Exam 6: Understanding the Management Process

A plan is an outline of the actions by which the organization intends to accomplish its goals and objectives.

The ability to write and speak effectively within an organization is an example of interpersonal skills.

Identify and describe each of the major steps in the managerial decision-making process.

Dazzle Magazine Rosalea recently switched careers. Previously, she was a college professor, but she felt she needed more real-world experience to help her business students more fully. Her passion and commitment led her to become the manager at Dazzle Magazine, where she was in charge of the layout. Always charismatic, energized, and driven, Rosalea expected as much from her employees as she did of herself. Although the recognized leader, Rosalea let her staff implement their own ideas at times. It was a stressful time when publication deadlines neared. At one point, there was a major mix-up in the layouts for the front cover. Rosalea was not sure of the correct layout because she had allowed one of her employees, Joseph, to modify and run with his idea on this matter. However, she could not ask for Joseph's help with the covers because he happened to be out of town at the time. Rosalea quickly looked over the layouts but felt that they still needed some work. She decided to ask the design manager for her help. The design manager did not feel comfortable making a decision on the issue, so she did not give Rosalea an answer. Rosalea then went to an employee within her department for advice. That employee suggested some ideas, but Rosalea was still not satisfied. Finally, Rosalea called one of her top graduate students with whom she had kept in contact and asked her if she could offer some ideas. The graduate student quickly came to the magazine's office and helped Rosalea decide on the alternative that should be implemented. Rosalea greatly appreciated the assistance and the suggestion. The final cover design went to press, and that issue of the magazine was successful. This helped Rosalea realize that considering the big picture was good, but equally important were the little details. -Refer to Dazzle Magazine. Now that Rosalea has real-world experience, she understands more than ever that certain personal skills are needed for any manager's success. These skills include all of the following except

When a manager identifies an opportunity, he or she generates alternatives to pursue the opportunity, selects one of them, implements it, and then evaluates the results. This manager is acting out the ____ process.

The first step in the managerial decision-making process is to

Chris Gomez is a plant manager for National Manufacturing Company. With regard to levels of management, Chris is a(n) ____ manager.

The effectiveness of a total quality management program is directly related to top management's commitment to its success.

Over the last few years, most U.S. firms have regained the dominant competitive positions they had previously held.

When Starbucks states that by 2015 it plans to purchase 100 percent of its coffee from ethical sources, it is stating a(n)

Decision making involves identifying the problem or opportunity, generating alternatives, selecting an alternative, and implementing the solution.

A certain chicken company decides that it will become the market leader in the poultry business in five years with a 40 percent share of the market. This statement would be classified as a(n)

As a manager at Johnson Electric, an armature motor manufacturer, Charles is responsible for quality. As he carries out his controlling function, Charles sets the standard for the number of defective parts per million, and then he gathers the data measuring the actual performance. What third step of the control function should Charles take next?

An aspect of the strategic planning process is to allocate resources to achieve an organization's goals and objectives.

Karen Smith is a division manager at General Motors and, as such, must ensure that some sort of balance is achieved between the sometimes conflicting goals of the various departments within her division. For example, the marketing department's goal might be to increase sales by 15 percent, whereas the accounting department might strive for certain cost efficiencies. In compensating for these disparate goals, Karen is engaging in

Gary Downs recently has noticed that the plant he is managing is delivering only 30 percent of its products on time. To determine what is causing the problem, he assembles the various department heads and the plant supervisor to get their input on the matter. Although the ultimate responsibility is his, he has no difficulty in delegating decision-making authority to any member of this group. This participative style of leadership suggests that Gary is a(n) ____ leader.

Centrum Springs, Inc. Riley has worked for Centrum Springs, Inc., for many years and has now been given the opportunity to advance in the company. His manager is retiring and hopes that Riley will take over for him. However, even though Riley is an experienced employee, there are many things that he still needs to learn. Riley has trained many new employees, but he has never held a management position. Riley needs to have a general understanding of what it takes to be a manager. There are many problems in Riley's department. There are no plans to fall back on in case the initial plan fails. Riley also will need to learn how to direct people in such a way that makes them want to do more than they absolutely have to. Riley feels that this is a great opportunity, and he is anxious to learn everything to be a great manager. He knows that if he performs well in this position, he will have the opportunity to move up the corporate ladder. -Refer to Centrum Springs, Inc. When Riley learns all that it takes to be a manager, he will be involved in

When a business firm implements several programs to encourage prompt and courteous customer service, employee participation, and better coordination with suppliers, it is making an effort to use

Formal leaders have legitimate power that is based on their position within the organization.

How would you expect top managers to spend most of their work time?