Question 1

Gabe has identified an issue he knows has occurred in the past so he applies the standard solution.What type of decision making is this an example of?
A)programmed decision
B)cost-benefit decision
C)qualitative decision
D)intuitive decision

Accepted Answer

B

Question 2

Herwin often uses statistical or quantitative techniques to aid his decision making process.What type of decision making is this?
A)intuition
B)mathematical
C)decision tree
D)qualitative

Accepted Answer

Herwin's use of statistical or quantitative techniques indicates that he is using a mathematical approach to decision making, where he relies on data analysis, modeling, and computations to inform his choices. This approach is driven by objective facts and figures, rather than subjective perceptions or gut feelings, and tends to produce more accurate and reliable results. Other types of decision making, such as intuition, decision trees, or qualitative analysis, may also have their merits, but they are not as directly reliant on mathematical reasoning and evidence.

Question 3

The first step in the fundamental approach to problem solving is ______ .
A)evaluate alternatives
B)choose one solution
C)list possible causes
D)state the problem clearly

Accepted Answer

The first step in the fundamental approach to problem solving is to state the problem clearly. This involves identifying the problem, understanding its scope and impact, and defining the criteria for a successful solution. Until the problem is clearly articulated, it is difficult to proceed with evaluating alternatives or listing possible causes.

Question 4

______ is a balanced approach that adds all the costs of implementation and compares them with the project value of the resulting product or services.
A)direct and indirect cost analysis
B)cost-benefit analysis
C)qualitative analysis
D)decision tree analysis

Accepted Answer

Cost-benefit analysis involves adding up all the costs of implementation, including direct and indirect costs, and comparing them to the expected benefits or value of the resulting product or service. This analysis helps to ensure that a project is economically viable and valuable for the organization. Qualitative analysis and decision tree analysis are not specifically focused on costs and benefits, and direct and indirect cost analysis is only a small part of the overall cost-benefit analysis process.

Question 5

What is the next step in problem solving after determining the most likely cause of a problem?
A)choose one solution
B)suggest alternative solutions
C)plan for implementation
D)collect relevant information

Accepted Answer

Suggesting alternative solutions is the next step after determining the most likely cause of a problem.

Question 6

Tom consistently critiques his group member's ideas.What rule for successful brainstorming is Tom breaking?
A)Don't criticize ideas.
B)Generate new ideas freely.
C)Strive for quantity.
D)Combine and improve.

Accepted Answer

Tom is breaking the rule of not criticizing ideas during brainstorming sessions, which can hinder the creative process and discourage group members from sharing new ideas.

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of identifying a potential problem?
A)redistributing current work
B)hiring a new employee
C)planning for overtime expenses
D)fixing distribution errors

Accepted Answer

Planning for overtime expenses is an example of identifying a potential problem because it involves anticipating and preparing for additional costs that may arise due to increased workload or extended work hours, indicating foresight into potential issues.

Question 8

Which of the following is a good way to generate creative ideas on your own?
A)try to tackle a very large problem
B)allow yourself to get distracted
C)keep the ideas in your head rather than writing them down
D)keep ideas flowing

Accepted Answer

Keeping ideas flowing by brainstorming, freewriting, or using mind maps can help generate a variety of ideas and lead to creative solutions. A and B may lead to some unexpected ideas but may also result in distractions or overwhelm. C can lead to forgetting ideas and not allowing for revision and expansion.

Question 9

The vast majority of your problems will account for a minority of your profits or losses.What is this principle called?
A)the cost-benefit principle
B)the 80/20 principle
C)the rational and intuitive principle
D)the time management principle

Accepted Answer

This principle is commonly known as the 80/20 principle or the Pareto principle, named after Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto. It states that 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. In business, this means that the majority of your profits will come from a minority of your products or customers, while the majority of your losses will come from a minority of your problems or expenses. Understanding and applying this principle can help you prioritize your efforts and resources to maximize your profits and minimize your losses.

Question 10

Before you select the most likely cause of a problem,what problem solving step must you complete first?
A)list possible causes
B)evaluate alternatives
C)plan for implementation
D)suggest alternative solutions

Accepted Answer

Before selecting the most likely cause of a problem, it is necessary to identify and list all the possible causes of a problem. Only after identifying all possible causes, can they be evaluated and alternative solutions planned for implementation. Therefore, the first step in problem solving is to list all possible causes.

Question 11

The group approach to idea generation is called ______ .
A)brainstorming
B)free association of ideas
C)creative thinking
D)intuition

Accepted Answer

Brainstorming is the most well-known method for group idea generation, where members are encouraged to freely contribute as many ideas as possible without criticism or judgment. Free association of ideas and creative thinking are similar methods, but brainstorming is specifically known as a group approach. Intuition is an individual approach to idea generation, not a group one.

Question 12

A ______ exists when there is a substantial difference between an expected condition and the actual condition.
A)problem
B)solution
C)managerial decision
D)goal

Accepted Answer

A problem describes the situation in which there is a gap between the expected and the actual condition. It is the starting point for any decision-making process, as it identifies something that needs to be addressed or resolved. Choices B, C, and D do not accurately describe this situation.

Question 13

Gloria has evaluated the proposed solutions to her problem,but now she must determine her future course of action based on her internal insights.What is she using to solve her problem?
A)her intuition
B)her management training
C)her education
D)her goal setting skills

Accepted Answer

Gloria is using her intuition to determine her future course of action. While her management training, education, and goal setting skills may have informed her evaluation of proposed solutions, her internal insights and instincts are guiding her decision-making.

Question 14

______ is a process of systematically analyzing gaps between expected and actual conditions to find and remedy their causes.
A)problem solving
B)goal setting
C)cost reduction
D)employee review

Accepted Answer

Problem solving involves analyzing gaps between expected and actual conditions to find their causes and implementing solutions to remedy them. Goal setting is the process of defining and prioritizing objectives. Cost reduction involves reducing expenses to increase profitability. Employee review involves evaluating and providing feedback on the performance of individual employees.

Question 15

Namita is a corporate trainer who ensures that supervisors are able to recognize moral issues in the work place and can make fair decisions.What is the name of this type of training?
A)Business ethics
B)Employee management
C)Human resources
D)Legal coaching

Accepted Answer

This type of training specifically focuses on teaching individuals how to recognize moral issues and make fair decisions in the workplace. Employee management, while related, does not necessarily include a focus on ethical decision-making. Human resources may include training on business ethics, but it encompasses a broader range of topics related to managing employees. Legal coaching focuses specifically on laws and regulations and may not address ethical considerations in decision-making.

Question 16

You should involve a group of employees in solving a problem if ______ .
A)you are the expert
B)the problem involves yourself or one other employee
C)there is no potential learning value for anyone besides yourself
D)the issue affects the entire group

Accepted Answer

Involving a group of employees is most effective when the issue affects the entire group. By involving the group, it allows for multiple perspectives, ideas, and potential solutions to be brought to the table. It also helps to build a sense of teamwork and can increase employee engagement in finding a solution.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of creative thinking?
A)the cost-benefit principle
B)a decision tree
C)red light thinking
D)free association of ideas

Accepted Answer

Free association of ideas is a process of generating ideas by allowing the mind to explore connections and associations between seemingly unrelated concepts. It involves thinking outside the box and coming up with new and innovative ideas.

Question 18

Josey is encouraging her team to continue to bring up as many new ideas as possible during a brainstorming session.What rule for successful brainstorming is she following?
A)Don't criticize ideas.
B)Generate new ideas freely.
C)Strive for quantity.
D)Combine and improve.

Accepted Answer

Strive for quantity is a fundamental rule for successful brainstorming, emphasizing the importance of generating as many ideas as possible to enhance creativity and innovation.

Question 19

______ are problems that have already been observed or are occurring right now.
A)potential problems
B)solutions
C)current problems
D)goals

Accepted Answer

The term 'current' in the option C indicates that the problems are happening right now. Therefore, option C is the most suitable choice. Option A is incorrect because potential problems are those that have not yet occurred. Option B is incorrect because solutions are answers to problems, not the problems themselves. Option D is incorrect because goals are things to be achieved in the future, not current problems.

Question 20

The best way to identify a potential problem is to ______ .
A)determine the variance between goals and expectations
B)identify a gap between actual and expected performance
C)find the deviation from expected managerial performance
D)create goals related to the careful management of resources

Accepted Answer

Identifying a gap between actual and expected performance is the most effective way to identify a potential problem, as this highlights where there are discrepancies or issues in achieving desired outcomes. Determining the variance between goals and expectations may be a useful step in setting expectations, but it doesn't necessarily identify problems that may arise. Finding deviation from expected managerial performance may be useful in identifying issues with specific personnel, but it may not identify broader problems. Creating goals related to careful management of resources may help prevent problems, but doesn't necessarily identify existing problems.

Quiz 3: Problem Solving and Managing Information

Gabe has identified an issue he knows has occurred in the past so he applies the standard solution.What type of decision making is this an example of?

Herwin often uses statistical or quantitative techniques to aid his decision making process.What type of decision making is this?

The first step in the fundamental approach to problem solving is ______ .

______ is a balanced approach that adds all the costs of implementation and compares them with the project value of the resulting product or services.

What is the next step in problem solving after determining the most likely cause of a problem?

Tom consistently critiques his group member's ideas.What rule for successful brainstorming is Tom breaking?

Which of the following is an example of identifying a potential problem?

Which of the following is a good way to generate creative ideas on your own?

The vast majority of your problems will account for a minority of your profits or losses.What is this principle called?

Before you select the most likely cause of a problem,what problem solving step must you complete first?

The group approach to idea generation is called ______ .

A ______ exists when there is a substantial difference between an expected condition and the actual condition.

Gloria has evaluated the proposed solutions to her problem,but now she must determine her future course of action based on her internal insights.What is she using to solve her problem?

______ is a process of systematically analyzing gaps between expected and actual conditions to find and remedy their causes.

Namita is a corporate trainer who ensures that supervisors are able to recognize moral issues in the work place and can make fair decisions.What is the name of this type of training?

You should involve a group of employees in solving a problem if ______ .

Which of the following is an example of creative thinking?

Josey is encouraging her team to continue to bring up as many new ideas as possible during a brainstorming session.What rule for successful brainstorming is she following?

______ are problems that have already been observed or are occurring right now.

The best way to identify a potential problem is to ______ .