Question 1

The mean time between failures (MTBF) is the expectation of how long a product is expected to last.

Accepted Answer

MTBF is indeed the expectation of how long a product is expected to last before it fails or needs repairs.

Question 2

For brainstorming, a node or a figure representing the core notion is drawn at the center, while ideas that are related to this central notion are drawn off, as branches, to the sides.

Accepted Answer

False

Question 3

PDCA cycle is a series of steps to ensure continuous improvement.

Accepted Answer

The PDCA cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act) is indeed a series of steps used to ensure continuous improvement.

Question 4

The extent to which the replacement parts of a car match the original equipment manufacturer components is an example of a product's reliability.

Accepted Answer

This is an example of a product's compatibility or interchangeability, not its reliability. Reliability refers to a product's ability to perform consistently over time without failure.

Question 5

As an innovation strategy, the technology driver is superior to the need seeker and market reader strategies.

Accepted Answer

The technology driver strategy focuses on creating new products or services based on technological advancements, without necessarily addressing specific customer needs. While this approach can lead to breakthrough innovations, it also carries a higher risk of creating products that do not address real market needs. The need seeker and market reader strategies, on the other hand, prioritize understanding customer needs and preferences before developing new products, leading to a higher likelihood of success in the market. Therefore, the need seeker and market reader strategies may be better suited for some contexts than the technology driver strategy. Thus, the statement is false.

Question 6

W. Edwards Deming argued that quality should be seen as the responsibility of management or a specialized group, such as quality assurance.

Accepted Answer

W. Edwards Deming argued that quality should be the responsibility of everyone involved in the production process, not just management or a specialized group. He emphasized the importance of a systemic approach to quality improvement, where every employee plays a part.

Question 7

The aesthetics of a product is most influenced by brand names, advertising, and commonly held perceptions concerning a product.

Accepted Answer

The aesthetics of a product are most directly influenced by its design, including form, color, texture, and materials, rather than external factors like brand names, advertising, and perceptions.

Question 8

Features are the primary measurable operating characteristics of a product, while performance comes second.

Accepted Answer

Performance is the primary measurable operating characteristics of a product, while features are secondary and are the differentiating factors that contribute to performance.

Question 9

Covey suggests that developing a personal mission statement is vital to achieving balance between the different roles in one's personal and professional lives.

Accepted Answer

Covey emphasizes the importance of developing a personal mission statement in his book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" as a tool to help individuals clarify their values and priorities, and guide them in making decisions that align with their goals and vision for their lives. This, in turn, can help them achieve a sense of balance and harmony between their various roles and responsibilities.

Question 10

Covey advocates that an individual should have a deep understanding of what is important in one's life so he can focus on the same role throughout his life.

Accepted Answer

Covey advocates for understanding what is important in one's life to prioritize and manage one's roles effectively, but he does not suggest focusing on the same role throughout life. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of balance and adaptability across various roles and responsibilities.

Question 11

Steven Covey's approach to time management is based on valuing relationships and recognizing that the proper management of relationships will reduce the amount of time wasted in activities.

Accepted Answer

Steven Covey's approach to time management, as outlined in his book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," emphasizes the importance of valuing relationships and engaging in proactive communication in order to achieve more effective time management. By focusing on building and maintaining strong relationships, Covey argues that individuals will spend less time on reactive, crisis-driven activities and more time on productive, goal-oriented tasks.

Question 12

SERVQUAL system explains the notion that quality is associated with a gap between expectations and perceptions.

Accepted Answer

The SERVQUAL system is based on the idea that there is a gap between what customers expect and what they perceive in terms of service quality. This gap is the difference between the customers' expectations and their actual experiences, and it is the basis for assessing and improving service quality. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 13

W. Edwards Deming argued that one should believe that the purpose of a business is to delight a customer.

Accepted Answer

W. Edwards Deming believed that the purpose of a business should be to delight and satisfy customers. He emphasized the importance of continuous improvement in products and services in order to meet customer needs and exceed their expectations. This approach is known as customer-centricity, and it has become a key principle in modern business management.

Question 14

A product's durability refers to how well the product lasts over time and under different environments.

Accepted Answer

Durability refers to the ability of a product to withstand wear and tear and continue to perform well over an extended period, regardless of the environment the product is used in.

Question 15

Market reader firms actively interact with their present and future customers and carefully listen to them so that they can develop new products and services.

Accepted Answer

Market reader firms primarily focus on understanding and analyzing existing market trends and competitors' products to then develop their own offerings, rather than actively interacting with customers to develop new products and services.

Question 16

The difference between the prices of a generic bottle of aspirin versus a brand name version is due to perceived quality.

Accepted Answer

Generic versions of medications are often cheaper than brand name versions because they do not have the same marketing and advertising costs as the established brand names. This does not mean that the quality is necessarily different, but consumers may associate a higher price with a perceived higher quality.

Question 17

A need seeker firm maintains a close relationship with its customers and provides them value through small innovative changes.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A need seeker firm maintains a close...

Question 18

Mind mapping is a visual model that uses words, phrases, tasks, or concepts centered on an idea or a problem.

Accepted Answer

Mind mapping is indeed a visual model that uses words, phrases, tasks, or concepts centered on an idea or a problem.

Question 19

The SERVQUAL is a market research instrument that plays a prominent role in improving quality in service environments.

Accepted Answer

The SERVQUAL is a widely used market research instrument for assessing and improving the quality of service environments.

Question 20

Steven Covey's goal is to produce a "balanced manager," referring to what he argues are the four fundamental human needs: physical needs, social needs, mental needs, and spiritual needs.

Accepted Answer

Steven Covey does argue for the importance of balancing the four fundamental human needs: physical, social, mental, and spiritual, in order to become an effective and fulfilling manager.

Quiz 13: The Search for Efficiency and Effectiveness