedback should be given throughout the duration of the project to ensure that the task is being done correctly and to provide opportunities for improvement. The other options, delegating the whole task, selecting the right person, evaluating and rewarding performance, and giving thorough instruction, are all effective ways for a manager to delegate.

Question 17

Which is an advantage of the divisional structure?

Accepted Answer

The divisional structure allows for a greater focus on specific customer needs, as each division can specialize in serving a particular market segment or geographic region. This can lead to better customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Question 18

An advantage of functional structures is the:

Accepted Answer

Functional structures allow for specialization and efficiency, leading to economies of scale.

Question 19

The _____ is the product or functional boss, who is responsible for one side of the matrix.

Accepted Answer

The matrix boss is responsible for one side of the matrix in a matrix organizational structure, overseeing either the product or the functional aspect.

Question 20

All of the following are advantages of a functional structure EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

A functional structure often leads to poor coordination between functions because each department focuses on its own tasks and goals, which can create silos and hinder cross-departmental communication and collaboration.

Quiz 10: Designing Organization Structure