Question 1

Which of Peter Drucker's recommendations for improving time management is the MOST DIFFICULT for managers to actually achieve in the workplace today?

Accepted Answer

Consolidating their time is often considered the most difficult for managers because it involves minimizing interruptions and ensuring large blocks of uninterrupted time, which is challenging in today's fast-paced and highly interconnected work environments.

Question 2

Your friend Terry has asked you to explain the time management matrix to him.After showing him the tool, he asks you where he should spend most of his time.What advice should you give him?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Your friend Terry has asked you to...

Question 3

Janice is starting a new custom clothing business. She has decided to hire workers to focus on different tasks such as taking measurements, cutting out fabric, and sewing garments.Which design principle is Janice applying in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Janice is applying the division of labor design principle by dividing the tasks amongst her workers in order to specialize and streamline the production process.

Question 4

Which of the following activities is NOT essential for a healthy "operations process" (Bossidy and Charan, 2009)?

Accepted Answer

Basing operations plans primarily on budgets is not essential for a healthy operations process according to Bossidy and Charan. While budgets are important, they should not be the sole determining factor in operations planning. The other options listed (linking operations to people and strategy, identifying action programs, attending to political realities, and assuring accountability) are all essential components of a healthy operations process.

Question 5

Which organizational culture mirrors the internal process model?

Accepted Answer

The internal process model focuses on internal efficiency, stability, and control, which are characteristics of a hierarchical organizational culture. Hierarchies emphasize structured activities, clear responsibilities, and predictable processes, aligning closely with the internal process model's goals.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a form of departmentalization?

Accepted Answer

Virtual is not a form of departmentalization. Virtual refers to a way of working remotely or virtually, not a way of structuring departments within an organization.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT one of the characteristics that is essential for creating a robust "people process" according to Bossidy and Charan (2002)?

Accepted Answer

According to Bossidy and Charan (2002), primary responsibility for success should not solely rest on the individual but also on the organization. Therefore, E is the correct answer as it is not an essential characteristic for creating a robust "people process".

Question 8

All of the following strategies are consistent with Peter Drucker's advice for managing your time EXCEPT?

Accepted Answer

Peter Drucker's advice for managing time does not include scheduling appointments back to back, as this can lead to burnout and diminish productivity. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of prioritizing and planning, clarifying values, and regularly reviewing how time is being spent to ensure it is aligned with goals and values.

Question 9

Casey has been trying to use the time management matrix approach to help improve his performance at work.He is primarily evaluated on the number of hits that he gets relative to the number of times that he comes up to bat.He is also evaluated on whether or not he arrives on time for practice and how neat his locker is kept.Given this situation, how should Casey classify the time that he spends cleaning his locker?

Accepted Answer

Cleaning his locker may not be important in relation to his primary evaluation of hitting and being on time for practice. Additionally, if his locker is already relatively neat, then the task may not be urgent either. Therefore, he should classify cleaning his locker as not important and not urgent according to the time management matrix.

Question 10

Bossidy and Charan (2009) argue that the "strategy process" should focus on more than just formulating the strategy.What else should be included in the "strategy process" according to these researchers?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Bossidy and Charan (2009) argue that the...

Question 11

Dynamo Designs is a seven year old organization. It has tried to establish an organizational culture that emphasizes flexibility and change.What type of organizational culture is Dynamo trying to create?

Accepted Answer

Dynamo Designs is trying to create an adhocracy culture which emphasizes flexibility and change. Adhocracy culture is characterized by innovation, creativity, and flexibility to respond to new opportunities and changes in the environment.

Question 12

In writing about execution, Charan and Bossidy (2009) identified seven leader behaviors that they consider essential for effective execution.Which of the following is NOT one of the behaviors that they identified?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In writing about execution, Charan and Bossidy...

Question 13

Head Gear Generation manufactures and markets cutting edge products that are designed for young adults.Because preferences in this age group change rapidly, Head Gear Generation spends a great deal of time and energy trying to understand its customers and putting products into stores before any of its competitors. What type of organizational culture would be most appropriate for Head Gear Generation?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Head Gear Generation manufactures and markets cutting...

Question 14

Gypsy Industries has created numerous organizational subsystems to help it stay responsive to its environment.While this flexibility has helped the company meet its customers' needs, it has also created a need for ____________ within the organization.

Accepted Answer

To effectively manage and coordinate the multiple subsystems that Gypsy Industries has created, integrating mechanisms are necessary. These mechanisms help ensure that the different subsystems work together seamlessly and share information and resources. Without effective integrating mechanisms, the organization may become disjointed and struggle to function efficiently. Choices A, C, D, and E may not necessarily address the need for integrating mechanisms.

Question 15

Which type of individual is likely to be the most comfortable in a position that focuses on managing execution and driving for results?

Accepted Answer

An individual who is task-oriented and likes to ensure that all necessary activities are completed effectively would be most comfortable in a position that focuses on managing execution and driving for results. This type of individual would prioritize accomplishing tasks efficiently and effectively over engaging in collaboration or generating new ideas.

Question 16

Geo Corp.has departments for each of its territories. They are considering adding a new service area that would be focused on developing business in sub-Saharan Africa.What type of departmentalization does Geo Corp use?

Accepted Answer

Geo Corp uses divisional departmentalization, which means departments are organized based on geographic regions or product/service lines. The addition of a new service area focused on developing business in sub-Saharan Africa would create a new geographic region within the company's divisional structure. This is different from functional departmentalization, where departments are organized by function or task, and matrix departmentalization, where employees report to both functional and product/project managers.

Question 17

Highly mechanistic organizations tend to have:

Accepted Answer

Highly mechanistic organizations are characterized by a tall hierarchy and narrow spans of control, which means there are many layers of management and each manager oversees a small number of subordinates.

Question 18

Cross Stationary has grown from a small organization with a functional structure to a large multi-product, international company.They have been using ad hoc cross-functional teams extensively and are considering altering their structure to make these types of teams permanent. Which type of departmentalization is Cross Stationary considering adopting?

Accepted Answer

Cross Stationary is considering adopting a matrix structure, which combines both functional and divisional departmentalization. This structure allows for both functional expertise and specialized product knowledge to be integrated into a cross-functional team, allowing for greater flexibility and collaboration.

Question 19

Which of the following elements should be considered in designing an organization according to the "star model"?

Accepted Answer

The star model is a framework used to design organizations. It includes five elements - strategy, structure, processes, people, and rewards. Therefore, all of the given options, A, B, and C, are correct. Each of these elements is important in designing the organization and aligning it with its overall goals and objectives.

Question 20

In Galbraith's "star model," processes refer:

Accepted Answer

Galbraith's "star model" refers to information and decision processes that span the breadth and depth of the organization's. It does not refer to manufacturing methods or sets of steps created to improve customer interactions.

Quiz 3: Improving Productivity and Increasing Profitability