Exam 6: The Basics of Planning and Project Management

Which of the following is not an organizational response to an uncertain environment?

At the heart of management by objectives (MBO), are measurable objectives set by the manager for each employee.

The planning horizon for operational planning is shorter than that for strategic planning.

It is accurate to describe planning as a continuous process because of constant change, uncertainty, unexpected problems, and emerging opportunities.

Project-based organizations are becoming obsolete in today's technology-driven world.

The initial planning/control cycle begins when top management establishes strategic plans.

Objectives can serve as performance targets.

The path with the least time-consuming chain of activities is the critical path through a PERT network.

Insight Solutions, a consulting firm, enacted an management by objectives (MBO) strategy for the company in 2004. One year later, the managers who mutually set the objectives met face-to-face to discuss how things have turned out. What stage of the MBO cycle does this represent?

____ objectives are used in management by objectives (MBO) programs.

Charlie's Dilemma Charlie, an operations manager at an investment firm, is looking for information on management by objectives (MBO). One of his employees suggested implementing the MBO process but Charlie is not sure what impact it would have on the motivation and productivity of his staff. Can you help? -Refer to Charlie's Dilemma. What type of uncertainty is Charlie experiencing?

Managers who use management by objectives (MBO) rely on what sort of objectives? How do those objectives strengthen employee motivation?

By definition, projects are schedule-driven and results-oriented.

Memory on the Move Memory on the Move is a manufacturer of USB flashdrives, and is in the midst of a labor-management contract negotiation for the coming three years. In a meeting on management's side, Michael, the human resources manager, is wondering if they are facing a labor strike. Rachel, the operations manager, argues that even if management offers a compromise, she is not sure how the labor representatives will react. Being new in the position, Michael suggests that Memory on the Move should follow their two main competitors in the industry and copy their labor agreement. Rachel disagrees and suggests waiting. Rachel argues that if the union actually goes on strike and the company suffers from declining production, then maybe the company should offer a compromise. Vanessa, CEO and president, after hearing all sides gave her perspective and recommendation. Vanessa proposed that the company should quickly settle with the union and focus on being a technology leader in the industry. -Refer to Memory on the Move. Vanessa's emphasis on being a technology leader indicates the ____ organizational response to uncertainty.

By definition, which term best characterizes a project?

According to the author, fixed and variable costs are ____ in a break-even analysis.

Justin Lashley wonders if his new cell phone repair business will have enough customers in its first year. Justin is experiencing ____ uncertainty.

Which of these responses to an uncertain environment is not associated with a defender organization?

____ is a feature of Gantt charts that is an improvement over flow charts.

When referring to different organizational responses to uncertainty, a reactor makes adjustments only when finally forced to do so by environmental forces.