Table 10.4
B.F.E., Inc. has to assign several problems to different groups. In the first case, the group consists of a number of experts who have offices across the country and have difficulty getting together. The problem they are working on is a problem that needs to be solved over the next six to nine months. In the second case, management is concerned that people might be intimidated by their leaders. The team is located in the same building as the corporate headquarters. Genuine consensus is important, and a trained facilitator is available to lead the group. In the third and final situation, management has observed that the people selected to participate seem hesitant to do so. Plus, the lengthy nature of the work to be done means new people will need to be added to the group periodically. Time is not an issue.
-Refer to Table 10.4. The best problem-solving technique in the third situation would be:
A) the nominal group technique.
B) the stepladder technique.
C) traditional analytical problem solving.
D) the Delphi technique.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The stepladder technique is best suited for the third situation because it allows for the gradual integration of new members into an existing group, which is ideal given the need to periodically add new people to the group. This technique also encourages participation from all members, which can help overcome the hesitancy observed by management.

Table 10.4 B.F.E., Inc. Has to Assign Several Problems to Different Groups