The production and operations manager at a large shoe factory in Lawrence,Massachusetts,notices that the total number of hours worked by production employees has increased 12 percent,while the number of pairs of shoes ready for shipping has dropped 6 percent this year over last year.This means
A) the inflation rate is unchanged.
B) the demand for shoes is decreasing.
C) the manager's calculations cannot be correct.
D) productivity has decreased.
E) the gross national product has increased by 6 percent.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The increase in hours worked and the decrease in pairs of shoes ready for shipping indicates a decrease in productivity, which could be due to a variety of factors such as inefficient processes, low employee morale, or equipment failures. Therefore, option D is the best choice. Options A, B, and E are not relevant based on the given information. Option C is not a valid assumption without further evidence.

The Production and Operations Manager at a Large Shoe Factory