Question 1

In utilizing an engineering approach to compare desired and actual performance,a manager will __________.

Accepted Answer

Utilizing an engineering approach involves setting scientific standards through methods such as time and motion studies, which is option C. Options A, B, D, and E do not involve a scientific approach and may not be as reliable in setting performance standards.

Question 2

Suppose that,in reviewing a quarterly report of a department's achievements,the manager compared desired performance with actual performance.If the manager found that actual performance was GREATER than the standard,the manager should __________.

Accepted Answer

The manager should take action to understand why actual results exceeded the standard. This is because the manager needs to determine if the standard is too low or if the department is performing exceptionally well.

Question 3

In utilizing a relative approach to compare desired and actual performance,a manager will __________.

Accepted Answer

Utilizing a relative approach involves comparing the desired and actual performance to the performance achievements of other people, work units, or organizations to set the standard. This is often referred to as benchmarking and is a common practice in performance management. Using past performance as a benchmark (A) does not take into account the performance of others and may not provide an accurate comparison. Setting standards based solely on present performance (B) may not be aspirational enough and may not drive improvement. While standards set scientifically through time and motion studies (C) may be useful in certain industries or situations, they may not be applicable in all situations. The organization's objectives (E) may be a useful starting point, but they may not provide enough context for setting specific performance standards.

Question 4

When the control equation identifies a situation in which actual performance is less than desired performance,the situation is called __________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of When the control equation identifies a situation...

Question 5

__________ is the technique of focusing managerial attention on situations where the difference between actual and desired performance is greatest.

Accepted Answer

Management by exception is the technique in which managers focus their attention on situations where the difference between actual and desired performance is greatest. This approach helps managers identify areas that require attention and resources, allowing them to concentrate on correcting problems that are most critical to the organization's success. The other options mentioned are not related to this technique.

Question 6

A management exception known as the __________ occurs when actual performance is above the standard.

Accepted Answer

The management exception known as an opportunity situation occurs when actual performance is above the standard. This is an exception because it provides an opportunity for the organization to capitalize on the favorable circumstances and potentially achieve even greater success.

Question 7

Suppose that,in reviewing a quarterly report of a department's achievements,the manager compares desired performance with actual performance.If the manager finds no deviation that is,actual performance is EQUAL to the standard),the manager should __________.

Accepted Answer

If the actual performance is equal to the standard, then the department has achieved its goals as expected. There is no need for corrective action in this case. However, it is important for the manager to acknowledge and communicate the success to the team to motivate them for future performance.

Question 8

A manager can determine the need for corrective action by using __________ comparison measures.

Accepted Answer

All of the above are comparison measures that a manager can use to determine the need for corrective action. Historical comparisons compare current performance to past performance. Relative comparisons compare current performance to the performance of other similar organizations. Engineering comparisons compare current performance to predetermined standards.

Question 9

The practice of giving priority attention to situations showing the greatest need for action is called __________.

Accepted Answer

Management by exception is a practice where attention is focused on areas that deviate significantly from the norm or expected outcomes, indicating a need for action.

Question 10

When __________ is handled in a fair,consistent,and systematic way,it is a useful form of managerial control.

Accepted Answer

Disciplinary action, when done fairly, consistently, and systematically, helps maintain order, prevent misconduct, and promote accountability among employees. Punishment by objectives and positive punishment are not forms of disciplinary action, but rather methods of performance management. Incremental role confinement and employee dismantlement are not relevant concepts in this context.

Question 11

__________ standards measure effort in terms of the amount work expended in task performance.

Accepted Answer

Input standards measure the effort put into task performance, rather than the results of that effort. These standards are useful for measuring productivity and managing employee workload.

Question 12

Which of the following is an accurate description of the control equation?

Accepted Answer

The control equation accurately reflects the discrepancy between what is desired (desired performance) and what is currently happening (actual performance). The need for action arises from this discrepancy, aiming to correct or minimize it.

Question 13

In the measurement step of the control process,which statement is accurate?

Accepted Answer

The statement "What gets measured tends to happen" is accurate because by measuring performance, individuals and organizations become aware of their progress and are more likely to take actions to improve it.

Question 14

Suppose that,in reviewing a quarterly report of a department's achievements,the manager compared desired performance with actual performance.If the manager found that actual performance was LESS than the standard,the manager should __________.

Accepted Answer

If actual performance is less than the standard, corrective action should be taken to address the issue and improve performance. Ignoring the issue or waiting for future reports could lead to further decline in performance and negatively impact the department's overall success. Seeking more resources may be a solution but it may not always be possible or effective, so it should not be the first course of action. Keeping the information to oneself would not address the problem and could even be seen as negligent management.

Question 15

______________ is the act of influencing behaviour through reprimand.

Accepted Answer

The act of influencing behavior through reprimand is discipline. Internal control refers to an individual's ability to regulate their own behavior. Operant conditioning and shaping are both methods of behavior modification, but they do not necessarily involve reprimand or discipline.

Question 16

In utilizing a historical approach for comparing desired and actual performance,a manager will __________.

Accepted Answer

By using past performance as a benchmark, a manager can compare current performance to what has been achieved in the past and identify areas for improvement. This approach is effective in identifying trends and patterns that can help in decision-making for the future.

Question 17

The four steps of the control process are: establish objectives and standards;__________;compare results with objectives and standards,and __________.

Accepted Answer

The first step is to establish objectives and standards. The second step is to measure actual performance. The third step is to compare the results with objectives and standards, and the fourth step is to take corrective action as needed. Option A is the only option that correctly completes the control process.

Question 18

__________ measure performance results in terms of quantity,quality,cost,or time of accomplished work.

Accepted Answer

Output standards measure the performance results in terms of the quantity, quality, cost, or time of accomplished work. Input standards, annual reports, inventories, and time-card summaries do not specifically measure these factors.

Question 19

In the control process,_________ must be accurate enough to identify significant difference between what is really taking place and what was originally planned.

Accepted Answer

Measurement is the key component of the control process that must be accurate enough to identify significant differences between what is really taking place and what was originally planned. The other options (goals, exceptions, output standards, and input standards) are important, but they require accurate measurement in order to be effective.

Question 20

Effective planning by managers helps accomplish which step in the control process?

Accepted Answer

Establishing performance objectives and standards is the first step in the control process, and effective planning by managers is required in order to establish these objectives and standards. Measuring actual performance, comparing actual performance with objectives and standards, taking necessary corrective action, and evaluating the results of corrective action are the remaining steps in the control process, but they cannot be achieved without first establishing performance objectives and standards.

Quiz 16: Control