Question 1

Creating and executing a plan is one of the most important tasks of a manager.

Accepted Answer

Creating and executing a plan is a key responsibility of a manager as it helps in achieving the goals and objectives of the organization. A manager must have the ability to plan, organize, delegate, and execute tasks efficiently to ensure the success of the organization.

Question 2

An organization's purpose must regularly change to adapt to changes in the environment over time.

Accepted Answer

An organization's core purpose, which defines its reason for being, typically remains constant over time, providing a guiding north star. However, strategies and goals may adapt to changes in the environment.

Question 3

Planning is a three-step process which involves setting goals, then next developing effective action plans, and finally tracking progress toward goal achievement.

Accepted Answer

Planning typically involves more than three steps, including setting objectives, identifying resources, developing action plans, implementing the plans, and monitoring and adjusting as necessary for goal achievement.

Question 4

Encouraging worker participation in goal setting, making goals public, and getting top management's support are all recommended ways to increase goal commitment in a company.

Accepted Answer

Encouraging worker participation in goal setting, making goals public, and getting top management's support are all ways to increase goal commitment in a company according to research and best practices.

Question 5

On average, companies that create plans have larger profits and grow much faster than companies that don't.

Accepted Answer

Creating a plan helps a company set goals, establish priorities, and allocate resources in a more efficient manner, leading to better financial performance and growth.

Question 6

The term decision making is used to refer to the process of choosing a solution from available alternatives.

Accepted Answer

This is the definition of decision making.

Question 7

The three kinds of standing plans are policies, procedures, and rules and regulations.

Accepted Answer

This statement is correct. The three types of standing plans are policies, procedures, and rules and regulations.

Question 8

The purpose of action plans is to leave commitments open by maintaining a cushion of resources, such as extra time, people, money, or production capacity, that can be used to address and adapt to unanticipated changes, problems, or opportunities.

Accepted Answer

The purpose of action plans is to outline specific steps needed to achieve a goal or objective, not to leave commitments open. They typically detail resources required, timelines, and responsibilities, aiming to ensure efficient and effective achievement of targets, rather than maintaining a cushion of resources for unanticipated changes.

Question 9

S.M.A.R.T. goals are Specific, Meaningful, Active, Reachable, and Timely.

Accepted Answer

S.M.A.R.T. goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Question 10

Both proximal and distal goals are used to provide additional motivation and rewards for employees.

Accepted Answer

Both proximal (short-term) and distal (long-term) goals can be used to provide motivation and rewards for employees. Proximal goals can give employees a sense of progress and achievement in the short-term, while distal goals can provide a bigger picture and long-term purpose for their work. Both types of goals can be effective in keeping employees engaged and motivated towards achieving organizational objectives.

Question 11

Management by objectives is a two-step process in which managers and their employees discuss possible goals and then meet regularly to review progress toward the accomplishment of those goals.

Accepted Answer

Management by objectives (MBO) is typically a multi-step process that involves more than just two steps. It includes setting objectives, developing action plans, reviewing progress, and evaluating performance, among other steps, in a collaborative manner between managers and employees.

Question 12

Developing a purpose statement is the sole responsibility of middle management.

Accepted Answer

Developing a purpose statement is not the sole responsibility of middle management. It should involve input and collaboration from various levels and departments within an organization.

Question 13

Tactical plans and objectives are used to direct behavior, efforts, and attention over the next six months to two years.

Accepted Answer

Tactical plans and objectives are short-term plans that outline specific actions and milestones to achieve a larger strategic goal. They typically cover a period of six months to two years and focus on operational details and resource allocation.

Question 14

Planning can impede change, create a false sense of certainty, and lead to the detachment of planners.

Accepted Answer

Planning can create rigid structures and systems that may prevent necessary changes from occurring. It can also lead planners to believe that their plans are foolproof and fail to consider the unpredictable factors that could disrupt their plans. This can result in a detachment from the realities on the ground, making it difficult to adapt to changing circumstances.

Question 15

Standing plans deal with unique, one-time-only events.

Accepted Answer

Standing plans are designed to handle ongoing, repetitive situations or events that are likely to occur multiple times in the future. Examples of standing plans include policies, procedures, and rules.

Question 16

For planning to be effective, workers need a specific, challenging goal as well as regular feedback to track their progress.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. For planning to be effective, workers need a specific goal to work toward, and it should be challenging enough to motivate them. Additionally, they need regular feedback to help them track their progress and adjust their efforts as needed. Without these elements, planning may be ineffective or demotivating.

Question 17

Planning works best when the goals and action plans at the bottom and middle of the organization supports the goals and action plans at the top of the organization.

Accepted Answer

This is because the goals and action plans need to be aligned and coordinated throughout the entire organization to ensure everyone is working towards the same objectives. If there is a misalignment between the goals and action plans at different levels of the organization, it can lead to confusion, inefficiencies, and ultimately, failure to achieve the overall objectives.

Question 18

Planning can greatly improve organizational and individual performance.

Accepted Answer

Planning helps organizations and individuals to set goals, determine the resources needed to achieve them, prioritize tasks, and establish a road map to success. It facilitates decision-making, reduces uncertainty, and guides action, leading to improved performance.

Question 19

The three kinds of operational plans are single-use plans, standing plans, and budgets.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. The three types of operational plans are indeed single-use plans, standing plans, and budgets.

Question 20

Budgeting is a form of qualitative planning.

Accepted Answer

Budgeting is a form of quantitative planning as it involves assigning specific numerical values to plan for income, expenses, and the allocation of resources.

Quiz 5: Planning and Decision Making