Question 1

Which of the following is true of the impact of formal planning on organizational performance?

Accepted Answer

There is evidence to suggest that formal planning is positively associated with financial performance. However, it is not necessarily true that all organizations that formally plan outperform those that don't plan, and the quality of planning and implementation is also important in achieving high performance. The time it takes to see the impact of formal planning on performance can vary depending on the organization and its unique circumstances.

Question 2

If top management set a goal that each store in the company should have sales equal to or greater than $100 per square foot per day,this would be an example of ________.

Accepted Answer

This is a financial goal, as it pertains to a specific sales target to be achieved at the store level. Strategic plans and goals are concerned with larger, overarching objectives and plans for the company as a whole, while directional plans provide guidance and direction for specific functions or departments within the organization.

Question 3

The effect of planning on managers is that it forces them to ________.

Accepted Answer

Planning requires managers to anticipate potential changes and develop strategies to respond to them. It helps them prepare for various scenarios and adapt accordingly, rather than becoming resistant to change or working at cross purposes. While planning may not completely eliminate uncertainty, it can help minimize it by preparing managers for a range of possibilities.

Question 4

Studies indicate that doing a good job planning and implementing those plans play a bigger part in high performance than does how much planning is done.

Accepted Answer

Studies show that the quality of planning and execution has a greater impact on performance than the amount of planning that is done.

Question 5

Discuss the impact of planning on organizational performance.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the impact of planning on organizational...

Question 6

Goals are different from plans because ________.

Accepted Answer

Goals are the desired outcomes that an organization wants to achieve, while plans are the specific actions or steps that the organization will take to accomplish those goals. Thus, goals and plans are fundamentally different but interdependent concepts.

Question 7

White Forest Financials is a small investment firm,operating in an extremely volatile environment.One of the company's two owners,David White,is of the opinion that it would be futile for the company to engage in formal planning as the business environment is constantly shifting.However,the co-owner,Marsha Forest,believes that planning is essential for the company's success.Whom would you support? Why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of White Forest Financials is a small investment...

Question 8

Planning provides direction to managers and non-managers alike.

Accepted Answer

Planning helps to establish clear goals and objectives, which provide direction and guidance for managers and non-managers to work towards achieving.

Question 9

Which of the following is one of the reasons why managers should plan?

Accepted Answer

Planning allows managers to coordinate work activities and identify inefficiencies, which can lead to improved productivity and cost savings. While planning can help organizations prepare for and adapt to change, uncertainty can never be completely eliminated. Planning also does not eliminate the need for goal-setting or measuring work effort.

Question 10

Which of the following statements is true regarding an organization's goals?

Accepted Answer

Using a single goal such as profit may result in unethical behaviors by employees. This is because if profit is the only goal, employees may be motivated to engage in unethical behavior such as cutting corners or engaging in fraudulent activities to achieve the goal. It is important for organizations to have multiple goals that are aligned with their values and mission to ensure ethical behavior and long-term success.

Question 11

In a short essay,define planning and discuss the characteristics of formal planning as it is used in various organizations.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In a short essay,define planning and discuss...

Question 12

Nike,Inc.is a sportswear and equipment manufacturer that serves a multitude of sports disciplines.Which of the following statements from Nike would be the best example of a strategic goal?

Accepted Answer

Option D, "accelerating growth through focused execution," is the best example of a strategic goal because it describes a broad objective that could guide decision-making and resource allocation across the organization. Options A, B, and C are more specific and numerical in nature, representing tactical or operational goals rather than overarching strategic objectives.

Question 13

Most companies' goals can be classified as either ________ or ________.

Accepted Answer

Most companies' goals can be broadly classified into strategic goals, which focus on long-term vision and direction, and financial goals, which are concerned with the financial performance and health of the organization.

Question 14

Planning is concerned with how objectives are to be accomplished,not what is to be accomplished.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Planning is concerned with how objectives are...

Question 15

When formal planning fails to lead to higher performance,which of the following is most likely to be the reason for the failure?

Accepted Answer

External forces such as economic conditions, competition, and regulations can limit the effectiveness of formal planning, as they may constrain the options available to managers, making it difficult to achieve higher performance despite well-laid plans.

Question 16

Several research studies have conclusively proven that planning organizations always outperform non-planning organizations.

Accepted Answer

While planning can provide numerous benefits, including setting goals and aligning resources, there is no conclusive evidence that planning organizations always outperform non-planning organizations. Performance can depend on various factors including industry, market conditions, and the quality of execution.

Question 17

The presence of planning does inhibits the ability of departments and individuals to work together or organizations to move.

Accepted Answer

The presence of planning actually helps departments and individuals work together more effectively and allows organizations to move towards their goals more efficiently. Planning provides a clear direction and helps align everyone's efforts towards achieving common objectives.

Question 18

Which aspect of planning refers to documents that outline how results are to be achieved?

Accepted Answer

Plans refer to documents that outline how results are to be achieved. Goals and objectives are targets to be achieved, and performance refers to the actual execution and results achieved.

Question 19

Planning helps managers eliminate uncertainty and insulates organizations from change.

Accepted Answer

Planning helps managers anticipate change and adapt to it, but it cannot completely eliminate uncertainty or insulate organizations from change.

Question 20

________ involves defining the organization's goals,establishing strategies for achieving those goals,and developing plans to integrate and coordinate work activities.

Accepted Answer

Planning involves setting goals, developing strategies, and creating plans to coordinate work activities to achieve those goals. Execution refers to the actual implementation of those plans, logistics involve the management and coordination of the flow of goods and resources, and operations typically refer to the day-to-day activities of the organization.

Quiz 8: Planning Work Activities