Deck 1: Introduction

Question 1

The first step in problem solving is

A) determination of the correct analytical solution procedure.
B) definition of decision variables.
C) the identification of a difference between the actual and desired state of affairs.
D) implementation.

Answer 1

C

Question 2

George Dantzig is important in the history of management science because he developed

A) the scientific management revolution.
B) World War II operations research teams.
C) the simplex method for linear programming.
D) powerful digital computers.

Answer 2

C

Question 3

The quantitative analysis approach requires

A) the manager's prior experience with a similar problem.
B) a relatively uncomplicated problem.
C) mathematical expressions for the relationships.

Answer 3

C

Question 4

Inputs to a quantitative model

A) are a trivial part of the problem solving process.
B) are uncertain for a stochastic model.
C) are uncontrollable for the decision variables.
D) must all be deterministic if the problem is to have a solution.

Question 5

The decision making process includes implementation and evaluation of the decision.

Question 6

Management science and operations research both involve

A) qualitative managerial skills.
B) quantitative approaches to decision making.
C) operational management skills.
D) scientific research as opposed to applications.

Question 7

The field of management science

A) concentrates on the use of quantitative methods to assist in decision making.
B) approaches decision making rationally, with techniques based on the scientific method.
C) is another name for decision science and for operations research.
D) each of these choices are true.

Question 8

The terms 'stochastic' and 'deterministic' have the same meaning in quantitative analysis.

Question 9

The process of decision making is more limited than that of problem solving.

Question 10

The volume that results in total revenue being equal to total cost is the

A) break-even point.
B) marginal volume.
C) marginal cost.
D) profit mix.

Question 11

Decision criteria

A) are the choices faced by the decision maker.
B) are the problems faced by the decision maker.
C) are the ways to evaluate the choices faced by the decision maker.
D) must be unique for a problem.

Question 12

A physical model that does not have the same physical appearance as the object being modeled is

A) an analog model.
B) an iconic model.
C) a mathematical model.
D) a qualitative model.

Question 13

Identification and definition of a problem

A) cannot be done until alternatives are proposed.
B) is the first step of decision making.
C) is the final step of problem solving.
D) requires consideration of multiple criteria.

Question 14

Problem definition

A) includes specific objectives and operating constraints.
B) must occur prior to the quantitative analysis process.
C) must involve the analyst and the user of the results.
D) each of these choices are true.

Question 15

In a multicriteria decision problem

A) it is impossible to select a single decision alternative.
B) the decision maker must evaluate each alternative with respect to each criterion.
C) successive decisions must be made over time.
D) each of these choices are true.

Question 16

Decision alternatives

A) should be identified before decision criteria are established.
B) are limited to quantitative solutions
C) are evaluated as a part of the problem definition stage.
D) are best generated by brain-storming.

Question 17

When the value of the output cannot be determined even if the value of the controllable input is known, the model is

A) analog.
B) digital.
C) stochastic.
D) deterministic.

Question 18

The volume that results in marginal revenue equaling marginal cost is called the break-even point.

Question 19

A model that uses a system of symbols to represent a problem is called

A) mathematical.
B) iconic.
C) analog.
D) constrained.

Question 20

Problem solving encompasses both the identification of a problem and the action to resolve it.

Question 21

An author has received an advance against royalties of $10,000. The royalty rate is $1.00 for every book sold in the United States, and $1.35 for every book sold outside the United States. Define variables for this problem and write an expression that could be used to calculate the number of books to be sold to cover the advance.

Question 22

In quantitative analysis, the optimal solution is the mathematically-best solution.

Question 23

The most successful quantitative analysis will separate the analyst from the managerial team until after the problem is fully structured.

Question 24

The first step in the decision making process is to identify the problem.

Question 25

The value of any model is that it enables the user to make inferences about the real situation.

Question 26

To find the choice that provides the highest profit and the fewest employees, apply a single-criterion decision process.

Question 27

A feasible solution is one that satisfies at least one of the constraints in the problem.

Question 28

If you are deciding to buy either machine A, B, or C with the objective of minimizing the sum of labor, material and utility costs, you are dealing with a single-criterion decision.

Question 29

A toy train layout designed to represent an actual railyard is an example of an analog model.

Question 30

Uncontrollable inputs are the decision variables for a model.

Question 31

Model development should be left to quantitative analysts; the model user's involvement should begin at the implementation stage.

Question 32

A company seeks to maximize profit subject to limited availability of man-hours. Man-hours is a controllable input.

Question 33

The most critical component in determining the success or failure of any quantitative approach to decision making is problem definition.

Question 34

The feasible solution is the best solution possible for a mathematical model.

Question 35

All uncontrollable inputs or data must be specified before we can analyze the model and recommend a decision or solution for the problem.

Question 36

Frederick Taylor is credited with forming the first MS/OR interdisciplinary teams in the 1940's.