Question 1

John attended a PADIL workshop.He is developing inquiry skills to:
A)improve interpersonal relationships.
B)examine mental models.
C)identify black or white events.
D)minimize risk.
E)understand motivation.

Accepted Answer

PADIL stands for Problem Analysis and Decision Making for Interdisciplinary Teams. The workshop is designed to help participants develop critical thinking and analytical skills to examine their mental models and approach problems in a structured way. Therefore, John's primary purpose of attending the workshop is to develop inquiry skills to examine mental models.

Question 2

Satisficing:
A)results from choosing a wrong decision.
B)is a perfect problem solution.
C)replaces sensitivity in corporate decision making.
D)is a result of bounded rationality.
E)constantly leads to overconfidence.

Accepted Answer

Satisficing is a decision-making strategy in which an individual or organization chooses the first alternative that meets their basic requirements, rather than seeking the optimal solution. This approach is a result of bounded rationality, which means that decision-makers have limited information, cognitive resources, and time. Satisficing is not always the perfect solution, but it is a practical way to make decisions under uncertainty and time pressure. It does not necessarily replace sensitivity in corporate decision-making or lead to overconfidence. Choosing a wrong decision is not an inherent characteristic of satisficing.

Question 3

The PADIL approach to problem solving includes five major steps.The first step is identified as:
A)prepare.
B)problem.
C)probability.
D)process.
E)presumption.

Accepted Answer

The PADIL approach to problem solving starts with identifying the "Problem" as its first step. This involves recognizing and defining the issue that needs to be addressed.

Question 4

The PADIL approach addresses the "picking the wrong stakeholders" issue in which step?
A)Problem
B)Alternatives
C)Decide
D)Implement
E)Learn

Accepted Answer

The PADIL (Problem, Alternatives, Decide, Implement, Learn) approach addresses the issue of "picking the wrong stakeholders" in the first step, "Problem," where identifying and understanding the problem involves ensuring the right stakeholders are involved.

Question 5

Brainwriting sessions can be improved by:
A)limiting diversity of participants.
B)insisting on literal language,not metaphors.
C)assuming a "perfect world."
D)not giving feedback.
E)no stoppage or reflecting at any time during the session.

Accepted Answer

Assuming a "perfect world" scenario can enhance creativity and idea generation in brainwriting sessions by removing practical constraints and encouraging participants to think more freely and innovatively.

Question 6

At a recent management department meeting,faculty were given five Sticky Notes to write down their responses to the question,"What are the possible causes of so many student cuts in class?" After all the Sticky Notes were posted,the chairperson said,"These ten seem to deal with the attendance policy,these five talk about how hard it is to walk from one class to the next in the time allotted between classes,and these ten all say that tests don't cover lecture material." The management department was:
A)using an affinity diagram.
B)creating a black and white fallacy.
C)trying the Swiss Cheese technique.
D)using a BOT chart.
E)conducting an iceberg test.

Accepted Answer

The management department was using an affinity diagram, which involves grouping ideas or issues into categories based on their similarities. In this case, they sorted the Sticky Notes into categories based on the common themes that emerged from the responses.

Question 7

According to Vroom and Yetton,which of the following approaches to problem-solving is most manager-driven?
A)Facilitate
B)Delegate
C)Order
D)Decide
E)Challenge

Accepted Answer

The "Decide" approach is most manager-driven, as the manager makes the decision without consulting others. The other approaches involve varying levels of consultation and shared decision-making.

Question 8

Abraham constructed a weighted rank alternatives table to decide where to go to graduate school.His most important criteria were cost,location,and publication opportunities.His four school choices all were ranked highest on the three criteria.Abraham does not know how to choose.He has reached a condition of:
A)equifinality.
B)overconfidence.
C)anchoring and adjustment.
D)devil's advocacy.
E)satisficing.

Accepted Answer

Equifinality occurs when there are multiple paths or solutions that lead to the same end result. In Abraham's case, all his school choices rank equally high on his most important criteria, leading to a situation where multiple options could satisfactorily meet his needs, hence equifinality.

Question 9

The question,"How will this change affect other things?" is critical to being effective in problem solving.In the problem framing PADIL step,this refers to a:
A)black or white fallacy test.
B)satisficing sequence.
C)bounded approach.
D)systems approach.
E)rational confidence level.

Accepted Answer

The question "How will this change affect other things?" is related to understanding the impact of the solution on the entire system and not just a specific part. This aligns with the Systems Approach, which is one of the tools used in the Problem Framing step of the PADIL model. The Systems Approach helps to consider the interconnectedness of various components of the system, which in turn, helps in identifying potential unintended consequences of a proposed solution. Hence, the correct answer is D, i.e., Systems Approach.

Question 10

In which step of PADIL are alternatives tables and weighted rankings used?
A)Problem
B)Alternatives
C)Decide
D)Implement
E)Learn

Accepted Answer

Alternatives tables and weighted rankings are used in the Decide step of PADIL to evaluate and rank the available options based on their pros and cons. This helps in selecting the best alternative that can effectively solve the identified problem or address the opportunity.

Question 11

Which of the following warnings is a good defense for decision biases?
A)Do not jump to conclusions.
B)Do not listen to advice from your friends.
C)Do not look for nonsupporting evidence.
D)Do not fall prey to confidence estimates and ranges.
E)Do not ignore chance.

Accepted Answer

Avoiding jumping to conclusions helps to prevent the confirmation bias, which is the tendency to seek out information that confirms our preexisting beliefs and ignore information that contradicts them.

Question 12

Francesca Bailey,a hospital administrator,needs to tell the facilities manager what color to paint the break room.The color does not really matter to anyone;staff will use the room no matter what color is used.What should Francesca do?
A)Facilitate
B)Delegate
C)Consult individual
D)Consult group
E)Decide

Accepted Answer

Since the color does not really matter to anyone and staff will use the room no matter what color is used, Francesca could simply make the decision herself without consulting anyone else. This would save time and resources that could be better used in more important decision-making processes.

Question 13

Where does an after action review (AAR)fit into the PADIL approach?
A)Problem
B)Alternatives
C)Decide
D)Implement
E)Learn

Accepted Answer

An after action review (AAR) fits into the "Learn" stage of the PADIL approach, which involves evaluating the success and effectiveness of the implemented solution. The AAR helps to identify what went well, what didn't go so well, and what could be improved for future similar situations.

Question 14

A shirt manufacturer lost 45 percent of its market share last year.The CEO put together a committee to find out what was wrong.He included office staff and vendors.He did not include any current or former customers.Did the CEO make a mistake?
A)Yes.He did not include key stakeholders.
B)No.That action would slow down the process.
C)Yes.He failed to find the facts.
D)No.That action would narrow the focus.
E)Yes.He should have hired an outside consultant.

Accepted Answer

By not including current or former customers, the CEO is missing out on important input from key stakeholders who can provide valuable insights into why the company lost market share. It is crucial to include their perspective in any investigation of this kind.

Question 15

IDEO,a consulting firm,recommends appointing a team member to make sure the team honors brainstorming rules.Which of the following rules is being recommended?
A)Lots of ideas at once.Interrupt as needed.
B)Defer judgment.Do not dismiss ideas.
C)Constantly evaluate ideas.Say,"but…"
D)Go for quality.Ten ideas in a two-hour session is good enough.
E)Let the conversation go where it will.Do not worry about the original topic.

Accepted Answer

The rule being recommended is to defer judgment and not dismiss ideas. By appointing a team member to ensure this rule is followed, the team can ensure that all ideas are heard and considered before any judgments or dismissals are made.

Question 16

Mental models are ________________________________ that sustain current systems.
A)linear learning functions
B)traditional bureaucratic processes
C)prevailing assumptions,beliefs,and values
D)nonlinear learning patterns
E)standard needs,goals,and expectations

Accepted Answer

Mental models are the deeply ingrained assumptions, beliefs, and values that people hold about the world and the systems within it. These mental models can serve to sustain current systems, as they shape how people perceive and respond to information and events. Linear/nonlinear learning functions/patterns, bureaucratic processes, and standard needs, goals, and expectations may also contribute to the functioning of systems, but they are not synonymous with mental models.

Question 17

Salma asked Lillie,"How did you do in the final assessment?" Lillie responded,"I knew everything!" Salma said,"So you can expect a 100! That will be awesome!" Lillie thought for a moment and said,"Maybe not actually that much of everything.I would say 95 to 100." Lillie curbed Salma's judgment bias by using:
A)a confidence estimate.
B)trial-and-error calibration.
C)healthy skepticism.
D)a defense hedge.
E)a hasty generalization fallacy.

Accepted Answer

Lillie curbed Salma's judgment bias by using a confidence estimate. By stating a range of 95 to 100 instead of a definitive 100, Lillie acknowledges the possibility of error or uncertainty in her own performance. This shows healthy skepticism and a willingness to be honest and objective about her abilities.

Question 18

The visual of a(n)__________ is helpful in illustrating the systems approach to problem solving.
A)capuchin monkey
B)onion
C)airplane
D)bucket
E)iceberg

Accepted Answer

The iceberg model is often used to illustrate the systems approach to problem solving by showing how underlying structures and patterns contribute to visible events.

Question 19

A CEO,heading a major two-year corporate restructuring,asked a stakeholder group such questions as,"Did you feel included in the process?" and "Were your voices heard throughout the two years?" These questions occur in the "___________" step of the PADIL approach.
A)problem
B)alternatives
C)decide
D)implement
E)learn

Accepted Answer

The questions asked by the CEO fall under the "Learn" step of the PADIL approach, as they are aimed at gathering feedback and evaluating the success of the restructuring process.

Question 20

Morgan is discussing a project rollout with his major suppliers as he begins the "_____________" PADIL stage.
A)problem
B)alternatives
C)decide
D)implement
E)learn

Accepted Answer

The "implement" stage is the phase where the project is actually rolled out and put into action. Morgan is discussing the project rollout with his suppliers, which suggests that they have already gone through the problem, alternatives, and decision-making stages. The "learn" stage would come after the project is implemented and evaluated to identify ways to improve or make changes for future iterations.

Quiz 3: Solving Problems

John attended a PADIL workshop.He is developing inquiry skills to:

Satisficing:

The PADIL approach to problem solving includes five major steps.The first step is identified as:

The PADIL approach addresses the "picking the wrong stakeholders" issue in which step?

Brainwriting sessions can be improved by:

According to Vroom and Yetton,which of the following approaches to problem-solving is most manager-driven?

The question,"How will this change affect other things?" is critical to being effective in problem solving.In the problem framing PADIL step,this refers to a:

In which step of PADIL are alternatives tables and weighted rankings used?

Which of the following warnings is a good defense for decision biases?

Francesca Bailey,a hospital administrator,needs to tell the facilities manager what color to paint the break room.The color does not really matter to anyone;staff will use the room no matter what color is used.What should Francesca do?

Where does an after action review (AAR) fit into the PADIL approach?

A shirt manufacturer lost 45 percent of its market share last year.The CEO put together a committee to find out what was wrong.He included office staff and vendors.He did not include any current or former customers.Did the CEO make a mistake?

IDEO,a consulting firm,recommends appointing a team member to make sure the team honors brainstorming rules.Which of the following rules is being recommended?

Mental models are ________________________________ that sustain current systems.

The visual of a(n) __________ is helpful in illustrating the systems approach to problem solving.

A CEO,heading a major two-year corporate restructuring,asked a stakeholder group such questions as,"Did you feel included in the process?" and "Were your voices heard throughout the two years?" These questions occur in the "___________" step of the PADIL approach.

Morgan is discussing a project rollout with his major suppliers as he begins the "_____________" PADIL stage.