Exam 2: Management Theory: Essential Background for the Successful Manager

The management of Omega Manufacturing is implementing a plan to minimize production mistakes by allowing teams that work in each area of the production facility to develop a plan and then monitor their area to ensure the reduction of errors. The managers are engaging in

The Best Fit Office Supplier continually talks with customers after they purchase their products, and The Best Fit managers regularly visit customers to gather feedback on new products, product improvements, and how The Best Fit can better serve its customers. This is an example of an open system.

Monique is preparing for an upcoming interview. She is not really sure where to start. She has heard that it is best to just relax, get a good night's sleep, and walk in confident. As she is telling you all of this, you are thinking of how to respond. Which of the following would be good advice to give Monique?

This question has two parts; be sure to answer both. First, explain the five positive bureaucratic features that Max Weber believed contributed to a better-performing organization. Second, imagine that you are the manager of a small catering company that specializes in catering outdoor events, such as weddings and graduation parties. Apply each of Weber's five bureaucratic features to your business, explaining how you will use each to your advantage.

Which disciplines does the field of behavioral science include?

This question has two parts; be sure to answer both. First, explain at least one of Mary Parker Follett's ideas on how organizations should become more democratic. Next, suppose you work at an advertising agency as an account manager. You are responsible for keeping your clients (the advertisers) happy, but you do not do the creative work of designing the ads. Explain how you might manage a conflict with one of your most talented ad designers, who does not agree with the client's ideas and does not want to implement them.

Sari, a movie theater manager, recently implemented a policy stating that workers who are willing to work a double shift on Friday or Saturday nights will earn a bonus on top of their regular pay. What is Sari implementing?

This question is composed of two parts; be sure to answer both. First, compare and contrast open and closed systems. Explain why almost all businesses today have an open system. Next, suppose you manage a business in which you hire young musicians to give lessons to school children. In what ways will you need your business to be open?

Harriet is planning a scavenger hunt as a team building activity for the next all staff meeting. Harriet is using the principles of

Kaylee's customers seem to be buying less of her freshly baked breads and more of her yogurt parfaits and coffees. She begins to ask customers at the checkout why they made their selection. She learns that many of her customers are choosing a gluten-free diet. She changes her breads and now is selling gluten-free breads and most days sells out. Kaylee used

The management approach that emphasized ways to manage work more efficiently is the ________ approach.

This question contains two parts; be sure to answer both. First, define learning organization and describe the three parts of a learning organization. Next, imagine that you are a publisher of fiction, and your publishing house considers itself a learning organization. Give an example of how your publishing house might implement each of the three parts of a learning organization.

Jasmine, a chef in a fine restaurant, utilizes top-of-the-line equipment as she prepares meals for customers. Jasmine and her equipment are a(n) ________ in the restaurant's system.

The idea that two or more forces combined create an effect that is greater than the sum of their individual effects is called syncretism.

Which of the following is a key benefit of studying theoretical perspectives on management?

________ suggested that organizations should be operated as "communities," with managers and subordinates working together in harmony. For example, in a publishing company run as a community, editors, editorial assistants, and publishers would work together to determine which books should be published.

Adrianne is a package delivery service manager. She is interested in implementing ________, the management philosophy pioneered by Frederick W. Taylor and Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, which scientifically studies work methods to improve the productivity of individual workers. In this particular case, Adrianne will study the routes that drivers take through a congested to city in order to identify ways that delivery staff can make the most deliveries in each two-hour period.

Chenglei, an IT manager, has been studying the actions that his workers perform in an attempt to improve their productivity. Chenglei is utilizing

Nikita is the manager of a local small hotel. Just today Nikita received word that a major convention will be coming to town next month, and the demand for hotel rooms is expected to skyrocket. In a conversation with the owner, she asked, "What should our approach to pricing be for the week of the convention? Should we require payment in full at the time of the reservation?" Which management method is Nikita using?

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