MGT 301 Exam 2

While sitting at her desk, Ann is setting goals and deciding how to achieve them. She is ___.

When utilizing SMART goals or MBO, deadlines can help you keep your eye on the ______ while simultaneously paying attention to _____.

Andre, the plant manager, is interested in increasing the facility's productivity by utilizing MBO so that his managers and their employees are more focused on objectives. This month Andre asked his managers to concentrate on the two first steps of MBO, which are ____.

Abe and April are considering starting a family business, so their banker advised them to write a business plan because it helps an entrepreneur ____.

This month, Alice, the branch manager of Quality Computer Sales, has heard several complaints from customers that Quality employees do not return calls. Today a good customer told Alice that "my phone calls and e-mails are returned after maybe a week or so." Hearing enough, Alice mandated that "all customer phone calls and e-mails must be returned within 24 hours." This new directive by Alice is an example of a(n) _____.

The top management of Tasty Foods, a food distribution company, has set strategic goals of increasing organizational market share and also decreasing corporate costs over the next three years. Greg, a division manager for Tasty Foods, has looked at his resources, and decided how his division can contribute to the two strategic goals set by upper management. These types of objectives set by Greg are _____.

Susan is a front-line supervisor in a grocery retailer. She desires to decrease the time she spends working on doing her daily closing work. This objective set by Susan and for her is an example of a(n) ____.

The upper-level managers of Synergy Technology are meeting for the week to look at the long-term company goals and overall direction of the organization. The CEO has expressed her concern over the economy and has told her managers to look closely at the environment outside the organization before making decisions and to be future oriented. In this meeting, top managers of Synergy are _____.

Research suggests that when writing out and achieving a person's biggest goals, it is important to ____.

In a late October marketing meeting, Theresa, the branch manager, told her marketing manager, Sal, that she needed two things by the end of the year from him: "First I want your goals for next year, and then I need your action plan to reach your goals, your ____."

The upper management of a large national retail grocery store has passed along the new goals of improving customer service to the district managers. At this point, the district managers need to determine how the stores in their district will achieve top management's goal with the given resources during the next 6 to 24 months. This type of planning is known as ____.

Clothing maker Patagonia states that its purpose as an organization is to "build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, [and] use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis." This is the company's ___.

With MBO, research shows people are impelled to set more difficult goals—if _____.

At the strategic level of planning, managers must pay attention to the environment outside the organization, be future oriented, and ____.

Says one authority, strategic planning should communicate not only general goals about growth and profits but also _____.

The planning/control cycle has two planning steps: _____.

Brenda, the district manager for Beautiful Florist, told the store managers in her district that she needs the sales goals for next year. A new manager, Paula, said, "I am going to sell over $100,000 in flowers next year." Brenda later told Paula that "I need to know specifically, in each category, how much you plan on selling." Brenda's request for a specific answer is an example of a _____.

Because several computers and keyboards in the computer labs have been damaged recently by drinks and food being spilled, the department chair of the IT department issued a directive that "Absolutely no food or drink is allowed in any computer lab." This statement by the department chair is a(n) ______.

Billy told his boss, Gwen, that he is going to start training for the upcoming marathon to be healthier and to have more energy for work. When Gwen asked him about his running history, Billy said, "I really have never run before and don't exercise much. I just know I need to do something." Gwen told Billy, "You should start slowly, maybe setting smaller, realistic exercise goals that are achievable." Gwen is helping Billy with an achievable goal, a type of _____.

For MBO to be successful, top management must be committed, it must be applied organizationwide, and _____.

ABC Technology makes and sells only one product, a high-quality processor for mainframe computers, within its market, Silicon Valley, California; ABC utilizes a _____ strategy.

Organic Foods International has decided to increase its market share by hiring a marketing rep to visit businesses in the area and invite their employees to shop at Organic Foods and for monthly health events. The store also hired two new employees to handle the anticipated increase in customer traffic. Organic Foods is utilizing a _____.

Bryan Barry suggests that to keep a strategic plan on track, organizations should ____.

A company's overall ability to execute is a function of effectively executing according to three processes, but Bossidy and Charan proposed that the _____ process is the most important.

Quality Services is an organization that operates several companies that market food products, restaurant equipment, and paper and plastic products, and it even has a division that counsels restaurant owners, helping them become established. Quality Services is involved in a _____ strategy.

Is it appropriate for the organization and for the times? Does it set standards of excellence and reflect high ideals? Is it ambitious? These are all questions that are answered in a good _____.

Delux Technology has a reputation of reliability and winning customer service, building this highly respected name brand over the last 15 years. As a speaker at a business conference, Steve, the CEO of Delux, told his audience that "We have built our reputation by changing little over the last several years, but consistently helping customers with great, caring service and a reliable product." Delux Technology utilizes a ____.

Pedro, CEO of a successful IT company, is constantly reading press releases, ads, and news articles about his competition, and he regularly checks information about new competitive products and visits trade shows to study his competition. Pedro is involved in ____.

The second step in the strategic-management process is to look at where the organization stands and see what is working and what could be different to maximize efficiency and effectiveness in achieving the organization's mission. This step is the process of completing a(n) _____.

Tom and his family have developed a successful business selling a liquid spray fertilizer to other farmers in his area, consisting of rich, organic compost material. Recently ABC Seed, a national seed company, has been marketing a powdered chemical fertilizer to his customers that is less expensive than Tom's product. ABC's efforts are an example of ___ in Porter's model for industry analysis.

Tom is the CEO of Yost Tech, a large global manufacturing company, and he is having lunch with a longtime friend, Greg, owner of a small office supply store. Tom told Greg that "Strategic management and planning have really increased our success at Yost. I just read an article about an analysis of several studies that found that strategic management and planning _____."

To provide direction and momentum, encourage new ideas, and develop a sustainable competitive advantage are reasons why an organization should adopt _____.

More important than profit growth, stimulating innovation, customer loyalty, and finding qualified employees, global CEOs desire ____.

The owners of Smith's Yard Mart, a family-owned garden center in a rural community, is concerned over the news that a large retailer with a garden center is building a new store on the other side of town. This new retailer is a(n) ____ for Smith's.

Michael Porter proposed that business-level strategies originate with the primary competitive forces in the firm's environment; these forces are _____.

The basic assumption that the picture of the present can be projected into the future is the basis of a _____.

Rashid, the CEO of Top Productions, was telling his new vice president of accounting that "In the past I had resistance to new ideas by people who felt that one of our plans threatens their influence or jobs. So when you tell your collections department that we just hired a collection agency to handle bad debt, you may have to sell your collections manager and his supervisors on using the agency and that nobody is going to be laid off." Selling middle and supervisory managers on changes to overcome their resistance is often a necessary part of _____.

Ben attended a workshop hosted by SCORE, an SBA organization that counsels small-business owners on developing a good vision statement. In that workshop the speakers discussed how an organization's vision needs to describe _____.

George, a chef and owner of a popular restaurant, is always visiting his competition to observe how they are doing things in their restaurants. He told one of his managers that "I do this because I want to know what is going on. I am always concerned that one of our competitors will surprise us with a new service or menu item like us, but better." George is utilizing ___.

Doug is the CEO of Johnson Motors, a business consisting of Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, and Mercedes-Benz dealerships. He also sells Fleetwood and American Coach RVs. Doug mentioned to his sales manager that "there is economic value in having many related businesses managed by one ownership group. They are worth more than if they are separate companies." This is an example of ____.

The Safety Committee at Office Supply Mart was formed to help make the stores a safer place, and some of the suggestions were going to be costly. However, when the vice president of accounting announced the recent report on company profits were much lower than expected, a new secondary goal was established to meet new profit expectations. Having to consider this new goal as a committee is an example of ____.

A technique used to help groups generate multiple ideas and alternatives for solving problems is known as _____.

Olivia, the owner of a small city newspaper, started her business two years ago, believing that there was still enough demand for her product. However, because people are busy and with the availability of news online, she has seen the demand for her paper drop steadily. Olivia made a decision to change the original direction of the company and focus more on an Internet news service. By demonstrating that managers need to think and act as if their company is an unfinished prototype, won't be ruined by new ideas and focusing on facts, Olivia is relying on _____.

In the political ads for Representative Joe Smith, the Democratic candidate, he is portrayed by the Republican-sponsored ads as being dishonest and poor at his job. Yet, the ads for Joe Smith, which are paid for by the Democratic supporters, describe him as being caring, honest, and a hard worker. The sponsors of these advertisements know that ads can affect whom voters choose on Election Day. This tendency of decision makers, the voters in this case, to be influenced by how a situation or problem is presented to them is known as ____.

Marie is a small-business owner who loves to take risks. She also enjoys going out and meeting customers and potential clients—the social aspect of her job. Marie relies on intuition and discussions with others to acquire information. As an interior decorator, Marie utilizes her imaginative strengths, taking a broad perspective to problem solving, and she likes to consider many options and future possibilities. Marie represents a person with a(n) _____ style.

ABC Medical Technology, a fast-growing global research firm, has accumulated so much client information that conventional database management systems cannot handle its customer needs. Therefore, it purchased very sophisticated analysis software and supercomputing-level hardware. For the company's work with hospitals and university medical schools, ABC has been noted in publications as "real pioneers for innovation and productivity." This vast amount of data is known as ____.

Paul, the store manager, recently had to fire Sue, an employee who graduated from North College. He felt that Sue was not well trained at her school. So when Steven, also a graduate from North College, applied for Sue's old position, he did not want to consider hiring him, feeling Steven also probably did not receive the proper training. Paul was affected by _____ bias.

Ace Manufacturing has high turnover continually due to issues with the corporate office. Paul, the plant manager, is frustrated and cannot find a solution to stop it. At first he offered raises to many of the good employees who were leaving, but after a while, Paul started blaming those who were leaving, saying, "they are poor-quality employees and they are to blame for leaving." Paul is engaged in ____.

Sal has been in the landscaping business for over 40 years, and when Donovan, his business partner, suggested adding snow removal as an extra service, Sal responded with "My gut feeling is to say yes because of my experience in the past and what I have seen other companies do over the years, both successfully and not." Sal's response to Donovan is known as _____.

Readily available information may not present a complete picture of a situation due to ____.

Dave is a salesperson who takes a long time to make decisions. He loves sales because he responds well to the pressure he faces in the many new or uncertain situations as a salesperson. Like most successful salespeople, he is high in his tolerance for ambiguity. Dave represents a person with a(n) _____ style.

Susanne, the CEO of national IT manufacturer, was approached by Simple Phones, a new company that is marketing a new type of phone, to partner with the company on a project. The partnership is uncertain since the company and technology are new. Susanne is uncertain what to do because she is limited by numerous constraints, such as the uncertainty and complexity of the technology, the management success of Simple Phones, and time, since other companies are interested in the partnership. This is an example of _____.

Is the proposed action legal? If yes, does the proposed action maximize shareholder value? If yes, is the proposed action ethical? If no, would it be ethical not to take the proposed action? These are four questions that managers of all organizations should ask when confronted with a decision on an action according to _____.

Dwight, a hotel general manager, is having serious problems—a substance abuse issue—with one of his housekeeping employees. He knows that because of the seriousness of the issue he needs to talk with the employee. However, his assistant manager asks Dwight if he would like him to deal with it. Dwight knows this is not the best option, but agrees, knowing it is the easy way out. This is an example of _____.

Gregory was talking with Tom, his assistant manager, saying, "When I make a decision on which employee to pick to do a project, I use three simple factors, which I call my decision making "rules of thumb." I consider their attitude and knowledge, and how hard they work." Gregory's rules of thumb, which he uses in decision making, are known as _____.

When confronted with a choice, people with strong prior beliefs tend to make their decisions based on their beliefs even if their beliefs are false. This is known as ____.

Goal displacement, satisficing, and groupthink are ____.

Sam is the production manager of a busy shoe factory. He was chosen because prior to his promotion he had proven himself to be very efficient, and as a department manager he had a logical and practical approach to solving problems. Sam has a reputation for being decisive and getting things done. Most of the employees like Sam, but they feel his style is autocratic, as he likes to do things by the book. Sam represents a person with a(n) ______ style.

Patty, the CEO of an oil drilling company, and her top management team recently discovered that their facilities are damaging an Asian beach and the local wildlife. They understand that they need to decide if temporarily closing or not closing the facility is unethical. They then consider the four questions: Is not temporarily closing the facility legal? If yes, does this proposed action maximize shareholder value? If yes, is not temporarily closing the facility ethical? If no, would it be ethical not to take the proposed action? These are suggested questions according to _____.

With the community interested in eating healthy, Sue Ellen, a restaurant owner, is considering adding more vegetarian dishes to her menu. This decision is uncertain and risky, and she finally decides to go with her gut feelings. This is an example of _______.

A formal chain of command, standardization of rules and procedures, and use of cross-functional teams and computer networks so that there is frequent communication and coordination of the parts are the means for achieving ____.

Making formal statements, holding rites and rituals, utilizing employee training and coaching, demonstrating how a leader reacts to a crises, being a role model, and giving rewards, promotions, and bonuses are some of the teaching methods that organizations can utilize to ____.

Thomas, a sales associate in the furniture department, reports to Betsey, the furniture department manager. This morning, Betsey asked Thomas to change the price tags on the desk chairs. While working on this task, David, the computer department manager, told Thomas that he wanted him to unload some computers. Thomas is confused about what to do because under the principle of unity of command, _____.

Elly and Sylvia, owners of Organic Foods, do not have a formal policy about dress code and work procedures because they see their company as a family place that is enjoyable to work for. Elly and Sylvia believe that if you treat employees like family, the company will do well and grow. These beliefs by the owners of Organic Foods represent the core values of their organization's culture, and are known as ____.

Having realistic expectations and thinking about the kind of manager you want to be, not forgetting to manage upward and sideways as well as downward, getting guidance from other managers, and resisting isolation is good advice for those who are _____.

The more subunits into which an organization breaks down, the _____.

A company with authority centralized in a single person, a flat hierarchy, few rules, and low work specialization is a characteristic of an organization with a _____.

In a highly integrated organization, the specialists work together to achieve ____.

Peter, the owner of Happy Burger, is involved in the company's daily decisions and has established procedures for every task. The company rules are clearly specified in the handbook, and Peter also believes in close supervision of all employees. Happy Burger is a(n) _______ organization.

Joe, a salesperson for a landscaping company, is working with a longtime customer who is interested in either cutting back on the services or getting a better price due to the tight economy. Joe tells his manager, "I want to take care of the customer with the best value. So what do you think is the best package to offer in this situation?" Joe and his manager are trying to utilize the _____.

Adam, the owner of Adam's Roofing, was talking to a visitor in his office, telling her that "We are a fun-loving group that believes in teamwork and a family atmosphere at work, which significantly affects our work outcomes. Plus, we do things together outside of work. This is the 'social glue' that binds the members of our company together." Adam was referring to his company's _____.

Jim was recently promoted to the position of dining room supervisor, and he is now responsible for making decisions on numerous matters in the dining room and giving orders to the serving staff. At the same time, Jim has the obligation to perform the many new tasks assigned to him as a supervisor, such as overseeing the closing work and cleaning the dining room. Jim's new obligations are known as his _____.

Which of the following is an accurate conclusion from the "Organizational Culture and Organizational Effectiveness: A Meta-Analytic Investigation of the Competing Values Framework's Theoretical Suppositions" study involving the culture of 1,000 companies?

Della, the new CEO of Sky Advertising, has been with the firm for over 25 years. She was picked by the board to turn the 85-year-old agency around and to do so, Della wants to bring back some old ideas that previously worked at Sky. She plans on having managers and veteran employees instruct each other about the organization's chosen values, beliefs, and expectations through holding some of the old rites and rituals, retelling stories about company legends, bringing back training and coaching, and once again having quarterly reward ceremonies. The things Della wants to do are an example of ____.

Sally, Greg, John, and Amar are working on a project for a customer that is aimed at cutting the client's electrical costs. The four members are located throughout the Midwest, and they are utilizing the phone, e-mail, and collaborative computing to complete this project. This is an example of a _____.

During weekly conference calls, Mary, a restaurant manager for a national chain of restaurants, and the other managers in her district explain to their district manager the reasons for different decisions and why certain costs and sales were higher or lower for the previous week. The explanation of their decisions and work results is known as __.

Jean-Paul, the store manager, was speaking with Patty, his new assistant manager, about the store's system of job relationships and whom she will report to and who will report to her. He said, "This structure is one of the things that motivates our workers to work together to achieve our company's goals." Jean-Paul was telling Patty about the store's _____.

Astrid, a customer service representative, was asked by one of her customers if her company would be interested in joining the chamber of commerce to meet potential customers. Astrid believes this is a very good idea and approached her manager, Alan, about becoming a chamber member. Alan told Astrid that "Since the cost of membership is over $500 and you will have to leave the office to attend meetings, I will have to get approval from management above me." This is an example of how important decisions are made in organizations with _____.

Employees and customers are treated like a family at Bayou Seafood Café. Paul and Betsey, the owners, work to encourage unity to increase their employees' job satisfaction and commitment. At their café, Paul and Betsey have built a(n) ____.

HP founders David Packard and William Hewlett created a close-knit organizational culture that gave a lot of responsibility to employees and fostered innovation within the company, which were clearly stated values of the firm's founders. This is an example of _____.