Question 1

Constant interaction with the environment influences a human's state of existence and future. Hence, a human is an example of a(n) ________.

Accepted Answer

An open system is a system that interacts with its environment and is influenced by it. Humans constantly interact with their environment, and their state of existence and future are influenced by it. Therefore, a human is an example of an open system. The other options do not describe a human's relationship with the environment accurately.

Question 2

If a television (as a whole) is to exist and serve its purpose, its screen, controls, and other parts must function in a predetermined way, regardless of the weather. This is an example of a(n) ________.

Accepted Answer

A closed system is one that is self-contained and does not interact with its environment. A television functions as a closed system because its components work together in a predetermined way to serve its purpose, regardless of external conditions like the weather.

Question 3

________ is recognized as the founder of general system theory.

Accepted Answer

Ludwig von Bertalanffy is widely recognized as the founder of general system theory. He developed this theory to explain complex systems in various fields, including biology, psychology, and social sciences. General system theory focuses on the interrelationships and interdependence between different components of a system, rather than analyzing them in isolation. This approach has been widely influential in fields such as management, engineering, and education.

Question 4

The management science approach emphasizes "if-then" relationships: "If" this situational variable exists, "then" a manager probably would take this action.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The management science approach emphasizes "if-then" relationships:...

Question 5

Which of the following statements is supported by the contingency approach to management?

Accepted Answer

The contingency approach to management suggests that there is no one best way to manage, and that managers must make decisions based on the specific situation and individuals involved. This approach emphasizes that management practices are situational or contingent upon a set of circumstances. Therefore, option B is the statement that is supported by the contingency approach to management, while the other options are not.

Question 6

The ________ approach to management emphasizes "if-then" relationships: "If" this situational variable exists, "then" a manager probably would take this action.

Accepted Answer

The contingency approach to management is based on the idea that there is no one best way to manage and that the most effective management approach depends on the unique situation. This approach emphasizes "if-then" relationships: "If" this situational variable exists, "then" a manager probably would take this action.

Question 7

Dress codes are a contentious subject in workplaces. Gen Y workers favor a more casual style than older workers, who are often uncomfortable with the idea of wearing casual clothes to work. Human resources departments often find it difficult to enforce company dress codes appropriately. Managers find that one of the ways to address this situation is by using the contingency approach. Which of the following is the best example of the contingency approach to management?

Accepted Answer

The contingency approach involves adapting management practices to suit different situations. Sandman Designs' dress code policy is an example of this approach as it allows for flexibility based on employee-client interactions. Employees who meet clients are required to dress formally, while those who do not have to meet clients can dress casually. This dress code policy is tailored to suit the different situations employees may face, which is the essence of the contingency approach.

Question 8

The ________ in which various management methods have the best chance of success are attempted to be outlined by the contingency approach.

Accepted Answer

The contingency approach attempts to outline the conditions in which various management methods are most likely to succeed, rather than providing a specific set of techniques, tools, or guidelines.

Question 9

Frederick Taylor and the Classical school theorists believed there was "one best way" to approach management tasks. Which of the following schools of management thought could alternatively be described as "it all depends"?

Accepted Answer

Contingency theorists suggest that the most effective approach to management depends on various factors and there is no one best way or universal solution. They emphasize that managers need to consider the specific situation, context, and contingencies when adopting management style, structure, and practices.

Question 10

________ to management emphasizes that what managers do, in practice, depends on the given set of circumstances.

Accepted Answer

The contingency approach to management suggests that managerial actions and decisions are contingent upon the specific circumstances and context in which they occur.

Question 11

Which of the following management approaches makes use of inventory, network, and probability models as aids in the decision-making process?

Accepted Answer

The use of inventory, network, and probability models is a characteristic feature of the Management Science approach, which emphasizes the use of quantitative techniques and computer tools to support decision-making processes. The Classical approach emphasizes the rationality and efficiency of the organization, the Behavioral approach focuses on the human aspect of management, the Contingency approach emphasizes the contingent nature of management practices, and the System approach considers the organization as a complex and dynamic system.

Question 12

Jenna and two of her college friends recently initiated their own start-up. Jenna is in charge of recruiting people and personnel management. She hasn't had any experience in managing people and wants to establish a clear approach to management. However, she notices that the decisions she makes often vary depending on the people and situations. She realizes that the way she manages programmers needs a different outlook from the way she manages accountants. The most appropriate approach that Jenna could use in this scenario is the ________.

Accepted Answer

The contingency approach suggests that management practices and decisions should be customized to fit the specific situation and people involved. This approach acknowledges that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to management and that different circumstances require different management strategies. In Jenna's case, she realizes that she needs to take a different approach to managing programmers versus accountants, which is consistent with the contingency approach.

Question 13

An inexperienced manager may struggle with perceiving organizational situations as they actually exist, and thus may also have difficulty in choosing and implementing the best management tactics to address a situation. These issues are key challenges for which one of the following management approaches?

Accepted Answer

Contingency approach emphasizes that the optimal management tactics vary depending on the unique organizational situation, including aspects such as the organization's structure, resources, and culture. A key component of this approach includes analyzing and adapting management approaches to the specific situation at hand. Therefore, this approach is best suited to address the challenges faced by an inexperienced manager who struggles with perceiving organizational situations accurately and selecting the best management tactics.

Question 14

What value does the Management Science approach offer to managers today?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What value does the Management Science approach...

Question 15

According to the guidelines suggested by L. Thomas Hopkins for anyone conducting system analysis, the nature of the part and its function is determined by its ________.

Accepted Answer

The position of a part within a system determines its nature and function. This is because the part's location in relation to other parts and its role in the overall operation of the system will influence its design and functionality. Importance to the operation, structural integrity, source and origin, and design and orientation are all factors that may be considered when analyzing a part, but they are not the primary determinant of its nature and function.

Question 16

The use of mathematical models to investigate the decision situation is typical in management science applications.

Accepted Answer

Management science often involves using mathematical models to analyze and make decisions in complex situations.

Question 17

In terms of management system, the cheese used in the making of a sandwich at a restaurant is a(n) ________.

Accepted Answer

The cheese used in the making of a sandwich at a restaurant is an organizational input, as it is used as a raw material in the production process of making the sandwich.

Question 18

The use of the classical, behavioral and management science approaches as sources of information to analyze the management system is referred to as ________.

Accepted Answer

Triangular management refers to the integration of classical, behavioral, and management science approaches to analyze and improve management systems.

Question 19

A synthesis of classically based information, behaviorally based information, and management science-based information is critical to effective use of the ________.

Accepted Answer

A synthesis of classically based information, behaviorally based information, and management science-based information is critical to effective use of the management system, which integrates various approaches for comprehensive decision-making and management.

Question 20

What are the steps involved in using the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the steps involved in using...

Quiz 19: Appendix 1: Managing History and Current Thinking