Question 1

As compared to other forms of organization design, the simple design tends to minimize bureaucratic aspects and rests more heavily on the leadership of the manager.

Accepted Answer

Simple design is characterized by minimal bureaucratic structures and places more emphasis on the manager's leadership skills. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 2

Weber argued that the rational and logical idea of bureaucracy was superior to building the firm based on charisma or cultural tradition.

Accepted Answer

Weber believed that a bureaucratic organization, which was based on rational and logical principles, was more efficient and effective than organizations based on charisma or tradition.

Question 3

Organizations using continuous-process technology produce one or a few products through an assembly-line system.

Accepted Answer

Continuous-process technology typically involves the production of goods through a continuous flow or process, such as in chemical plants or oil refineries, rather than an assembly-line system which is characteristic of discrete manufacturing.

Question 4

James D. Thompson classified technologies as retentive, meditative, and short-linked based on the degree of interdependence among the work activities.

Accepted Answer

James D. Thompson classified technologies as long-linked, meditative, and intensive based on the degree of interdependence among work activities.

Question 5

A simple design the process of choosing and implementing a structural configuration for an organization.

Accepted Answer

Choosing and implementing a structural configuration for an organization is not a simple process. It requires careful analysis of the organization's goals, culture, and resources, as well as consideration of external factors such as market trends and competition. The process may involve input from different stakeholders and may require multiple iterations before a final configuration is chosen and implemented.

Question 6

The simple organization design is a configuration involving one or two ways of specializing individuals and units.

Accepted Answer

The statement is true. The simple organization design involves a narrow span of control, little hierarchy, and one or two ways of specializing individuals and units.

Question 7

Successful organizations arrange their internal structures to meet the dictates of their dominant technologies or workflows and information technology opportunities.

Accepted Answer

Organizational structures must be aligned with technology and IT opportunities to ensure success and efficiency.

Question 8

The strengths of the simple design are simplicity, flexibility, and responsiveness to the desires of a central manager.

Accepted Answer

The simple design is characterized by having a clear and straightforward structure that allows for quick decision-making, easy communication, and efficient coordination. This type of design is ideal for small organizations or teams that need to be nimble and adaptable to changes in the environment. Moreover, the simple design is receptive to the vision and directives of a central manager, who can easily monitor and control the activities of the organization. However, the simple design may not be suitable for larger organizations that require more formalization or specialization to optimize their operations.

Question 9

Operations technology is the combination of machines, artifacts, procedures, and systems used to gather, store, analyze, and disseminate information for translating it into knowledge.

Accepted Answer

Operations technology refers to the hardware and software used to monitor and control physical devices, processes, and events in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and utilities, rather than focusing on information and knowledge management.

Question 10

The adhocracy emphasizes centralized decision making.

Accepted Answer

The adhocracy emphasizes decentralized decision making, with power and authority distributed among various teams and individuals within the organization.

Question 11

A firm typically has much more choice in the composition of its general environment than its specific environment.

Accepted Answer

The general environment, encompassing economic, technological, sociocultural, and political/legal trends, is largely beyond the control of any single firm. In contrast, a firm can often have more influence over its specific environment, including customers, competitors, suppliers, and industry regulations, through strategic decisions and actions.

Question 12

An adhocracy is characterized by few rules, policies, and procedures; substantial decentralization; shared decision making among members; extreme horizontal specialization; few levels of management; and virtually no formal controls.

Accepted Answer

This statement accurately describes the characteristics of an adhocracy.

Question 13

Organizational design goes beyond indicating who reports to whom and what types of jobs are contained in each department.

Accepted Answer

Organizational design involves not only the structure of reporting relationships and job roles, but also includes factors such as decision-making processes, communication channels, and the alignment of the organization's structure with its strategy and goals.

Question 14

Joan Woodward divided technology into three categories: small-batch production, mass production, and continuous-process technology.

Accepted Answer

Joan Woodward's categorization of technology is indeed divided into small-batch production, mass production, and continuous-process technology.

Question 15

A process design is a configuration involving one or two ways of specializing individuals and units.

Accepted Answer

A process design can involve multiple ways of specializing individuals and units, not limited to one or two ways. It encompasses the arrangement and organization of work flows, tasks, and responsibilities to achieve a specific outcome efficiently.

Question 16

From an organizational standpoint, information technology IT) can be used as a partial substitute for some operations as well as some process controls.

Accepted Answer

Information technology can automate certain operations and processes, such as data entry or monitoring systems, which can reduce the need for human intervention and increase efficiency in the organization. However, it cannot completely substitute for all operations and process controls.

Question 17

The adhocracy is particularly useful when the tasks facing the firm vary considerably and provide many exceptions.

Accepted Answer

Adhocracy is a flexible and informal organizational structure that is particularly useful for dealing with tasks and projects that vary considerably in nature, requiring creative problem-solving and innovation. It can handle exceptions and complex tasks efficiently by allowing individuals or teams to adapt and adjust to changing conditions to achieve the desired outcome.

Question 18

Two common classifications of operations technology that have received considerable attention are Thompson's classification and Woodward's classification.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Thompson's and Woodward's classifications are both commonly used in operations management to categorize different types of operations technology.

Question 19

From an organizational standpoint, information technology IT) has the potential to add capability.

Accepted Answer

Information technology has the potential to add capability to organizations by improving efficiency, increasing productivity, and enabling new capabilities such as remote work, data analysis, and decision-making support.

Question 20

An adhocracy is notoriously efficient.

Accepted Answer

An adhocracy is a form of organizational structure that is characterized by flexibility, creativity, and spontaneity. While it can be effective in certain situations, it is also known for being less efficient than other forms of organization due to its lack of formal structure and hierarchy.

Quiz 16: Organizational Structures