MRI Flashcards
(45 cards)
Which of the following best illustrates a limitation of the matrix organizational structure?
Ambiguity in reporting relationships and conflict in authority
This highlights the complexity and potential confusion within matrix structures.
In the context of planning, which stage involves developing derivative plans that support the basic plan?
Formulating derivative plans
This step is crucial for ensuring alignment with the main objectives.
A project manager uses KPIs to measure employee training hours, aiming to predict future productivity. What type of KPI is this?
Leading KPI
Leading KPIs provide insights into future performance rather than past outcomes.
Which of the following leadership styles is most likely to hinder innovation in highly creative teams?
Transactional
Transactional leadership focuses on rewards and penalties, which may stifle creativity.
What is the primary purpose of a Balanced Scorecard in performance evaluation?
Align business activities with vision and strategy across multiple perspectives
This approach integrates various performance metrics beyond just financials.
Which of the following risks would most likely require a feedforward control strategy?
Untrained staff expected to operate new machinery
Feedforward control aims to prevent potential issues before they arise.
What makes the Delphi Method a unique qualitative forecasting technique?
It uses anonymous expert input in iterative rounds
This method helps to gather diverse opinions while minimizing bias.
In risk analysis, what is the correct order of the stages?
Risk identification → Risk assessment → Risk treatment
This sequence is essential for effective risk management.
In an engineering company practicing Kaizen, which of the following best exemplifies its application?
Continuous minor improvements suggested by line workers
Kaizen emphasizes incremental improvements involving all employees.
Which ethical issue is most likely to arise due to global supply chains in multinational operations?
Environmental damage and labor exploitation in developing countries
These concerns highlight the ethical responsibilities of global businesses.
What is the key reason for integrating digital information systems into the decision-making process?
To enhance speed, accuracy, and data-driven insights
Digital systems facilitate more informed and timely decisions.
In a multicultural engineering team, which leadership style is most effective for balancing authority and collaboration?
Democratic
Democratic leadership encourages participation and respect for diverse perspectives.
What makes feedforward control more strategic compared to feedback control?
It anticipates issues and adjusts processes before problems occur
This proactive approach is essential for effective management.
During a project’s execution phase, what is the project manager’s primary challenge?
Coordinating people and resources according to the plan
Effective coordination is crucial for successful project execution.
Which of the following correctly pairs a decision-making tool with its typical use?
Regression Analysis – Forecasting trends using variables
Regression analysis is commonly used in data-driven decision making.
Which quality control approach focuses most heavily on statistical data and defect reduction?
Six Sigma
Six Sigma employs rigorous statistical methods to improve quality.
Which of the following is a critical limitation of relying solely on financial KPIs in performance evaluation?
They fail to reflect long-term strategic success and intangible assets
This limitation underscores the need for a balanced approach to performance metrics.
In recruitment, which external method is most suitable for attracting specialized executive talent?
Management consultants (headhunters)
Headhunters are adept at sourcing high-level executives with specific skills.
In a Balanced Scorecard framework, which perspective focuses on long-term organizational learning and innovation?
Learning and Growth
This perspective is essential for fostering continuous improvement and development.
Which of the following best explains why project risk management should begin during the initiation phase?
Early risk identification allows for mitigation planning before commitments are made
Addressing risks early can prevent costly issues later in the project.
Explain how the PDCA cycle interrelates with the management control function.
The PDCA cycle structures the control function by ensuring ongoing evaluation and improvement. ‘Check’ aligns with performance measurement, and ‘Act’ drives corrective actions, supporting continuous improvement.
Differentiate between functional and matrix organizational structures in terms of communication flow and authority lines.
Functional structures have vertical communication and authority within departments, while matrix structures involve dual reporting lines and require both vertical and horizontal communication.
How do leading and lagging KPIs differ in supporting proactive vs. reactive decision-making?
Leading KPIs are predictive and enable proactive actions, while lagging KPIs reflect outcomes of past actions, supporting reactive evaluation.
In decision-making, what role do assumptions play during the planning stage, and how should they be managed?
Assumptions guide future scenario development and must be regularly validated to avoid strategic misalignment.
