Question 1

You are asked to list all the possible uses for a Ping-Pong ball. After making the list, by using the technique of subdivision, you should be able to determine many more alternative uses for the Ping-Pong ball.

Accepted Answer

Subdivision is a technique where a topic is broken down into smaller parts in order to generate more ideas and possibilities. By subdividing the possible uses for a Ping-Pong ball, one can come up with more creative and diverse options. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 2

Your boss remarks to you that "decision making is concerned with the discovery and selection of satisfactory alternatives." What would be the best response to your boss?
A) "No, I believe decision making is concerned with proper problem definition."
B) "No, I believe decision making is concerned with the generation of alternatives."
C) "No, I believe decision making is concerned with the discovery and selection of optimal alternatives."
D) "Yes, I agree."

Accepted Answer

This response agrees with the boss's statement but suggests that the goal should be to discover and select optimal alternatives rather than merely satisfactory ones. Option A incorrectly focuses only on problem definition, and Option B is too narrow in its focus on generating alternatives without considering the selection process. Option D is a simple agreement without adding any valuable input to the conversation.

Question 3

The problem is that sales are low. The sales manager accepted responsibility and said it was his fault that sales were low. Thus, he proposed offering rebates next month to stimulate sales. Rebates have never been offered in the company before, and the impact rebates may have on sales in the future is unknown. Other alternatives have been offered. Should this rebate idea be implemented as-is?
A) Yes
B) No, it hasn't been determined whose problem this is.
C) No, the idea has only come from one person.
D) No, long-term consequences have not been considered.

Accepted Answer

Before implementing any solution, it is important to consider the long-term consequences. Offering rebates may increase sales temporarily, but it could also create an expectation for future rebates, which may reduce the perceived value of the product. The impact of rebates on profit margin should also be considered. Therefore, it is best to explore other alternatives and carefully evaluate the potential outcomes before making a decision.

Question 4

Your group has agreed to do a skit as part of its presentation to the class. Bob believes a beach skit with everyone wearing swimsuits would liven up the presentation. Someone in the group remarked, "What a stupid idea!" What step in the analytical problem-solving method is violated by this response?
A) Define the problem
B) Generate alternative solutions
C) Evaluate and select an alternative
D) Implement and follow up

Accepted Answer

The response "What a stupid idea!" violates the step of generating alternative solutions. Instead of dismissing the idea, the group should have continued brainstorming and generating different ideas.

Question 5

The principle of compression is a key technique to unlocking an individual's creative potential.

Accepted Answer

The principle of compression primarily refers to reducing the size of data in computing or the process of compressing materials in physical sciences, rather than a technique for unlocking creative potential. Techniques for enhancing creativity often involve brainstorming, lateral thinking, and exposure to diverse experiences, rather than a principle named "compression."

Question 6

One way for a manager to foster creativity would be to pull an individual apart from others and give him/her space to work alone on a problem or idea.

Accepted Answer

Giving an individual space to work alone can foster creativity, as it allows them to focus and explore their own ideas without distraction or interruption from others.

Question 7

The rule breaker is an important role for a manager to assign to foster creativity.

Accepted Answer

By assigning a rule breaker role, the manager is encouraging someone to challenge established procedures and think outside the box to generate innovative ideas. This can lead to breakthrough solutions and new approaches that may not have been considered otherwise.

Question 8

What is the natural tendency of people in resolving problems?
A) Select the first reasonable solution that comes to mind
B) Ignore the first solution that comes to mind
C) Select the best solution after evaluating all the alternatives
D) None of the answer choices are correct.

Accepted Answer

People often select the first reasonable solution that comes to mind due to cognitive biases like satisficing, where the goal is to find a satisfactory solution rather than the optimal one.

Question 9

What is accomplished by implementing a solution incrementally with a "small-wins" strategy?
A) Decreases resistance by others to the solution
B) Increases the overall or total costs
C) Creates support with only a few people at a time
D) Helps give people a break during implementation

Accepted Answer

Implementing a solution incrementally with a "small-wins" strategy helps to decrease resistance by others to the solution because people are more likely to be supportive of changes if they are small and manageable.

Question 10

Which attributes should be included in effective implementation of a solution and follow up on the implementation?
A) Setting up an optimal standard for evaluation of alternatives
B) Creating alternatives that are consistent with organizational goals
C) Evaluating alternatives systematically
D) Providing a process that includes opportunities for feedback

Accepted Answer

All of the attributes listed are important for effective implementation of a solution, but providing a process that includes opportunities for feedback is particularly important for follow up on the implementation. This allows for adjustments to be made and for the solution to be improved upon based on feedback from those involved in the implementation process.

Question 11

In evaluating alternatives, individuals should make sure that alternatives are judged in terms of (1) their probable effects, (2) whether individuals involved will accept the alternative, and (3) the consistency with policies of the organization. Which points are correct?
A) All three points are correct.
B) Points 1 and 2 are correct.
C) Points 1 and 3 are correct.
D) Points 2 and 3 are correct.

Accepted Answer

All three points are equally important when evaluating alternatives. The probable effects help determine the potential outcomes, the acceptance by individuals involved ensures buy-in and cooperation, and consistency with policies of the organization helps maintain coherence and stability in decision-making.

Question 12

This problem-solving style occurs less frequently but often separates career successes from career failures. What does this problem-solving style focus on?
A) Analytical problem solving
B) Creative problem solving
C) Managerial problem solving
D) Strategic thinking

Accepted Answer

Creative problem solving focuses on generating innovative and novel solutions, which can distinguish successful careers by addressing challenges in unique ways.

Question 13

Which of the following is best when generating alternatives?
A) Evaluate the alternatives as they are proposed; this saves time.
B) Focus on the short term; bad decisions in the short term means there is no long term to worry about.
C) Evaluate the alternatives after all alternatives have been proposed.
D) Separate alternatives from one another.

Accepted Answer

Evaluating alternatives after all alternatives have been proposed allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of each alternative in comparison to the others. This can lead to better decision making and a more objective evaluation process.

Question 14

Your team has experienced an increase in absenteeism in the past six weeks. In the meeting to define the problem, George recommends that personal leave days be abolished. The group ignores that suggestion but instead decides to fire all employees who are absent starting Monday. What went wrong in the decision-making process?
A) The first acceptable solution was accepted.
B) The problem was stated as part of the solution.
C) The problem was stated too explicitly.
D) The information about the problem was based on speculation.

Accepted Answer

The problem was stated as part of the solution, which is a common mistake in decision-making. Instead of defining the problem and considering multiple solutions, the group jumped to one solution without fully understanding the root of the issue. Additionally, the decision to fire all employees who are absent starting Monday is extreme and may not fully address the underlying causes of the increase in absenteeism.

Question 15

A manager of a shipping department was concerned about an order that a customer reported as several weeks late. To define the problem, the manager asked an employee in the shipping department why the order had not arrived. The employee said, "Someone probably made a mistake on the address. That would be my guess." Thus, the manager asked the employee to reship the order. What characteristic of good problem definition is most violated by this manager?
A) The problem factual information should be differentiated from opinion or speculation.
B) The problem should be stated explicitly.
C) The problem definition should be different than a disguised solution.
D) The problem definition should be written down.

Accepted Answer

The manager did not differentiate between factual information and speculation, as the employee's statement was merely a guess and not based on any verified information. A good problem definition should only include factual information that has been verified.

Question 16

Which should you do when evaluating alternatives?
A) Evaluate alternatives relative to a satisfactory standard
B) Evaluate alternatives in an unstructured and creative manner
C) Evaluate alternatives based on what will work
D) Evaluate alternatives in terms of individual preferences and organizational goals

Accepted Answer

Evaluating alternatives in terms of individual preferences and organizational goals ensures that the decision is aligned with both personal and organizational objectives.

Question 17

Particularistic cultures have a tendency toward creative solution finding.

Accepted Answer

Particularistic cultures prioritize individual relationships and context, which can lead to more innovative and flexible approaches to problem-solving.

Question 18

Your group has a presentation to the class in two weeks. Moe believes that the presentation should be similar to a presentation he gave in his Marketing class last semester. Curly wants it to be similar to his Finance presentation that his group gave earlier this month. Larry believes that the presentation should be like the first group, after all they received an A. You think, what a bunch of stooges. Which guideline did your group violate in regard to the analytical problem-solving model?
A) Problems should not be defined in terms of solutions.
B) Limited information should be given about each alternative.
C) The first acceptable alternative should not be accepted right away.
D) Alternatives should not be based on what was successful in the past.

Accepted Answer

The group violated the guideline that alternatives should not be based solely on what was successful in the past. Each member is suggesting a solution based on their past experience, rather than analyzing the problem and considering different options.

Question 19

The outcome is predictable, you have sufficient information, and the means-ends connections are clear. You should utilize a creative problem-solving approach.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The outcome is predictable, you have sufficient...

Question 20

Brainstorming is only effective when it occurs in a face-to-face group setting.

Accepted Answer

Brainstorming can be effective in both face-to-face and virtual group settings. Virtual brainstorming tools and online platforms have made it possible for people to collaborate and generate ideas regardless of their physical location. However, face-to-face settings do offer benefits such as nonverbal cues and immediate feedback. Ultimately, the effectiveness of brainstorming depends on the group dynamics and the quality of the facilitation.

Quiz 3: Solving Problems Analytically and Creatively

You are asked to list all the possible uses for a Ping-Pong ball. After making the list, by using the technique of subdivision, you should be able to determine many more alternative uses for the Ping-Pong ball.

Your boss remarks to you that "decision making is concerned with the discovery and selection of satisfactory alternatives." What would be the best response to your boss?

The principle of compression is a key technique to unlocking an individual's creative potential.

One way for a manager to foster creativity would be to pull an individual apart from others and give him/her space to work alone on a problem or idea.

The rule breaker is an important role for a manager to assign to foster creativity.

What is the natural tendency of people in resolving problems?

What is accomplished by implementing a solution incrementally with a "small-wins" strategy?

Which attributes should be included in effective implementation of a solution and follow up on the implementation?

In evaluating alternatives, individuals should make sure that alternatives are judged in terms of (1) their probable effects, (2) whether individuals involved will accept the alternative, and (3) the consistency with policies of the organization. Which points are correct?

This problem-solving style occurs less frequently but often separates career successes from career failures. What does this problem-solving style focus on?

Which of the following is best when generating alternatives?

Which should you do when evaluating alternatives?

Particularistic cultures have a tendency toward creative solution finding.

The outcome is predictable, you have sufficient information, and the means-ends connections are clear. You should utilize a creative problem-solving approach.

Brainstorming is only effective when it occurs in a face-to-face group setting.