Table 10.4
B.F.E., Inc. has to assign several problems to different groups. In the first case, the group consists of a number of experts who have offices across the country and have difficulty getting together. The problem they are working on is a problem that needs to be solved over the next six to nine months. In the second case, management is concerned that people might be intimidated by their leaders. The team is located in the same building as the corporate headquarters. Genuine consensus is important, and a trained facilitator is available to lead the group. In the third and final situation, management has observed that the people selected to participate seem hesitant to do so. Plus, the lengthy nature of the work to be done means new people will need to be added to the group periodically. Time is not an issue.
-Refer to Table 10.4. The best problem solving approach for the second case would be:
A) nominal group technique.
B) electronic meeting systems.
C) traditional analytical problem solving.
D) Delphi technique.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nominal group technique is the best approach for the second case, where the team is located in the same building as the corporate headquarters and genuine consensus is important. This technique promotes equal participation and individual brainstorming before group discussion, which leads to increased acceptance and commitment to the final decision. Electronic meeting systems may not be necessary since the team is in the same building, and traditional analytical problem solving and Delphi technique may not emphasize consensus-building as effectively.

Table 10.4 B.F.E., Inc. Has to Assign Several Problems to Different Groups