Question 1

Which of the following exemplifies feedback control?

Accepted Answer

A supervisor reviewing customer comments about service is practicing feedback control. Feedback control is the type just described, that is, control that focuses on past performance.

Question 2

_____ are an invaluable tool with which supervisors can closely monitor and control the progress and performance of a project.

Accepted Answer

Gantt charts are an invaluable tool with which supervisors can closely monitor and control the progress and performance of a project. When considering how to monitor performance, the supervisor can start with some basic tools used by most managers.

Question 3

The best response to problems related to standards is to make the performance standard:

Accepted Answer

The best response to problems related to standards is to make the performance standard more appropriate. The supervisor may need to make the standard less stringent or more challenging.

Question 4

Jake,the restaurant manager at Tulips,greets customers at their tables,visits the kitchen to see how the work is progressing,and makes the effort to fix any issues as soon as they occur.Jake is most likely practicing _____.

Accepted Answer

In the scenario, Jake is most likely practicing concurrent control. Concurrent control refers to controlling work while that work is being done.

Question 5

Which of the following statements is true of the control process?

Accepted Answer

If the control system is working properly, the supervisor should be uncovering problems before customers and management discover them. This gives the supervisor the best opportunity to fix a problem in time to minimize damage.

Question 6

_____ refers to efforts aimed at preventing behavior that may lead to undesirable results.

Accepted Answer

Precontrol refers to efforts aimed at preventing behavior that may lead to undesirable results. Such efforts may include setting rules, policies, and procedures.

Question 7

In the context of controlling,a factor in an organization that is a barrier to improvement is known as a _____.

Accepted Answer

In the context of controlling, a factor in an organization that is a barrier to improvement is known as a problem. When performance significantly falls short of standards, the supervisor should investigate. Below-standard performance is the sign of a problem.

Question 8

The information gained from the control process is beneficial only if supervisors:

Accepted Answer

The information gained from the control process is beneficial only if the supervisor uses it as the basis for reinforcing or changing behavior. If performance is satisfactory or better, the supervisor needs to encourage it.

Question 9

Control that occurs while the work takes place is referred to as _____ control.

Accepted Answer

Control that occurs while the work takes place is referred to as concurrent control. The word "concurrent" describes things that are happening at the same time.

Question 10

Which of the following exemplifies concurrent control?

Accepted Answer

A restaurant manager who is visiting the kitchen to see how work is progressing is practicing concurrent control. Concurrent control refers to controlling work while that work is being done.

Question 11

Which of the following is true of performance reports?

Accepted Answer

Useful performance reports clarify rather than conceal problems. Hiding performance problems can make it difficult for supervisors to convince managers that the group needs more resources or training.

Question 12

Control that focuses on past performance is referred to as _____ control.

Accepted Answer

Control that focuses on past performance is referred to as feedback control. A supervisor reviewing customer comments about service is practicing feedback control.

Question 13

In controlling,a _____ is useful as a kind of performance standard.

Accepted Answer

In controlling, a budget is useful as a kind of performance standard. The supervisor compares actual expenses with the amounts in the budget.

Question 14

A summary of performance and comparison with performance standards is referred to as a performance _____.

Accepted Answer

A summary of performance and comparison with performance standards is referred to as a performance report. A well-structured report can be an important source of information.

Question 15

In the context of controlling,symptoms are best defined as:

Accepted Answer

Symptoms are best defined as indications of an underlying problem. To use the information gained through controlling effectively, the supervisor needs to distinguish problems from symptoms.

Question 16

Which of the following exemplifies precontrol?

Accepted Answer

A production supervisor providing employees with guidelines about the detection of improperly functioning machinery is practicing precontrol. Precontrol refers to efforts aimed at preventing behavior that may lead to undesirable results.

Question 17

Removal of something unpleasant after a desired behavior has occurred is most accurately referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Removal of something unpleasant after a desired behavior has occurred is most accurately referred to as negative reinforcement. Reinforcement is the encouragement of a behavior by associating it with a reward.

Question 18

Statistical process control is a technique for _____.

Accepted Answer

Statistical process control is a technique for concurrent control. Concurrent control refers to controlling work while that work is being done.

Question 19

_____ is one of the functions of the management philosophy known as total quality management.

Accepted Answer

Precontrol is one of the functions of the management philosophy known as total quality management. Precontrol refers to efforts aimed at preventing behavior that may lead to undesirable results.

Question 20

What are the three types of control?

Accepted Answer

There are three types of control in terms of when it occurs: feedback control, concurrent control, and precontrol.

Quiz 6: Reaching Goals: Plans and Controls