SOLUTIONS FOR END OF CHAPTER ACTIVITIES FOR CHAPTER 1

 

QUESTIONS FOR CRITICAL THINKING

 

  1. I will expect responses that discuss computers, data communications, different roles of managers in general, etc.
  2. I will expect valuable insight into your approaches to management as they respond to the divergent schools of management.
  3. I will be looking for a clear understanding from you between the meaning of people or soft skills and technical skills.
  4. I will be looking for you to have included planning, organizing, leading and controlling.  Some of you may tend to believe that the AOM with less experience might lean toward planning and organizing, while leading and controlling might be more vital to the senior AOM.
  5. The strategic planning process is comprehensive because it includes all segments of the organization and all employees.  It has the potential to radically change the direction of the company’s goals because it involves defining an organization’s mission, setting its objectives, and developing strategies to enable it to operate successfully in its environment.  During this process, guiding members of the organization envision its future and develop the necessary procedures and operations to achieve that vision.
  6. Effectiveness is the ability to get the right things accomplished by selecting the most suitable goals and the proper steps to achieve them, such as setting up a departmental meeting that met the needs as initially established.  Efficiency is the ability to get things done in a reasonable and timely manner such as meeting the deadlines for a special report to top management.

 

Case Study 1-1 Not Making Waves

 

  1. Students will probably say that Francisco’s attitude represents the traditional way of thinking in business.  It may be a problem if the police department wants him to be more active in promoting and being a part of the changes that lie ahead.
  2. Among other actions, Francisco will probably have to be more involved, become a member of work teams, express his opinion, and support ideas of others.
  3. Responses from you should include ways in which Francisco may need to adapt, such as being more open-minded, listening to his peers, and contributing to team activities.

 

Case Study 1-2  Developing a Problem-Solving Attitude

 

  1. The real problem lies in the failure of Kato to confront her problem employee, Martens.
  2. Possibly Kato hates conflict, feeling that it is too anxiety producing.  More likely, Kato does not feel competent to sit down and discuss with Martens his attitude and its effect upon his performance. 
  3. The problem should be dealt with now rather than later, because people issues rarely get better on their own.

 

Case Study l-3

 

I will expect various responses from you.  Keywords to look for include knowledge management, workplace management, or information management.  You will determine that the ability to acquire and manipulate information gives workers an edge in seeking jobs of the future.

 

 

SOLUTIONS TO ACTIVITY WORKBOOK PROJECTS FOR CHAPTER 1

 

Project l-l The Experienced, but Scared, AOM

 

  1. She is afraid to change and perhaps has become too comfortable in her traditional role as AOM over the past 20+ years.
  2. It is always advisable to be honest.  You should listen actively and let her know that, even though you are employed by IBS, you are sure they will do a quality job and assure her that past studies have improved previous organizations.
  3. Tell Sadie to be positive and to hang in there.  It is better for her to cooperate with the consultant and be flexible and adaptive with whatever suggestions are made.

 

Project 1-2 Strategic Planning Process

 

Your responses will vary.  Strategic planning is very important to forward-thinking organizations.

 

Project 1-3 Office Management References on the Internet

 

Your responses will vary.  Because home pages for publications may change, be flexible in gathering information. 

 

Project 1-4 Word Processing:  Traditional vs. Reengineered Values

 

Your responses will vary.  For traditional values, students should point out that traditional values are more geared toward the status quo and quite self-centered.  In contrast, reengineered values are more team oriented.

 

Project 1-5 Spreadsheet:  Controlling Costs Using Spreadsheets

 

Total for Revenue - $279,250

Total for Expenses - $ll3,050

Gross Profit for Quarter l is $38,000

Gross Profit for Quarter 2 is $32,000

Gross Profit for Quarter 3 is $45,200

Gross Profit for Quarter 4 is $5l,000

Gross Profit Total is $l66,200

 

Formula Worksheet

 

Quarters         Revenue             Expenses              Gross Profit

 

1                    60000                  22000                    38000

2                    55000                  23000                    32000

3                    75250                  30050                    45200

4                    89000                  38000                    51000

Total     =SUM(B5:B8)       =SUM(C5:C8)        =SUM(D5:D8)

 

Project l-6 Authority and the Substitute Office Manager

 

  1. You, the AOM, did not empower Pat.  He felt degraded as a result of the confrontation but was still able to get the job done.
  2. It appears the authority granted was not commensurate to the responsibilities for what had to be done.
  3. You should coach Pat on what he could have said to Svata Stroba.  Also, you probably should not have said what you did.  Instead, assure Pat that the next time he acts as AOM, he has not only the authority but also the corresponding responsibility of getting the job done and that you support and trust his judgment fully.