Page 1 of 328
, TEST BANK FOR PRACTICAL MANAGEMENT SCIENCE, 6TH EDITION BY L. WINSTON.
Q1.
Which of the following best distinguishes descriptive models from prescriptive (optimization) models?
a) Descriptive models suggest a course of action, while prescriptive models explain current conditions.
b) Descriptive models reflect current reality, while prescriptive models recommend optimal decisions.
c) Both descriptive and prescriptive models always provide the “right” solution.
d) Descriptive models use probability, while prescriptive models do not.
Answer: b
Rationale: Descriptive models summarize and represent the current state of a system without suggesting
improvements, while prescriptive (optimization) models recommend actions to achieve the best outcome
738721430-Test-Bank-For-Practic…
.
Q2.
In management science, optimization models are primarily used to determine:
a) The sensitivity of inputs
b) Whether data is valid
c) What decision should be made for best results
d) Only the current system’s performance
Answer: c
Rationale: Optimization models are decision-oriented, designed to recommend the best course of action under
given constraints
738721430-Test-Bank-For-Practic…
.
Page 2 of 328
,Q3.
When an organization believes it has a problem, what is usually the first formal step in the modeling process?
a) Verification of the model
b) Definition of the problem
c) Validation through data collection
d) Communication of the solution
Answer: b
Rationale: Problem definition is the critical first step in the seven-step modeling process. Without a clear problem
statement, even the most sophisticated models may fail
738721430-Test-Bank-For-Practic…
.
Q4.
Which of the following is NOT necessarily a property of a good model?
a) Simplicity without oversimplification
b) Understandability for the client
c) Based on a well-known algorithm
d) Accurate representation of the real problem
Answer: c
Rationale: A “good” model doesn’t need to rely on a famous algorithm—it needs to be accurate, simple, and
usable for decision-makers
738721430-Test-Bank-For-Practic…
.
Q5.
What is the most common cause of failure in model implementation?
a) Incorrect model formulation
b) Analyst’s failure to communicate use of the model
c) Unavailable data
d) Over-complex models
Page 3 of 328
, Answer: b
Rationale: Communication breakdown between analyst and management is the most frequent cause of failed
implementation, not necessarily the technical aspects of the model
738721430-Test-Bank-For-Practic…
.
Q6.
Spreadsheet models are most powerful for managers because they:
a) Require advanced programming knowledge
b) Are inflexible once designed
c) Allow rapid what-if analysis
d) Automatically guarantee validity
Answer: c
Rationale: Their flexibility for “what-if” analysis makes spreadsheets especially valuable in management decisio
making
738721430-Test-Bank-For-Practic…
.
Q7.
Which type of model explicitly incorporates randomness in inputs?
a) Deterministic
b) Simulation
c) Heuristic
d) Optimization
Answer: b
Rationale: Simulation models incorporate probability distributions to account for uncertainty in inputs
738721430-Test-Bank-For-Practic…
.
Page 4 of 328
, TEST BANK FOR PRACTICAL MANAGEMENT SCIENCE, 6TH EDITION BY L. WINSTON.
Q1.
Which of the following best distinguishes descriptive models from prescriptive (optimization) models?
a) Descriptive models suggest a course of action, while prescriptive models explain current conditions.
b) Descriptive models reflect current reality, while prescriptive models recommend optimal decisions.
c) Both descriptive and prescriptive models always provide the “right” solution.
d) Descriptive models use probability, while prescriptive models do not.
Answer: b
Rationale: Descriptive models summarize and represent the current state of a system without suggesting
improvements, while prescriptive (optimization) models recommend actions to achieve the best outcome
738721430-Test-Bank-For-Practic…
.
Q2.
In management science, optimization models are primarily used to determine:
a) The sensitivity of inputs
b) Whether data is valid
c) What decision should be made for best results
d) Only the current system’s performance
Answer: c
Rationale: Optimization models are decision-oriented, designed to recommend the best course of action under
given constraints
738721430-Test-Bank-For-Practic…
.
Page 2 of 328
,Q3.
When an organization believes it has a problem, what is usually the first formal step in the modeling process?
a) Verification of the model
b) Definition of the problem
c) Validation through data collection
d) Communication of the solution
Answer: b
Rationale: Problem definition is the critical first step in the seven-step modeling process. Without a clear problem
statement, even the most sophisticated models may fail
738721430-Test-Bank-For-Practic…
.
Q4.
Which of the following is NOT necessarily a property of a good model?
a) Simplicity without oversimplification
b) Understandability for the client
c) Based on a well-known algorithm
d) Accurate representation of the real problem
Answer: c
Rationale: A “good” model doesn’t need to rely on a famous algorithm—it needs to be accurate, simple, and
usable for decision-makers
738721430-Test-Bank-For-Practic…
.
Q5.
What is the most common cause of failure in model implementation?
a) Incorrect model formulation
b) Analyst’s failure to communicate use of the model
c) Unavailable data
d) Over-complex models
Page 3 of 328
, Answer: b
Rationale: Communication breakdown between analyst and management is the most frequent cause of failed
implementation, not necessarily the technical aspects of the model
738721430-Test-Bank-For-Practic…
.
Q6.
Spreadsheet models are most powerful for managers because they:
a) Require advanced programming knowledge
b) Are inflexible once designed
c) Allow rapid what-if analysis
d) Automatically guarantee validity
Answer: c
Rationale: Their flexibility for “what-if” analysis makes spreadsheets especially valuable in management decisio
making
738721430-Test-Bank-For-Practic…
.
Q7.
Which type of model explicitly incorporates randomness in inputs?
a) Deterministic
b) Simulation
c) Heuristic
d) Optimization
Answer: b
Rationale: Simulation models incorporate probability distributions to account for uncertainty in inputs
738721430-Test-Bank-For-Practic…
.
Page 4 of 328
