369 Questions: Part 1 Flashcards by Alejandra Gardea

Different authorities have conflicting views regarding delegation. However, there seems to be general agreement that if chief executive A delegates a task to subordinate executive B, Executive B cannot in-turn delegate junior executive C-
A. Within organizational policy, to prescribe the methods to be used in performing the task.
B. Responsibility for direct supervision of the task to be performed.
C. The duty to insure that predetermined standards are used in the results to be archived in performing the task.
D. Accountability of B to A of performing the task,

B. Responsibility for direct supervision of the task to be performed.

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If the problem of administrative problem solving can be said to have formal steps, the final phase can most aptly described as: 
A. Effectuation 
B. Evaluation 
C. Indoctrination
D. Interpretation

B. Evaluation

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The principal difficulty in setting quantitative work standards for professional employees is:
A. Professional employees tend to oppose standards
B. Comparable units of work are difficult to devise
C. Jobs among professional employees vary substantially

B. Comparable units of work are difficult to devise

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Most modern analysts claim that a high level of cooperation and motivation in an organization can be accomplished by linking employees’ motivation with organizational goals through:
A. Formal staff meetings regularly scheduled
B. Formal meetings with first line supervisors and employees regularly scheduled
C. Informal meetings of groups in regularly scheduled face to face work groups
D. Informal meetings of groups randomly scheduled

A. Formal staff meetings regularly scheduled

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A study of the administrative set up in an organization yields several recommendations to be made in the structure of the organization and work procedures. In preparing a written report, the best approach to employ in “selling” the recommendations to operating personnel is by:
A. Acceptability i.e. first to explain those changes in which the operating personnel are most likely to assent
B. Ease of implantation i.e. first explain those changes which can be implemented with the least amount of effort and expense
C. Ease of implementation i.e. first explain those changes which can be implemented with the least amount of time and effort
D. Outlining the major improvements by order of importance

A. Acceptability i.e. first to explain those changes in which the operating personnel are most likely to assent

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Analysis of departmental work programs in conjunction with the City’s budget is performed by the CAO’s staff by review of which of the following:
A. Annual work program
B. Personnel utilization charts
C. Cumulative cost reports (produced by DSB)
D. Financial status reports

B. Personnel utilization charts

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On the organizational charts prepared in connection with the City's budget, which one of the following needs usually be shown only to the extent it is feasible to do so? 
A. Functional responsibilities 
B. Position authority and description 
C. Relationship of organizational units
D. Staffing of established positions

D. Staffing of established positions

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The main disadvantage of large organization of a large establishing its internal structure on a purely line basis is:
A. Inflexibility in emergencies
B. Lack of clear lines of authority
C. Lax discipline
D. Executives tend to get overloaded with details

D. Executives tend to get overloaded with details

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In an organization with horizontal specialization, vertical is necessary in order to:
A. Coordinate work efforts of personnel toward certain objectives
B. Permit “commercialization” between horizontal divisions
C. Keep unrelated functions separate
D. Make delegation of authority possible

A. Coordinate work efforts of personnel toward certain objectives

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Of the following, which is not required on a request for a transfer of funds:
A. Effect on the department work program
B. Alternative source of funds
C. Reason why shortage of funds has occurred or will occur
D. Effect on department operations if transfer is not effected

B. Alternative source of funds

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The relative size of an organization’s administrative staff will increase as the size of the organization:
A. Increases and the complexity of the organization’s work increases
B. Increases and the complexity of the organization’s work decreases
C. Decreases and the complexity of the organization work decreases
D. Decreases and the complexity of the organization’s work increases

D. Decreases and the complexity of the organization’s work increases

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To be considered measurable for budget purposes, work must be measured with respect to:
A. Time only
B. Workload only
C. Either time or workload 
D. Both time and workload

D. Both time and workload

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This document is normally used as a delivery receipt and often to confirm emergency orders from a vendor:
A. Authority for expenditure 
B. Interdepartmental sub-order
C. Sub-purchase-order 
D. Transmittal

C. Sub-purchase-order

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In an organization containing both line supervisors and staff consultants, the preferred organizational relationship is for the consultants to be:
A. Above the line supervisors
B. At the same level reporting to the same superior as the line supervisors
C. Below the line supervisors
D. Autonomous with no responsibility or control by the line organization

B. At the same level reporting to the same superior as the line supervisors

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In government agencies, ad hoc committees are used as:
A. Functional decision making
B. Temporary decision making bodies
C. Expedite decision making
D. Staff in the technical sense as compared to line

D. Staff in the technical sense as compared to line

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Under Charter Section 355 (1), budgetary transfers involving less than $5,000 can be made with the approval of the CAO. An important limitation to this process is that it only applies to:
A. Transfers resulting from clerical or accounting errors in the budget document
B. Intra-departmental accounts
C. Transfers resulting from additions to the position authority
D. Transfers necessitated by unexpected fluctuations in the revenue estimate

B. Intra-departmental accounts

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Council Committees’ power in relationship to City functions:
A. They have no control over departmental operations
B. Have limited administrative control over departmental operations
C. Have considerable administrative control over departmental Operations

A. They have no control over departmental operations

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Who draws the distinction between curative medical visits and preventative medical visits in regard to sick time usage? 
A. Controller 
B. City Attorney 
C. Civil Service Commission
D. Council 
E. CAO

B. City Attorney

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Basic documents controlling City activities require the general managers of departments to submit monthly reports to the Mayor on the work of the department. Of the following documents, which explains the materials that must be included in the report? 
A. City Charter 
B. Administrative Code
C. Department. budget manual 
D. Executive Directive 
E. CAO Rules

D. Executive Directive

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A Civil Service rule which is reasonable and not in conflict with any law:
A. May be amended by ordinance
B. Has the same force and effect as the City Charter
C. May be overruled (set aside) by any competent court of law
D. May be suspended (overruled) by the Civil Service Commission

B. Has the same force and effect as the City Charter

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The determination of what combination of duties and responsibilities is involved in a given position in a given department is the responsibility of:
A. Department head
B. Civil Service Commission
C. Department head with the approval of the Civil Service Commission
D. General manager, Personnel Department

A. Department head

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An employee having full civil service status is discharged for cause and appeals the discharge against such an appeal is:
A. Proof by a clear and substantial preponderance of the evidence
B. Expressions as to opinions of the quality of the employee’s work by at least two supervisors familiar with his/her work
C. Sufficient evidence of particular facts and incidents to show a reasonable basis for the action taken
D. None; the burden is on the employee to show that the discharge was due to discrimination, politics or a similar factor

C. Sufficient evidence of particular facts and incidents to show a reasonable basis for the action taken

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As result of disciplinary hearing under Civil Service Commission Rule 12, the Board finds that the changes against the employee are insufficient and/or not sustained. In this case the Board:
A. Must find the penalty not sustained
B. May or may not find the penalty sustained
C. Cannot sustain a discharge but may sustain a suspension
D. Cannot sustain the discharge without approval of the appointing authority

B. May or may not find the penalty sustained

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Protection of the rights set forth in the California Fair Employment Practices act is done under what particular authority of the State?
A. Conservation of State resources
B. Welfare power
C. Police power
D. Power conferred under federal FEP legislation

C. Police power

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Responsibility of department managers for affirmative action programs is explained in: A. Personnel Policy and Procedures B. Mayor Executive Directives C. Los Angeles Municipal Code D. LA City Affirmative Action ordinance passed by Council

B. Mayor Executive Directives

Of all the feasible possibilities, the soundest solution to the problem of increasing job opportunities and availability for the disadvantaged in a governmental setting operating under a merit system is: A. Analysis and redesign of jobs B. Exempting from Civil Service requirements C. Establishing desirable rather than absolute exam performance requirements

A. Analysis and redesign of jobs

In the context of affirmative action, "discrimination" as defined by the Supreme Court and the EFOC is: A. Overt, unequal treatment, sanctioned by official policy B. Systemic, covert, subtle unequal treatment C. Consequences of employment practices without regard to motivation D. Unequal treatment resulting from motivated actions

C. Consequences of employment practices without regard to motivation

Public relations begin with supervisor-employee relationships mainly because: A. Employees need extensive training in public relations B. If morale and discipline are lacking it is usually at the expense of good public relations C. Employees cannot have good public relations if they don't have good supervisors D. Well informed employees always keep their supervisors informed of any public relations problems

B. If morale and discipline are lacking it is usually at the expense of good public relations

Delegation of authority by executives is an accepted practice. But there are consequences of such delegation. The executive should most carefully guard against: A. A tendency towards independence by the employee B. Employee will do the work on his/her own, without showing steps to executive C. The making of errors by employees D. The executive is ultimately responsible for control of the unit

C. The making of errors by employees

``` The Budget Manual issued by the CAO provides that work units must meet all of the following criteria except that they need not: A. Be expressed in monetary terms B. Be countable C. Reflect work effort D. Have consistency ```

A. Be expressed in monetary terms

The value of in-service training can be judged by: A. The number of training sessions attended B. Employee's opinion of training session C. What employee has learned at training session D. Employee's performance on the job after training

D. Employee's performance on the job after training

According to the Employee Relations Board provisions of the Administrative Code, a "qualified employee organization" is best defined as: A. An exclusive representative unit B. An organization certified by the Employee Relations Board C. On organization whose primary purpose is to represent employees

C. On organization whose primary purpose is to represent employees

``` In most cases, if a department wishes to designate an employee as management or confidential, the approving authority is: A. CAO B. Employee relations Board C. Personnel Department D. All of the above ```

C. Personnel Department

Quantified work performance standards are of value in administrative budget preparation chiefly because they: A. Reveal areas where staff development or training is needed B. Serve to guide supervisors in making job assignments C. Provide a basis for determining the number of workers needed D. Indicate needs for labor-saving methods or machinery

C. Provide a basis for determining the number of workers needed

The attitude in enforcing safety regulations should be: A. That all accidents are caused by the lack of knowledge of safety precaution B. That safety regulations are the result of knowledge and experience in accident prevention C. That failure to follow safety instructions will result in legal action D. That following safety regulations will make other safety efforts unnecessary

B. That safety regulations are the result of knowledge and experience in accident prevention

``` The most significant measure of success of a safety program is the extent to which it affects the workers: A. Performance B. Attitude C. Interest D. Knowledge ```

A. Performance

``` Which one of the following elements of an accident is not included in the investigation of an accident? A. Extent of injury B. Unsafe condition C. Unsafe act D. Type of accident ```

A. Extent of injury

``` Appropriations are stated in ______ terms in the budget document. A. Performance B. Program C. Line-item D. Zero-based ```

C. Line-item

The biggest disadvantage of line-item budgeting is that it: A. Overspecializes the use of city funds B. Overemphasizes work programs C. Doesn't measure work performance D. Lacks the ability to measure how efficiently work is performed

D. Lacks the ability to measure how efficiently work is performed

``` Program budgeting permits a higher degree of _____ for the attainment of objectives: A. Responsibility B. Accountability C. Achievement D. None of the above ```

B. Accountability

``` The enactment of the Budget, including authorization of funds and the establishment of the tax rate and adoption of necessary resolutions to effectuate the budget plan is referred to as: A. Budget control B. Budget resolution C. Budget proposal D. Budget adoption ```

D. Budget adoption

``` A report including the amount of revenue received, work accomplished and the number of expenditures for the Budgetary Control system is required every: A. Month B. 4 months C. 6 months D. 1 year ```

A. Month

The post-audit includes all of the following aspects except: A. Check on the handling of expenditure of funds B. An audit of all the departments and government operations C. An audit of all the departments and government operations except those of the proprietary departments

B. An audit of all the departments and government operations

``` The highest level at which all personnel are engaged in work that is basically the same is referred to as the: A. Point of specialization B. Point of equality C. Point of standard performance D. Point of differentiation ```

D. Point of differentiation

The following are all criteria for the selection of a Department work unit except: A. It must express output B. It must have consistency C. It must be expressed in familiar technology D. It must be countable E. All of the above

E. All of the above

``` The administrative concept of ______ is used in making office decisions. The subordinate managers make decisions according to policy, but when there is uncertainty, it's decision is referred to higher management authority. A. Chain of command B. Unity of command C. Implicit policy D. Exception principle ```

D. Exception principle

``` Of the following, the most serious disadvantage of a straight line organization in a large unit with various functions is: A. Over specialization B. Poor coordination C. Lack of delegation D. Complex chain of command ```

B. Poor coordination

From the point of view of sound management technique, the major reason for centralizing the services which handle planning, budget, and personnel in an organization is to: A. Systematize office procedure B. Simply problems of the operating agency C. Place tools of control in hands of top management D. Implement principle of. checks and balances

C. Place tools of control in hands of top management

Work and procedure requirements are most effective if developed by: A. Specialists from outside the department B. Specialists from inside the department C. Participation from within the department D. The top administrator in the office and his top assistant administrator

C. Participation from within the department

Budgetary control is concerned with all of the following except: A. Realization of estimated revenues B. Achievement of program objectives and accomplishment of things planned to be done C. Doing so with the funds budgeted D. Elimination of budgeted activities as needed

D. Elimination of budgeted activities as needed

``` The cost accounting aspect of the City's Program Budget provides cost information for two basic purposes. One is for programs where cost is a recurring factor in decision making, the other is for: A. Reimbursable service B. Research projects C. Published reports issued by Council D. All of the above are pertinent ```

A. Reimbursable service

``` Differentiation of sub-activities to be included in the budget include: A. Work to be performed B. Organizational situation C. Geographic setting D. Personnel ```

A. Work to be performed

``` Work units are determined by: A. Government Efficiency Committee of the City Council B. Management audit team of the CAO C. Departmental head D. Personnel Department ```

C. Departmental head

``` Construction cost estimates for budget requests for the development of a branch library are supplied by: A. Public Buildings B. CAO C. Library Department D. Engineering ```

D. Engineering

``` How many of the CAO's criteria must be satisfied when establishing work units? A. 2; some B. 3; several C. 4; most D. 5; all ```

D. 5; all

According to the Charter, the Council, when considering the proposed budget of the mayor, may: A. Increase, decrease, omit, insert B. Increase or decrease only C. Increase and insert but not decrease D. Decrease or omit but not insert or increase

A. Increase, decrease, omit, insert

According to CAO Rules, a training conference requiring a request for travel is normally considered: A. Business trip B. Convention C. Business meeting D. Business trip, business meeting or convention depending on the subject matter, frequency of occurrence etc

C. Business meeting

``` CAO Rule 3 governing departmental annual reports is intended to achieve increased: A. Economy B. Clarity C. Accountability D. Efficiency ```

A. Economy

``` According to CAO Rules, the departmental organization charts must be presented to the CAO concurrently with: A. The Personnel Ordinance B. Departmental Work Program C. The expenditure plan D. Annual report ```

B. Departmental Work Program

Advancement in salary from a third step to the fourth step for most City employees is contingent upon completion of one year's service at the third step and on: A. Approval of the departmental personnel committee B. A service rating other than unsatisfactory C. Completion of three years continuous service D. Nothing else; the increase is automatic

B. A service rating other than unsatisfactory

The term allocation as used in the salary standardization provisions of the Administrative Code refers to a/an: A. Authorization of an employee's salary B. Assignment of duties to an employee C. The number of authorized positions in each department D. Determining the classification of positions

D. Determining the classification of positions

The employer/employee relations provisions of the Administrative Code can best be described as applicable to all: A. Departments, bureaus and offices B. Departments under the budgetary control of the Mayor and Council C. Departments, bureaus and offices except Harbor, Airports and Water & Power

B. Departments under the budgetary control of the Mayor and Council

According to the Administrative Code, when an unresolved grievance is submitted to an arbitrator, the arbitrator's decision is A. Binding in all cases B. Advisory in all cases C. Advisory for independent departments D. Advisory except in those cases which involve an expenditure of funds

C. Advisory for independent departments

``` According to the employer/employee relations provisions of the Administrative Code, an impartial third party acting as an intermediary between the City's management and representatives of the recognized employee organizations in order to resolve disputes through interpretation, suggestion and advice is a/an: A. Arbitrator B. Hearing Examiner C. Consultant D. Mediator ```

D. Mediator

The City pays its employees a salary that relates, in a certain way, to that paid by private business. According to the City Charter, that amount must be: A. Equal to the prevailing wage B. At least equal to the prevailing wage C. Not more than 5% less than the prevailing wage D. Not more than 11% more than the prevailing wage

B. At least equal to the prevailing wage

``` Which of the following establishes the maximum number of days on emergency appointments? A. Charter B. Administrative Code C. Civil Service Rules D. CAO E. Personnel Department ```

A. Charter

When personal property is sold in the City, the proceeds received from it are placed in the City treasury and: A. Credited to the department fund B. Credited to the General Fund C. Earmarked for the replacement of property D. Deposited in the fund which needs it most, as determined by the CAO

A. Credited to the department fund

The establishment of positions in non-proprietary City departments is by: A. Council B. CAO C. Board of Civil Service Commissioners D. The departments' Board of Commissioners

A. Council

According to the City Charter, the request of a City department to employ a person on an-exempt basis to perform professional services of an unexpected character must be approved by: A. Only the Council B. Only the Mayor C. Only the Civil Service Commission D. Both the Council and the City Service Commission

D. Both the Council and the City Service Commission

``` The letting of contracts by the City Council is a/an _______ function and not a/an _______ function. The blanks are best filled respectively, by: A. Judiciary, fiduciary B. Fiduciary, judiciary C. Legislative, administrative D. Administrative, legislative ```

D. Administrative, legislative

The City Administrative Office can most aptly be described as: A. A fact finding agency B. A decision making body C. An agency operating under joint power agreement D. An agency operating under the direction of the Board of Referred Powers

A. A fact finding agency

Personnel services are reviewed by the CAO to determine: A. Need and financing B. The availability of City Personnel to do the work C. The financial D. Legal

A. Need and financing

``` By Charter, the Controller is required to report on anticipated revenues from the following sources except one, the exception is: A. Property taxes B. Licenses C. Fees D. Fines ```

A. Property taxes

The Charter states that the Controller is required to exercise close supervision over all of the accounts of the officers and departments of the City except one. The one department which is exempted from the above provision is: A. Controller B. Pensions C. Department of Water and Power D. None, there is no exemption from the above provision

D. None, there is no exemption from the above provision

Administration of ordinances regarding such matters as transient occupancy tax, utility users tax, and the business tax is the responsibility of: A. Controller B. Treasurer C. City Clerk D. Bureau of Accounting, Department of Public Works

C. City Clerk

The Administrative Code consists of the following: A. City Charter Sections B. Procedure Ordinances of the City C. Procedure Ordinances of the City and City Charter sections for reference

B. Procedure Ordinances of the City

The City Purchasing Agent is authorized to make a contract with the following: A. One of the lowest bidders B. The lowest and most responsible bidder C. Any bidder

B. The lowest and most responsible bidder

A successful bidder must post his performance bond: A. 10 days after award of contract (in Charter) B. Upon contract award (30 days) C. Upon submission of bid

A. 10 days after award of contract (in Charter)

``` All general obligation bonds relating to a "Municipal Improvement" shall be submitted to the CAO for study and report. What authorizes this? A. Administrative Code B. City Charter C. Mayor D. Government Code ```

A. Administrative Code

``` The total estimated cost of physical and operating plant projects included in the CAO'stentative capital improvement expenditure program for a fiscal year shall be ______ the total amount of funds estimated to be available for capital improvements is: A. 1/3 B. 1/2 C. Equal to D. Double ```

D. Double

Official records of the City of LA are preserved and maintained in compliance with the City Charter and: A. General laws of the State of California B. Administrative Code C. City Clerk's Rules of Procedure D. CAO Rules

A. General laws of the State of California

``` The audit and approval requirement that must be met before payment of all demands for funds drawn on the City fund is provided by: A. City Charter B. A Mayor's Order C. Council ordinance D. Custom and tradition ```

A. City Charter

``` That all City offices remain nonpartisan is imposed upon the City by: A. State Legislature B. City Charter C. A mayor's order D. Custom and tradition ```

A. State Legislature

The basic authority which states that class descriptions are descriptive and explanatory and not restrictive is: A. Administrative Code B. Civil Service Rules C. Charter D. Board of Civil Service Commissioners policies

A. Administrative Code

``` The authority that determines that a manpower shortage exists in a class in order to adjust entry level salary is: A. CAO B. Civil Service Commission C. Council D. Department Manager ```

B. Civil Service Commission

The purpose of Schedule "A" of Section 4.61 of the Administrative Code is approval of _____; the purpose of DPO's is ________. A. Salaries; Positions Authorities B. Positions; Salaries

A. Salaries; Positions Authorities

``` The basic authority for controlling employee sick leave usage is: A. Controller B. Department head C. Personnel D. CAO ```

B. Department head

The City's accounting system is: A. Cash B. Accural C. Modified cash accrual

C. Modified cash accrual

``` In the City of Los Angeles, the main accounting device used to make sure that each Council Controlled department stays within the amounts budgeted for each classification of expenditure is: A. Controlling department B. Fund account C. Encumbrance account D. Voucher account ```

C. Encumbrance account

``` The main purpose of the item "Unappropriated Balance" in the annual City budget is to: A. Provide for permanent improvements B. Cancel outstanding debt obligations C. Provide general salary adjustments D. Meet contingencies as they arise ```

D. Meet contingencies as they arise

According to the Executive directive, all department managers are responsible for the developing and administering of a departmental Affirmative Action program. In conjunction with the program all department managers are expected to: A. Secure support for the program by their employees, only B. Submit each aspect of the department program to the Affirmative Action Task Force, only C. Execute A and B D. Submit quarterly performance reports to the Mayor

A. Secure support for the program by their employees, only

According to current City policy affecting employee relations for council controlled departments, department managers may enter into separate memorandums of agreement with employee organizations. covering which of the following: A. Grievance procedure B. Working conditions C. A and B D. None, current City policy dictates one memorandum of agreement

D. None, current City policy dictates one memorandum of agreement

By Executive Directive, numerous contracts which are entered into by council controlled departments are available to the public for review. Which of the following, if any, are not? A. Lowest competitive bidder contracts B. Contracts awarded by the Purchasing Agent, only C. Personal service contracts, only D. None of the above; all must be filed with the City Clerk

B. Contracts awarded by the Purchasing Agent, only

If a City employee is absent from his/her job without a valid leave for 7 consecutive calendar days, the employee: A. Is laid off B. Is terminated C. Is considered to have resigned D. Forfeits his/her employee retirement contribution

C. Is considered to have resigned

By definition, the number of employees authorized to occupy a position at any one time is: A. Never more than one B. Any number, authorized by the position C. Any number, authorized by the department D. All are irrelevant as far as the definition is concerned

A. Never more than one

``` Names from a list of eligibles are certified to a department on June 1, the list expires on June 10, of the same year. The last date upon which an appointment may be made from the names which have been certified is: A. June 1 B. June 10 C. June 30 D. July 30 ```

D. July 30

A letter requesting that the Civil Service Commission certify names from an open competitive list ahead of an interdepartmental promotional list should be based on the following justification: A. The number of positions B. The working hours and location of the position C. Better qualifications of open candidates D. Extensive scientific, technical or professional experience required as a qualification for the position

C. Better qualifications of open candidates

Requests by a council controlled department to fill a substitute position should include: A. Length of time position will be needed B. Source of funds to finance the position C. Explantation of need for the position D. Both A and C above

D. Both A and C above

``` The two most common funds found in the budget are: A. Reserve and General B. City employee's Retirement Fund C. General and Specific Purpose Fund D. General and Retirement Fund ```

C. General and Specific Purpose Fund

``` According to the Charter, the Mayor must receive all department budget requests by: A. June 30 B. September 1 C. April 1 D. March 1 E. None of the above ```

D. March 1

369 Questions: Part 1 Flashcards

(100 cards)