Deck 4: Creative Problem Solving and Decision Making

Question 1

A problem is:

A)Taking corrective action to meet objectives
B)The process of selecting a course of action that will solve a problem
C)Only evaluating the certainty,risk,and uncertainty of a situation
D)The situation that exists whenever objectives are not being met

Answer 1

D

Question 2

Mary,the Director of Human Resources,frequently receives emails from colleagues seeking advice about problems they are facing.Because Mary receives so many of these emails,she quickly emails the colleagues back to let the individual know she has received the email,and that she will respond to them within a few weeks with her recommended solution.Mary is most likely a ________ decision-maker.

A)Reflexive
B)Reflective
C)Consistent
D)Collective

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Bryon,the Accounting Manager,has recently had to meet with his Supervisor because there have been several issues with the budget he constructed regarding duplication;this led to a lack of efficiency and extra waste.What should Bryon do at this point?

A)Continue to make decisions in the same manner
B)Double-check the budget several times to ensure accuracy
C)Start implementing the decision-making model when evaluating problems
D)Request additional training

Answer 3

C

Question 4

________ decisions made by managers fail to solve the problems they are aimed at solving.

A)Some
B)None
C)All
D)Half

Question 5

Decision making is:

A)Taking corrective action to meet objectives
B)The process of selecting a course of action that will solve a problem
C)Only evaluating the certainty,risk,and uncertainty of a situation
D)The situation that exists whenever objectives are not being met

Question 6

What is the most effective way to prevent future problems?

A)React as quickly as possible to each problem
B)Think about each problem thoroughly when it happens
C)Develop plans to prevent problems
D)Evaluate all problems at the end of each week

Question 7

Problem solving is:

A)Taking corrective action to meet objectives
B)The process of selecting a course of action that will solve a problem
C)Only evaluating the certainty,risk,and uncertainty of a situation
D)The situation that exists whenever objectives are not being met

Question 8

According to the decision-making model,what happens after planning and implementing the decision?

A)Classify and define the problem or opportunity
B)Analyze alternatives and select the most feasible
C)Set objectives
D)Control the decision

Question 9

Mary,the Director of Human Resources,frequently receives emails from colleagues seeking advice about problems they are facing.Because Mary receives so many of these emails,in order to save time,she typically responds with the first solution that comes to mind.Mary is most likely a ________ decision-maker.

A)Reflexive
B)Reflective
C)Consistent
D)Collective

Question 10

________ is the second step in the decision making model.

A)Set objectives and criteria
B)Classify and define the problem or opportunity
C)Plan and implement the decision
D)Generate creative and innovative alternatives

Question 11

The first decision you face when confronted with a problem is:

A)Whether you should use reflexive or reflective tactics
B)To analyze alternatives
C)Whether or not to take corrective action
D)Whether or not to use brainstorming

Question 12

Which of the following contribute to a decision-making style?

A)Number of Siblings
B)Experiences
C)Salary
D)Team members

Question 13

A company's manufacturing department is tasked with creating 1800 pairs of shoes a day;however,the department has only been producing 1700 pairs of shoes a day.Which of the following exists?

A)Problem
B)Solution
C)Corrective action
D)Surplus

Question 14

Which is the correct decision-making model?

A)Reflective
B)Reflexive
C)Consistent
D)There is no one correct decision making model

Question 15

Nikki is a teacher at the local high school,and often has students coming to her asking for advice on a multitude of things.When this happens,she likes to take the time to think of the best response,but will limit her time spent on it to ensure that she is not wasting time thinking in circles.What would her decision-making style best fit under?

A)Reflexive decision making style
B)Reflective decision making style
C)Consistent decision making style
D)Influential decision making style

Question 16

Which of the following is representative of consistent decision-maker?

A)They are often viewed as 'wishy-washy'
B)They tend to have the worst record for making good decisions
C)There is often waste and duplication
D)They tend to follow the steps in the decision making model

Question 17

The decision-making model includes all the following steps except?

A)Classifying and defining the problem
B)Controlling the decision
C)Generating uncreative and innovative alternatives
D)Planning and implementing the decision

Question 18

Felicia has been involved with a team that is deciding on the way to move forward with a project regarding budget allotment for her building location.They have brainstormed on different solutions,and have also met with the leadership to determine a final solution.At this point in the process they are training the department managers to comply with the new allotment procedures.At what point in the decision-making process is Felicia's team?

A)Set objectives and criteria
B)Plan and implement decision
C)Control the decision
D)Defining the problem

Question 19

Which of the following is representative of reflective decision-making?

A)The individual makes decisions quickly
B)The individual is sometimes viewed as indecisive
C)There is often waste and duplication
D)The first possible method of problem solving is often chosen

Question 20

Which of the following is representative of reflexive decision-making?

A)The individual takes lots of time to make a decision
B)It is possible to lose out on opportunities from procrastination
C)There is often waste and duplication
D)Individuals tend to follow the steps in the decision making model

Question 21

Scheduling employees is an example of all the following decisions except:

A)Programmed
B)Routine
C)Recurring
D)Significant

Question 22

You work for Blankets4Us as the manager of the product development department.You must figure out whether to introduce a newer but more expensive product to boost sales.Which type of decision would best fit this situation?

A) Programmed decision
B)Individual Decision
C)Group Decision
D)Team Decision

Question 23

Problems may be classified in terms of all the following except:

A)The decision structure involved
B)The conditions under which the decision will be made
C)The type of decision made using the decision making model
D)The personality type of the decision maker

Question 24

How many primary types of decisions can be made using the decision making model?

A)One
B)Two
C)Three
D)Four

Question 25

You work for Blankets4Us as the manager of the product development department.You must figure out whether to introduce a newer but more expensive product to boost sales.Who should be involved in the problem solving process for this situation?

A)A representative from every department
B)All of your higher up managers,plus employees
C)Key people from sales and product development teams,including employees
D)Other mangers from the sales and product development teams

Question 26

Kimberly is a sales associate at Justice,and a customer has come to her with an item that needs to be returned.The customer said that the stitching was coming undone.Kimberly completed the return transaction for the customer.What kind of a decision did Kimberly have to make in this situation?

A)Non-programmed decision
B)Programmed decision
C)Opportunity decision
D)She did not have to make a decision here

Question 27

Which of the following tend to make more uncertain decisions?

A)Accounting Supervisors
B)Finance Supervisors
C)Marketing Mangers
D)Sales Supervisors

Question 28

What is the next step after classifying the problem?

A)Distinguish the symptoms of the problem
B)Distinguish the cause of the problem
C)Solve the problem
D)Dine the problem

Question 29

Current trends in management decision making include _____________.

A)Increased employee participation
B)Consulting higher level management
C)Making autocratic decisions
D)Only including key people be involved

Question 30

Which of the following is true in the decision making process?

A)Generate creative and non-innovative alternatives
B)Classify and define the solution or opportunity
C)Plan and implement the decision
D)Select the least feasible alternative

Question 31

Under conditions of _________,lack of information or knowledge makes the outcome of each alternative unpredictable.

A)Risk
B)Uncertainty
C)Predictability
D)Certainty

Question 32

What decision making style is used when looking only at the minimum requirements on the situation?

A)Satisficing
B)Optimizing
C)Ineffectiveness
D)None of the above

Question 33

Casper is thinking about where would be the most profitable area to open a new facility.What kind of decision is this?

A)Routine decision
B)Programmed decision
C)Non-programmed decision
D)Insignificant decision

Question 34

Andrew is trying to decide which job offer he wants to accept.He is currently trying to decide between two offers.Macy's is willing to offer him the higher salary that he has been wanting,but he noticed that the management does not seem to stick around for very long in these positions.His other offer from Quinn's has a salary lower than what he was wanting,but he has heard that all the employees love working there and stay there for years at a time.If Andrew were to make this decision with taking high risk,what would be his most likely course of action?

A)Take the Macy's job
B)Take the Quinn's job
C)Keep looking for a job
D)Stand in the unemployment line

Question 35

Which of the following is always bad in decision-making?

A)Risk
B)Uncertainty
C)Group decision-making
D)Relying exclusively on emotional appeal

Question 36

In order to succeed in business,you need to do what?

A)Participate in insider training
B)Accept bribes
C)Be unethical
D)Take risks

Question 37

What should you do if you are controlling the decision and the implementation is not going as planned?

A)Let somebody else take over
B)Ignore the problem and continue
C)Let the issue work itself out
D)Backtrack to prior steps to take corrective action

Question 38

Khai is handling customer complaints after a new product had to be recalled because serious defects.What kind of decision is best for this situation?

A)Programmed decision
B)Non-programmed decision
C)Risky decision
D)Uncertain decision

Question 39

You work for Blankets4Us as the manager of the product development department.You must figure out whether to introduce a newer but more expensive product to boost sales.The disadvantage of attempting to make a group decision include all of the following except:

A)Groupthink
B)Satisficing
C)Social Loafing
D)Too many alternatives

Question 40

The most important part of defining the problem is

A)Distinguishing the symptoms from the cause
B)Knowing what is causing the problem
C)Observing the problem
D)Writing it out

Question 41

The difference between objectives and criteria is that

A)Objectives state what the decision should accomplish,criteria are the standards that alternatives should meet
B)Objectives state what the decision should accomplish,criteria help decide what the objective is
C)There is only one objective,but can be multiple criteria
D)Criteria determine the objectives

Question 42

_____________ is a type of innovation which introduces new goods or services.

A)Product innovation
B)Process innovation
C)Product creativity
D)Process creativity

Question 43

When group members focus on defending a solution while others come up with reasons the solution will not work,it is called the ____________.

A)The Delphi Technique
B)Brainstorming
C)The Celphi Technique
D)Devil's advocate approach

Question 44

You are a regional manager who is looking to hire a new store manager for Dallas Roadhouse,a popular steakhouse.You have a pile of 50 applications but only want to interview the top four applicants.You have already defined your problem and your objective is to hire and train a new manager within one month.What would be considered a "Want" criteria?

A)Have strong conflict management skills
B)Have restaurant management experience
C)College Degree
D)Ability to work with others

Question 45

Which of the following is NOT one of the three stages in the creative process?

A)incubation and illumination
B)preparation
C)clarification
D)evaluation

Question 46

Which of the following quotes would not cause problems when promoting creativity?

A)"We have never done something like that before."
B)"That is not in the budget."
C)"Let's have an open discussion about ideas."
D)"Let's form a committee."

Question 47

Setting clear objectives ___________.

A)Does not allow flexibility in the decision making process
B)Helps managers to make better decisions
C)Causes Confusion
D)Creates a hostile environment

Question 48

What percentage of large companies have some type of chief innovation officer?

A)36%
B)43%
C)46%
D)56%

Question 49

You are a regional manager who is looking to hire a new store manager for Dallas Roadhouse,a popular steakhouse.You have a pile of 50 applications but only want to interview the top four applicants.You have already defined your problem and your objective is to hire and train a new manager within one month.What would not be considered a "Must" criteria?

A)Have strong conflict management skills
B)Have restaurant management experience
C)College Degree
D)Ability to work with others

Question 50

What are the two types of criteria you can establish?

A)Want and need
B)Want and must
C) Beneficial and critical
D)Beneficial and vital

Question 51

____________ is the final stage in the creative process.

A)Clarification
B)Preparation
C)Evaluation
D)Illumination

Question 52

Setting objectives in the decision making model helps because it

A)Increases commitment to solving the problem
B)Keeps the group on task
C)Sets a standard for the solution
D)Automatically generates alternatives

Question 53

________________ is the process of suggesting many possible alternatives without evaluation.

A)Brainstorming
B)Consensus Mapping
C)Clarification
D)Nominal Grouping

Question 54

Cheyenne has determined several criteria for her new start-up company including getting into physical office.She has outlined many criteria for her search.She has determined that she will require that the space have 1200 square feet,and the ability to renovate.She also would like to be in something other than the first floor.How many 'must criteria' has Cheyenne outlined for her search.

A)Zero
B)One
C)Two
D)Three

Question 55

Which of the following is an example of process innovation?

A)iPad Mini
B)Samsung Galaxy s4
C)2015 Nike Hyperdunks
D)Original Apple iPhone

Question 56

You are a regional manager who is looking to hire a new store manager for Dallas Roadhouse,a popular steakhouse.You have a pile of 50 applications but only want to interview the top four applicants.You have already defined your problem and your objective is to hire and train a new manager within one month.What type of decision would this be?

A)Group decision
B)Individual decision
C)Programmed decision
D)Nonprogrammed decision

Question 57

Which of the following is NOT an example of product innovation?

A)iPad Mini
B)Samsung Galaxy s4
C)2015 Nike Hyperdunks
D)Original Apple iPhone

Question 58

Which of the following is the third step in the decision making model?

A)Plan and implement the decision
B)Control the decision
C)Generate creative and innovative alternatives
D)Set objectives and criteria

Question 59

Managers should allow for _____ criteria for the alternatives to meet.

A)Exactly one
B)Many
C)Exactly two
D)Zero

Question 60

_____________ is a type of innovation which introduces a new way of doing things.

A)Product innovation
B)Process innovation
C)Product creativity
D)Process creativity

Question 61

Cathy has asked Rhonda to source resumes and select candidates that would be a good fit for a Human Resources Administrator position.Cathy says that the candidate needs to at least be pursuing a degree in business,and some HR experience would be a benefit.They also need to be flexible,personable,and a hard worker.According to the Kepner-Tregoe method,which of the following qualities is NOT considered a "want"?

A)Pursuing a business degree
B)HR experience
C)Hard working
D)Flexability

Question 62

The ___________________ can help the group avoid the potential problems of satisficing,dominance,and groupthink.

A)Use of intuition
B)Devil's advocate approach
C)Making of a pros and cons list
D)Making of a decision tree

Question 63

_________ is the process of developing group agreement on a solution to a problem.

A)Synectics
B)Nominal Grouping
C)Consensus Mapping
D)The Delphi Technique

Question 64

Problem solving and decision-making are interrelated with each other.

Question 65

A(n)_______________ is used when comparing alternatives in which subjective variables are involved along with statistics and math.

A)Pros and cons list
B)Kepner-Tregoe method analysis
C)Intuition
D)Cost-benefit analysis

Question 66

After setting objectives and criteria,the next step is to analyze alternatives and select the most feasible one.

Question 67

Carter is the store manager at Barget.It is just after the holidays and the foot traffic in the store has decreased drastically.He now realizes that he is losing money by paying all of his employees because the store does not have the same flow of revenue as it did in the preceding months and because of this,many employees are just standing around and not assisting customers during their shifts.He decides to terminate employment for 30 employees.Which method of analyzing alternatives did he use?

A)Break-even analysis
B)Queuing theory
C)Probability theory
D)Linear programming

Question 68

Programmed decisions are those that occur in unique situations.

Question 69

Which of the following is NOT one of the four approaches that are commonly used to analyze alternative solutions?

A)Quantitative techniques
B)Kepner-Tregoe method
C)Consensus mapping
D)Intuition

Question 70

The fourth step in the decision making model is:

A)Controlling the decision
B)Analyzing alternatives and selecting the most feasible
C)Planning and implementing the decision
D)Generating creative and innovative ideas

Question 71

_________ involves using a series of confidential questionnaires to refine a solution.

A)Synectics
B)Nominal Grouping
C)Consensus Mapping
D)The Delphi Technique

Question 72

Samantha's boss has asked her to find the quantity of pens they will have to produce in order to balance out the costs that get put into production.Which method should she use to determine this number?

A)Break-even analysis
B)Capital budgeting
C)Queuing theory
D)Probability theory

Question 73

Which of the following is NOT part of the nominal grouping process?

A)Listing
B)Mapping
C)Recording
D)Ranking

Question 74

_________ is the process of generating novel alternatives through role playing and fantasizing.

A)Synectics
B)Nominal Grouping
C)Consensus Mapping
D)The Delphi Technique

Question 75

_________ is the process of generating and evaluating alternatives using a structured voting method.

A)Synectics
B)Nominal Grouping
C)Consensus Mapping
D)The Delphi Technique

Question 76

Managers need to attempt to solve all problems.

Question 77

Linear programming is a quantitative technique of analyzing alternatives that is used in high uncertainty/high risk situations.

Question 78

Consistent decision makers will often either rush or take too much time.

Question 79

_____________ is unconscious reasoning that complements other techniques.

A)Cost-benefit analysis
B)Pros and cons
C)Queuing theory
D)Intuition

Question 80

Which of the following is NOT a step in the Kepner-Tregoe method of analyzing alternatives?

A)Determine the importance of a "want" on a scale of 1-10
B)Select the alternative with the highest weighted score
C)Consider the alternatives at hand when determining "musts" vs."wants"
D)Assess each alternative with regard to the "must" criteria