Deck 11: Problem Identification and Decision Making

Question 1

What are the four basic steps to problem analysis?

A) admit there are problems, determine the type of problem, find other agencies that have had that problem in the past, borrow a solution from another agency.
B) recognize problems, separate and set priorities, specify the priority problem to be analyzed, test for cause
C) know that a problem is the difference between what is happening and what should be happening, solve the issue, test the solution, see if the problem has been corrected.
D) none of the above

Answer 1

B

Question 2

To identify a problem, a manager should answer which of the following?

A) Where does the problem occur?
B) When does the problem occur?
C) How serious is the problem?
D) all of the above

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Which of the following need(s) to be considered when determining the priority of a problem?

A) the growth rate of the problem
B) the effect of the problem on reaching objectives
C) the financial cost of the problem
D) all of the above

Answer 3

D

Question 4

Identify the dimension to the question: What or whom does the problem concern?

A) identity
B) location
C) timing
D) magnitude

Question 5

Identify the dimension to the question: When does the problem occur?

A) identity
B) location
C) timing
D) magnitude

Question 6

Identify the dimension to the question: What is the nature of the problem?

A) identity
B) location
C) timing
D) magnitude

Question 7

Identify the dimension to the question: What is the extent of the problem?

A) identity
B) location
C) timing
D) magnitude

Question 8

Identify the dimension to the question: Where, geographically, does the problem occur?

A) identity
B) location
C) timing
D) magnitude

Question 9

Identify the dimension to the question: What is the trend; Is the problem growing, stabilizing, or

A) identity
B) location
C) timing
D) magnitude

Question 10

Which of the following can be considered one of the general principles in the philosophy of decision making.

A) Always second-guess decisions, you might come up with a better one.
B) You will be considered someone who "flip flops" when making decisions if you change your mind.
C) Once the decision is made, implement it and don't worry about it.
D) Don't change your mind, even if a better way is discovered.

Question 11

A routine management decision is one that:

A) allows the manager time to solve problems and make new innovations
B) results from actions taken by members of the police agency or from internal problems identified by external sources
C) requires the manager to take some risk
D) none of the above

Question 12

Specific issues resolutions are decisions that:

A) allow the manager time to solve problems and make new innovations
B) result from actions taken by members of the police agency or from internal problems identified by external sources
C) require the manager to take some risk
D) none of the above

Question 13

Decisions that are designed to generate ideas and innovative techniques:

A) allow the manager time to solve problems and make new innovations
B) result from actions taken by members of the police agency or from internal problems identified by external sources
C) require the manager to take some risk
D) none of the above

Question 14

Which of the following are values for using means-ends chain before decision making?

A) Means-ends analysis helps show the relationship of an objective at one level to the goal at a higher level.
B) Means-ends analysis helps stimulate the development of a series of possible alternative solutions to a single problem.
C) Means-ends analysis helps develop and translate rather broad objectives, such as increased efficiency to some very sound actions at the bottom of the chain that can be delegated to individuals.
D) none of the above

Question 15

A reason or purpose for doing something is also known as:

A) setting an objective
B) a reason or purpose
C) identifying obstacles
D) selecting alternatives

Question 16

Problem analysis is a careful examination of the facts to determine the cause of a problem.

Question 17

The behaviors of police officers, supervisors, and civilian personnel do not vary.

Question 18

Most of the problems handled by a police manager demand immediate attention and action.

Question 19

According to the text, the cause of a problem can be determined from careful examination of all the possible causes.

Question 20

According to the text, identity is one of the four major dimensions of a problem.