What type of business problem is solved most appropriately by using Six Sigma tools?
Minimizing inventories and redundancies
Speeding up processes
Improving quality
Improving work flows - ANSWER Improving quality
Rationale
Quality issues can be solved by using Six Sigma tools. Six Sigma is a strategy that identifies
and removes the causes of defects and errors in manufacturing and business processes.
Other business problems that can be solved by using Six Sigma include too much variation,
challenging root cause identifications, numerous technical considerations, and other
complex issues. Lean Six Sigma is a strategy that eliminates waste and improves process
flows.
For more information, refer to Module Organization, Functional Area 6, Section 3
A company has experienced computer system problems from Internet viruses introduced by
employees opening nonwork-related files. The system administrator wants HR to develop
and implement a policy restricting employee use of the Internet. Would this Internet policy
be a good idea?
1
,Yes; as a policy, it would become automatically enforceable under a union contract.
Yes; it can help an employer to monitor employees' Internet use.
No; it would violate an employee's right to privacy.
No; it is not a deterrent to employee misconduct. - ANSWER Yes; it can help an
employer to monitor employees' Internet use.
Rationale
Certainly a written policy could set limits for employees' personal use of the Internet and
reduce the influx of computer viruses. Other benefits are possible, too. It may never
eliminate employee misconduct. But it could help the employer avoid incidents that may
lead to embarrassment for the company and/or potential legal problems. Further, having a
formal policy in place and communicating it to employees reduces the employer's exposure
to invasion-of-privacy claims.
For more information, refer to Module Organization, Functional Area 9, Section
What are three potentially successful generic strategies according to Michael Porter?
Divisional, functional, matrix
Cost leadership, differentiation, focus
Customer intimacy, innovation, control
Introduction, maturity, decline - ANSWER Cost leadership, differentiation, focus
2
,Rationale
According to Michael Porter, there are three potentially successful generic strategies: cost
leadership, differentiation, and focus.
For more information, refer to Module Strategy, Functional Area 15, Section 3
Why do many organizational effectiveness and development (OED) programs begin with a
needs analysis?
It provides more information about best practices.
It provides multiple perspectives on the issue.
It lessens undue influence from management.
It is a critical ingredient in preparing budgets - ANSWER It provides multiple
perspectives on the issue.
Rationale
A needs analysis leads to a deeper understanding of the issue, including multiple
perspectives on the issue itself and its effects and possible causes. Management is a
stakeholder whose needs must be managed in an OED intervention. A better understanding
will probably result in a more efficient response, but this is not the main purpose of the
needs analysis. Best practices are explored once the need is more fully understood.
For more information, refer to Module Organization, Functional Area 6, Section 2
What is the basis for international law?
3
, Conventions and treaties
Extraterritoriality and civil law
Common law and supranational law
Due diligence and the rule of law - ANSWER Conventions and treaties
Rationale
International law is based on treaties, conventions, pacts, protocols, and covenants. The
Geneva Conventions and Protocols is an example.
For more information, refer to Module Competencies, Functional Area 0, Section 4
What is a benefit associated with informal organizations?
4
Minimizing inventories and redundancies
Speeding up processes
Improving quality
Improving work flows - ANSWER Improving quality
Rationale
Quality issues can be solved by using Six Sigma tools. Six Sigma is a strategy that identifies
and removes the causes of defects and errors in manufacturing and business processes.
Other business problems that can be solved by using Six Sigma include too much variation,
challenging root cause identifications, numerous technical considerations, and other
complex issues. Lean Six Sigma is a strategy that eliminates waste and improves process
flows.
For more information, refer to Module Organization, Functional Area 6, Section 3
A company has experienced computer system problems from Internet viruses introduced by
employees opening nonwork-related files. The system administrator wants HR to develop
and implement a policy restricting employee use of the Internet. Would this Internet policy
be a good idea?
1
,Yes; as a policy, it would become automatically enforceable under a union contract.
Yes; it can help an employer to monitor employees' Internet use.
No; it would violate an employee's right to privacy.
No; it is not a deterrent to employee misconduct. - ANSWER Yes; it can help an
employer to monitor employees' Internet use.
Rationale
Certainly a written policy could set limits for employees' personal use of the Internet and
reduce the influx of computer viruses. Other benefits are possible, too. It may never
eliminate employee misconduct. But it could help the employer avoid incidents that may
lead to embarrassment for the company and/or potential legal problems. Further, having a
formal policy in place and communicating it to employees reduces the employer's exposure
to invasion-of-privacy claims.
For more information, refer to Module Organization, Functional Area 9, Section
What are three potentially successful generic strategies according to Michael Porter?
Divisional, functional, matrix
Cost leadership, differentiation, focus
Customer intimacy, innovation, control
Introduction, maturity, decline - ANSWER Cost leadership, differentiation, focus
2
,Rationale
According to Michael Porter, there are three potentially successful generic strategies: cost
leadership, differentiation, and focus.
For more information, refer to Module Strategy, Functional Area 15, Section 3
Why do many organizational effectiveness and development (OED) programs begin with a
needs analysis?
It provides more information about best practices.
It provides multiple perspectives on the issue.
It lessens undue influence from management.
It is a critical ingredient in preparing budgets - ANSWER It provides multiple
perspectives on the issue.
Rationale
A needs analysis leads to a deeper understanding of the issue, including multiple
perspectives on the issue itself and its effects and possible causes. Management is a
stakeholder whose needs must be managed in an OED intervention. A better understanding
will probably result in a more efficient response, but this is not the main purpose of the
needs analysis. Best practices are explored once the need is more fully understood.
For more information, refer to Module Organization, Functional Area 6, Section 2
What is the basis for international law?
3
, Conventions and treaties
Extraterritoriality and civil law
Common law and supranational law
Due diligence and the rule of law - ANSWER Conventions and treaties
Rationale
International law is based on treaties, conventions, pacts, protocols, and covenants. The
Geneva Conventions and Protocols is an example.
For more information, refer to Module Competencies, Functional Area 0, Section 4
What is a benefit associated with informal organizations?
4
